VE Testing Information - Bruce Ferry, AK8B

Amateur Radio VE Exams

VE Exams

I oversee VE test sessions for the Cuyahoga Falls Amateur Radio Club. All elements are always available and retests are usually permitted with the payment of a second fee as required by the ARRL.

All sessions allow walk-ins so no pre-registration is required. If you have questions you can contact me by phone at: 330-929-2766 or email at:

Be sure to arrive on time. Late arrivals that may disrupt testing will NOT be permitted to test.

Testing is done several times per year per the following schedule. Tests are on the second Thursday odd numbered months, except July. The location is the Stow-Munroe Falls Public LIbrary in the Munroe Falls Room on the second floor. Registration begins at the start time and testing starts as soon thereafter as practical.

Dates are:

January 12, 2012, 7:00 PM
March 8, 2012, 7:00 PM
May 10, 2012, 7:00 PM
July 12, 2012, 7:00 PM
September 13, 2012, 7:00 PM
November 8, 2012, 7:00 PM

Remember to bring:

A valid photo ID (like your driver's license) or two other forms of ID. If you do not have a photo ID then bring copies of your other ID documents as we must include them with your test materials.
Two sharpened pencils (because if you only have one it will break) and one pen.
A calculator (optional). Keep it simple because if it's more than just a calculator (like a PDA or cell phone) or can be programmed it will NOT be permitted.
If you are upgrading you need to bring the original and a copy of your current Amateur Radio license.
If you have any valid (not more than 365 days old) CSCEs for tests you've already passed but do not yet have credit for bring the original CSCE and a copy.
Examination fee - $15.00. Cash or checks made out to "ARRL/VEC".
If you are doing a "grandfather" upgrade then please see Frequently Asked Questions About Amateur Radio Restructuring for more information.

License Updates (at VE Exam Sessions)

If you are an ARRL member, you can also fill out and turn in a VEC605 form (we will have them at the exam session) to renew or modify your current license at no charge. You will need to bring proof of ARRL membership with a copy that we can send in. Proof of membership is a label from your QST magazine or your membership card.

Upgrades

There continues to be some confusion about which elements you have credit for when you upgrade. The elimination of the CW requirement for General and Amateur Extra licenses has eliminated much of it but these two special cases still exist.

If you have a Novice license you have no credit for current exam elements. To upgrade to Technician you need to take the Technician test. To upgrade to General you need to take BOTH the Technician and General tests.
If you have an Advanced license then you have credit for elements 2 and 3. Sorry, but you still need to take the tougher current Extra exam to upgrade.

If you're still confused, contact me and I can help you untangle things.

Exam Tips and Hints

Before you take your exam you should read the Amateur Radio Exam Tips and Hints page. This page will provide several hints and tips that will help you pass your exam the first time.