Short answer
Yes. In the US, amateur radio license exams can be taken remotely. The ARRL VEC says it offers remotely administered video exam sessions in addition to in-person sessions, and other Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs) do as well. You still take a real FCC exam, proctored live by volunteer examiners, just over video instead of in a room.
How remote exams work
Licensed volunteer examiners (VEs) work under a VEC to run the session. In a remote session, you join a video meeting, and the examiners verify your identity, check your workspace and watch you while you complete the exam, which is delivered electronically. Details differ by team, but the exam content is the same pool of questions used for in-person tests. The exam is graded right away, and the team reports results to the FCC.
What you need
Requirements vary by session, so read the instructions from the exam team carefully. Commonly requested items include:
- An FCC Registration Number (FRN), which you obtain for free through the FCC’s registration system before the exam.
- A computer with a webcam, microphone and stable internet connection.
- A second camera, such as a smartphone, so examiners can see your desk and surroundings. Some teams require this.
- Photo ID.
- A clear, quiet workspace, often with only the items the team allows. Ask your team about calculator and scratch-paper rules.
- A way to pay the exam fee, if there is one.
Finding a remote session
- The ARRL lists exam teams, including online ones, on its licensing pages.
- HamStudy.org has an exam session finder, with filters to find remote sessions.
- Other VEC teams and local clubs publish their own remote schedules.
Sessions fill up, so register early and follow the instructions the team sends you.
What it costs
There are generally two separate costs.
- The exam session fee, set by the VEC or team. It is often modest and sometimes free; figures around $0 to $15 are commonly quoted, but fees vary. The ARRL VEC charges candidates under 18 a reduced fee.
- The FCC application fee, which has been $35 since April 2022 for new applications. You pay it after passing, through the FCC’s system, following the team’s instructions.
Check current figures with your team, since fees can change.
Remote versus in-person
| Remote | In person | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | None | Required |
| Equipment | Computer, cameras, internet | Pencil, ID |
| Tech risk | Connection or camera issues | Minimal |
| Scheduling | Often more choices | Depends on local teams |
| Questions answered live | Via video | In person |
Neither is easier. Choose based on convenience. If your home internet or camera setup is unreliable, or you want to meet local hams, an in-person session is a good option.
Test-day tips
- Do a trial run of your cameras and microphone beforehand.
- Log in a little early, with your ID ready.
- Clear your desk and keep phones and notes out of reach unless allowed.
- Have your FRN written down.
- Read your team’s instructions about time and conduct before the session.
After you pass
The team files your results. You then pay the FCC fee and the FCC issues your license and call sign, which ARRL says can happen within about 24 to 48 hours for candidates testing under its VEC. If you pass one element but not another, ask your team about the certificate of successful completion, which can carry credit for a limited time.
How hard is it, and how long should I study?
It is a multiple-choice test, and how long you need depends on your background. Many people with no technical experience prepare over a few weeks with practice tests, while others take longer. Our Technician study guide suggests a plan, and the passing score article explains what you need to pass. If you are still unsure whether you need a license at all, start with our handheld licensing overview.
What is the “333 rule”?
Readers sometimes ask about a “333 rule” or “3-3-3 rule” in ham radio. There is no official exam or FCC rule by that name that we can point to. The phrase is used informally in different ways, so if you see it, check the source for its meaning rather than assuming it affects your exam.