License Testing
FCC Amateur Radio License exams are offered locally, administered by FCC-certified “VEs” (Volunteer Examiners) at the Northampton County Emergency Management Center in Nazareth, PA (except as noted for June):
Test Dates
January 5, 2024
March 8, 2024
May 28, 2024
June 22 (at Field Day site, 2:00 pm)
July 12, 2024
September 6, 2024
November 8, 2024
In addition, exams are held at the end of each series of free DLARC classes, offered twice annually: once in Spring and once in Fall. Those tests are scheduled on Tuesdays, and will be added to the above list when the dates are set.
Persons interested in taking a license test should contact us at (610) 419-9286 or email KE3AW@arrl.net for date confirmation, additional details, answers to any questions, directions to the test site, and pre-registration. Please note that pre-registration is required; walk-in registration is not permitted.
Testing is scheduled to begin at 7 pm (except for June 22). Please arrive by 6:45 pm to complete paperwork ahead of test time.
Required at the testing
- Your FRN (FCC Registry Number). We can help you get this required number, or you can apply using this link. Please note that this must be done in advance, not at the test location.
- $15 testing fee ($5 for youth under 18 yrs), exact change or check made out to “ARRL-VEC”
- Photo ID (or two other forms of “substantial” ID, if you do not have a photo ID)
- If you are testing to upgrade a license, a photocopy of your current license from the FCC ULS database (will not be returned)
You may bring a calculator (no smart phones or tablets). If it is a programmable calculator, you must demonstrate that all programmable memories are cleared. If you don’t have a calculator that meets these requirements, we can provide one.
Scratch paper will be provided.
Please note that once you receive the test materials, you may not leave the room until you turn them in to be scored.
Candidates who pass the Technician exam will have a limited-time window to apply for their initial license after the FCC receives test results from the VE administrators, and there is an additional fee for the license itself ($35 for adults, valid for 10 years). The ARRL has a program to cover the license fee for youth; you can find more information about the application timetable and license fees by clicking here or inquiring at the testing session.