Have everything you need to take the test when you walk into the test session:

1. A valid photo ID (like your driver's license or a passport) 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. Reasonable accommodations can be made for those too young to have a driver's license or other photo ID.
2. Two sharpened pencils and one pen
3. A calculator - this is 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.
4. If you are upgrading you need to bring the original and a copy of your current Amateur Radio license. If you have any CSCEs for tests you've already passed but do not yet have license credit for bring the original AND a copy.
5. Examination fee - $15.00 through 2010.
6. Come prepared. Study the material and expect to pass the test on the first attempt. Most VE sessions will allow you to retake a test but they don't have to do this.

The VEs are only required to tell you if you passed or failed. Some may offer more information but they cannot tell you about how you did on specific questions or topics.

If you wish to retake a failed test you must pay another examination fee.

Be sure to arrive ON TIME. The VE team can refuse to test you if you arrive after testing has begun.

The VE team may refuse to test you for any reason. An amateur license is a PRIVILEGE not a right. Generally only those who cheat or are disruptive to the testing process would be refused.

The Technician, General, and Amateur Extra exams are all multiple choice exams chosen from the "question pool" for that exam. The Technician and General exams are 35 questions each of which you must get 26 correct to pass. The Amateur Extra exam is 50 questions of which you must get 37 correct to pass the test.

Each of the questions has a "pool" of pre-defined questions that are selected at random for each of the actual test questions. The questions are presented in a random order and the answers are also randomized. You can't memorize that question T1A04 is answer C and expect to get it right. You have to know the actual answers. The best way to know the answers is to know the material - that is best done by studying.

The question pools are periodically changed and updated. The pools change on July 1st with the Technician pool last updated in 2010, the General pool updated in 2007, and the Amateur Extra pool updated in 2008. On July 1, 2011 the General pool will be updated.

I have found that the ARRL study books do the best job of not only teaching the questions and answers but also the actual material that goes with the questions and answers. You can just memorize the answers to the questions but you won't actually LEARN anything. If you want to progress to higher license classes you are much better off learning the material once. I have observed that many people who do well on the Technician test and studied the material can usually pass the General test without actually studying for it.

Since this is a multiple choice test some simple tips for multiple choice tests are in order:

• Read ALL of the answers before you pick one. Many times the answers can sound similar.
• If you don't know the answer, skip to the next question and come back to it later. When you come back you may find that your subconscious mind has been working on the question and already has the answer ready for you.
• Use the process of elimination - some answers are obviously wrong so concentrate on the ones that are left
• Make sure the answer you mark on the answer sheet is for the question you just read - (put your answer for question 23 on answer sheet number 23). You would be surprised how easy it is to get them mixed up or out of sequence.
• You have plenty of time - go over the questions again but only change answers if you are absolutely sure you made a mistake.
• Make sure you clearly mark your answers - completely blacken the letter on the answer sheet. (you did use pencil right?)

There are several places you can take sample exams on the web. They all use the standard published question pool but some do not randomize the questions and answers as is done on the real test. The ones I find best are:  W8MHB - Practice Exams and Study Aids and AA9PW FCC Amateur Radio Practice Pages. These sites randomize the question order and the answer order just like the real test.