Amateur Radio Exams

Amateur Radio Operators must successfully complete a required examination to be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.

The local VARA and MARA clubs sponsor FCC exams which are administered on the first Saturday of the last month of each quarter as published in the ARRL Local Area Exam Schedule. Examinations are given at the WoodmenLife (previously Woodmen of the World) building in Dayton, Virginia, located on Highway 42 south of Harrisonburg. Exams begin at 9:00 am with registration, and are always graded and finished well before noon.The cost is $15.00 per session.  You can take multiple examination elements for one payment of $15.00 on any scheduled exam date.

Candidates should bring several #2 pencils, two forms of identification, one of which MUST have a recent photograph of the candidate (driver’s license, passport, etc.).  FCC rules governing eligibility must be met. Candidates are permitted to bring simple calculators, but programmable calculators, smartphones, laptops, pads, and computer devices are not allowed. Candidates must also bring any certificate of successful completion of previous exam elements passed, for which they wish to claim credit. In addition, for upgrade exams, candidates must bring the original of their FCC license.

Directions

To reach the building from Harrisonburg, take Highway 42 South (S. High Street, becomes John Wayland Highway), exactly one mile south of the WalMart Supercenter.  The Woodmen building is on the right.

To reach the building from Interstate 81, take Exit 240 (Bridgewater, Mount Crawford exit).  Go west on Hwy 257 three (3) miles into the town of Bridgewater.  Turn right at the traffic signal onto U.S. 42 and proceed 3.8 miles.  The building will be on your left.

For more information, contact Gayle Shull, KU4XN, at telephone 540-828-2132. or view the ARRL Local Area Exam Schedule

Resources

ARRL Licensing Info

ARRL Exam Practice

Must have books for studying for the Technician Class. Click on the image.