2025 Breezeshooters Hamfest Ham Radio License Exams

Ham Radio License Testing Session – Instructions and Guidelines:

  • Testing sessions are held in Bldg #9 at the Hamfest. promptly @ 8:30 am , Sunday June 8, 2025
  • Contact the VE Team: exams@breezeshooters.org  (this address is for VE issues only, not for hamfest info.)


On the day of the test:

  • Please place all Cell Phones, Radios, etc. on quiet until after all testing has been completed.
  • The first “ARRL-VEC Testing Fee” for each candidate is being paid by “Friends of Andy Pato, K3MOB / WA3PBD”
  • Effective April 19, 2022 the FCC will charge $35.00 (to you) for new or renewal applications. The $35.00 fee will be paid directly to the FCC using the CORES FRN Registration system.  If the candidate is under the age of 18, please ask the Team about a Special ARRL offer.
  • Bring 2 forms of identification, (at least one should be a picture ID). Other forms of ID may be:
    • Birth Certificate – with seal
    • Social Security Card
    • Library Card
    • Report Card (from school)
    • Student ID
    • Utility or Bank Statement
    • Postmarked Envelope with current address shown
    • In case of a minor, a legal guardian may present a photo ID.

A FCC issued FRN Number is mandatorybefore starting the test . Social Security numbers are no longer allowed by the FCC.  We cannot allow you to start your test without the FRN.  This will help the FCC via the CORES system to expedite processing of your new license or upgraded license when issued.

As of Feb 17, 2015, the FCC will no longer automatically print and send your license via postal mail. You need to use the same email address as the FRN is registered to.  Also, please use the exact name as on the FRN, ( i.e. If you used your middle name, middle initial, etc ).

Bring the ORIGINAL and a PHOTOCOPY of your current Amateur Radio license and/or CSCE’s. This PHOTOCOPY will be sent with your paperwork for processing. Lack of a PHOTOCOPY can result in a delay of the processing of your application. We will not have a copying machine on site!

You can bring your own calculator, but be ready to prove there are no formulas pre-programmed in it. Cell Phones, iPhones, iPads, Android, Smartphones, Blackberry devices and all similar electronic devices with a calculator capability, may NOT be used. Bring a pen as well as pencils. All sessions will begin promptly after the assigned time, please be a bit early for paperwork and instructions. Due to variations in photocopying, pen is preferred for all form areas, such as name address etc. Pencil is preferred for erasable areas such as the actual “Test Answer” section. Clean “Scratch paper” will be provided, please be sure not to write in the test booklet. Also, please note that our test location for today will be known as “Butler, PA”

To help our testing team,  Please email at least 24 hrs ahead to reserve a seat.  We will have limited resources with us. 
To be fair to all, only the Candidate and the Examiners will be allowed in the testing area.  Conversations while standing outside the building can be easily heard inside the testing area.

After the test has been taken, please allow us time to grade the test on site. During this time, others may still be working on their test, so please be courteous and observe quiet time. If you pass, please wait for a CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination) before leaving. This is the proof of passing your exam today.

If you are upgrading your current license, and have passed an examination for General Class privileges, you can now operate using “yourcallsign /AG”. Likewise, an upgrade to Extra Class would be “yourcallsign /AE”.

In the following days after the testing, all exam materials will be forwarded for processing by the ARRL and the FCC. Usually allow up to 10 days for your new or upgraded license to be processed and shown on the FCC website. Once a callsign has been assigned, you are now allowed to transmit on the air.