FCC (Federal Communications Commission) Exam
Technology is changing rapidly but a very important part is still played by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) examinations. In many places they serve as the “Gatekeepers” so that errors are not committed by users and servicers alike when using or servicing radio signal transmitters. There are measures in place to protect the general public from abuses as well as to assure that the service utilized is available when needed in emergencies. Many positions of employment require that the jobholder be certified as competent by earning one of the FCC certifications, Elements 1 through 9.
For current information on the FCC exam, visit the Federal Communications Commission’s Website.
PROCEDURE FOR ISCET FCC EXAMS
Go to the ISCET home page, locate the light yellow box at lower right, click on the link “Register for an Exam,” and follow the instructions. You will then be registered with a Certification Administrator (CA) or Proctor to give your exams. If there are any problems, call 1-800-946-0201. The fee for the test(s) will be collected by the CA or Proctor just prior to the exam(s).
Select the correct fee from the fee schedule below, according to number of examination elements scheduled for a single sitting.
- Make a copy of your photo ID and any previously issued FCC Certificate. For proper verification, bring your actual photo ID and the original FCC certificate to the examination session. The copies will be attached to your exam answer sheet.
- You will be asked by your CA or Proctor to fill out an Application for Examination. Keep the green copy of your application as a receipt for your fee payment.
- Expect to receive your Proof of Passing Certificate (PPC) in about 10 days after the examination answer sheet is returned to ISCET.
- If you fill out an FCC Form 605 and the required schedules, give them to the CA or Proctor to mail back to ISCET with the testing session paperwork so that your application for an FCC license can be electronically filed with the FCC, otherwise it will take about 2 weeks to mail your Proof of Passing Certificate (PPC) to you.
- Mail your PPC and a completed copy of the application (FCC Form 605) to the FCC. Mail to: Federal Communications Commission, 1270 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245
ISCET FCC Exam Fees
| Minimum fee per examination session, any 1 element | $50 |
| Maximum fee per examination session, any 2 elements at one sitting | $70 |
| Maximum fee per examination session, any 3 elements at one sitting | $90 |
| Each additional element in excess of 3 at the same sitting | $20 |
Written Elements:
Element 1 (only): 24 Questions
Element 3 (only): 100 Questions
Element 5 (only): 50 Questions
Element 6 (only): 100 Questions
Element 7 (only): 76 Questions
Element 8 (only): 50 Questions
Element 9 (only): 50 Questions
WHICH ELEMENTS SHOULD I TAKE?
The FCC is no longer issuing the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Class licenses. Current FCC license options are as follows:
- General Radio Operator’s License: Written Elements 1 & 3
- Marine Radio Operator’s License: Written Element 1
- GMDSS Radio Operator’s License: Written Elements 1 & 7
- GMDSS Radio Maintainer’s License: Written Elements 1, 3, & 9
- Ship Radar Endorsement: Written Element 8
New As Of February 2019:
The FCC now requires new FCC registrants to establish an FCC account containing an FCC username (a valid email address), which will be linked to their FRN.
FCC customers can link multiple FRN’s to a single Username.
There is information posted on the FCC website, informing potential applicants about the need to register an FCC profile and FRN, before taking an exam. Potential applicants need to register an FCC profile and FRN, before taking an exam. Also on the FCC site is a step-by-step video, which instructs new applicants on how to use the “new” CORES system to register an FCC profile and FRN. For your convenience, we are sharing the video below.
Please feel free to link or share the video on your website. You can also view, link and share the instructional video directly from YouTube.
New radio operator applicants are encouraged to create a FCC user profile, as well as, a FCC Registration Number (FRN) before taking the first license examination. This video will walk you through the process of creating the FCC user profile and FRN.
How to Get Your FCC License Quickly
ISCET’s Online Testing means you can register quickly, and take your test as soon as tomorrow, in many cases! FREE electronic filing. Saves you time, and secures your license quickly.
Are you ready? Before the day of your test, be sure you know the subject on which you are to be tested. ISCET can help you with up-to-date study material.
TRAINING AIDS AND STUDY MATERIAL
Visit the secure ISCET online store, browse the FCC study material, and place an order.
To get discount pricing on your purchase, become a member of ISCET. As a member, you are entitled to the discount that is offered for your level of participation in ISCET. It is not a requirement to have earned an ISCET certification to be a member. Only those members having earned an ISCET certification are allowed to vote in membership elections, but non-voting members do receive a discount on most ISCET store purchases of training and learning information.
ARRANGING FOR THE TEST
ISCET has been selected by the FCC to administer the exams mentioned above. There are two ways you can take your FCC exam with ISCET:
- Register for our Online Testing System. These exams are given in the presence of an ISCET Certification Administrator (CA). You can select one of the over 500 CAs located in the United States and other countries. To register using the Internet, visit the ISCET home page at http://www.iscet.org and look for the green button that says “Register for an Exam” … then follow the instructions. Exams can be arranged within one or two days from your registration if necessary, and the CA is available. Be sure to take copies of any FCC certificates you have previously earned to your exam session. These copies will be forwarded to the ISCET main office after you take the test. You will know if you pass immediately upon taking the exam. Proof of Passing Certificates (PPC) forms will be issued to passing examinees from the ISCET main office within two weeks after taking the test. Mail your PPC and a completed copy of your application (FCC Form 605) to the FCC at: Federal Communications Commission, 1270 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245
- On the ISCET home page, click on “My History” and register without having to sign up for an exam. Click on the “Need An Account” button. You can then access your account at any time in the future to see what exams you have taken, along with pass or fail information. One advantage to registration in advance is that you will then be known to ISCET as a registrant and will receive information from time to time concerning activities.
Procedure for ISCET FCC Exams (Paper Test). On the ISCET home page, locate the solid green “Quick Links” box, then click on “Find An Administrator and Take An Exam.” You will then see those CAs in your general ZIP code area who give the test.
Contact one of the test administrators on your list to arrange a testing date. You will need a photo ID and any previously issued FCC certificate.
Expect to receive your Proof of Passing Certificate (PPC) in about 10 days after the examination answer sheet is returned to ISCET.
To secure your license, mail your PPC and a completed copy of the application (FCC Form 605) to the FCC. Mail to:
Federal Communications Commission
1270 Fairfield Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245
If you would like ISCET to file your 605 application for the license electronically, complete the Form 605 and its required schedules and have the ISCET CA or Proctor that administered your exam(s) include it with his transmittal of documents to ISCET.