Amateur Radio Class Starts April 3!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n WELCOME TWO HAM RADIO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you a newcomer to amateur radio and would like to learn more about this amazing hobby? Here are a few resources and suggestions that will help:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To become an amateur radio operator, you will need an FCC\u2013issued Technician Class License. This requires passing a FCC test, administered locally by many amateur radio clubs, including<\/strong> ours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend you take advantage of the large volume of learning opportunities online. Using online material allows you to study at your own pace. We strongly recommend <\/strong>http:\/\/hamstudy.org\/<\/strong><\/a> Be sure to “sign in” there (it’s free). When you start taking the practice exams, the site will keep track of your progress and recommend areas where you need more study.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The same entity also offers a very nice Technician study guide, free to read online at <\/strong>https:\/\/hambook.org<\/strong><\/a>.These two sites are all you’ll need to get your technician, or higher class, license.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information, visit the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) website<\/strong> at arrl.org.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WARC VEC TESTING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Watauga Amateur Radio Club Volunteer Examiner Team offers license exam test sessions during our clubs in\u2013 person meetings (pre-registration required<\/strong>). We are proud to be affiliated with the WCARS VEC.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Information about the Technician Class license can be found at http:\/\/www.arrl.org\/getting-your-technician-license<\/a> <\/strong> A book that will help students prepare for the licensing exam can be found at: http:\/\/www.w5yi.org\/catalog_details.php?pid=76.<\/a><\/strong> Also, there are many Apps available at the Apple App store which offer courses and sample tests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The FCC exam consists of 35 randomly chosen questions that focus on basic electronics and radio operating practices. A passing grade of 70% is required to earn the Technician Class License. Numerous opportunities exist to take practice tests before the license exam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n IF YOU ARE TAKING A TEST: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n WARC’s Amateur Radio License Exam Instructions<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before the test, you must get an FCC Registration Number (FRN):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Go to https:\/\/apps.fcc.gov\/cores\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Click the “\u2022 REGISTER” button in the lower center box labeled “Need a Username?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n (The Register button takes you to https:\/\/apps2.fcc.gov\/fccUserReg\/pages\/createAccount.htm )<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your Username will be your email address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the test, bring your:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. FRN number<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Photo ID<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Filled in Form 605(If not attached, available at https:\/\/www.wcars-vec.org\/forms\/wcars-ve-605.pdf)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Optionally, a calculator (most people don’t use one), preferably a scientific, non-graphing calculator<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5.$10 test fee (cash or check made out to “WCARS-VEC”)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. If you are upgrading to General or Extra. Please bring a copy of your current license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the test:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1.”The FCC now collects $35 for new amateur radio licenses. The fee was mandated by Congress and wentinto effect April 19, 2022. After you pass your first exam, the Volunteer Examiner Coordinator will submit your information to the FCC for processing. Once the FCC processes your application, you will receive a bill via email to pay the $35 online. The $35 must be paid within 10 days or your application will be dismissed, so be sure to check your spam folder, too!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Applicants do not have to wait for the FCC email to pay the fee. They can look up their application in the FCC application search system using their FRN: https:\/\/wireless2.fcc.gov\/UlsApp\/ApplicationSearch\/earchAppl.jsp If the applicant has a pending application in the system, that means the VEC hassubmitted the application to the FCC, and the fee can be paid by logging into the CORES system.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Instructions for paying FCC fee are at: https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\/payment-process-uls-individual-filers<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Instructions for downloading your license are at https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\/wireless\/support\/knowledge-base\/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources\/how-obtain-official<\/p>\n\n\n\n