Volunteer Examinations
A good search tool (with radius map) is available at the ARRL Website: http://www.arrl.org/exam_sessions/search.
The Cherryland ARC is sponsoring another VE Exam Session for all license levels.
Saturday, February 7, 2026
What:
Tests will be given for all license levels, from Technician to General through Amateur Extra.
When:
Time 9:00 AM
Where:
At the CARC Annual Swap-N-Shop Hamfest
VFW Post
3400 Veterans Dr, Traverse City, MI
Please bring with you :
– Your FCC CORES FRN ID number. (instructions here)
– Three (3) pieces of ID. (driver’s license and any other cards with your name on them).
– The Test fee is $15.00. (covers one attempt at each of the 3 exam elements, an additional attempt can be purchased.)
– A copy of your existing license (if applicable, ie: upgrade attempt).
– Two #2 pencils with erasers, and a pen.
– A simple calculator with no memory capability is permitted.
Also be aware of these FCC Rules regarding tests:
An important note for any applicant for an initial license—
All new applicants in 2021 must register in the FCC CORES system (Link to Apply for FRN) and obtain an FRN number, (FCC Registration Number), before the test session. This must be done at least 1 week prior to the date of the test as there is a delay in the initial registering/setting up of a password and signing up for the FRN number.
In the past an applicant could simply give their social security number at the test session and the FCC would then issue them their FRN number for future use. This will no longer be the case.
UPDATE AS OF October 29, 2025:
You can still take the exam even if the government shutdown impacts the FCC website that keeps you from getting an FRN Number. Technician class examinees will take the test without an FRN number. Test papers will be held in queue at the ARRL until FRN numbers can be obtained. They need to send them to me once they have it, and I will get them to the ARRL for processing. Those planning to take exams for upgrade licenses, please bring your FRN number with you. Please preregister with Hope Francisco, AA8SN at the address below (walk-ins are ok though) as it is helpful to have some idea of how many to expect.
Feel free to contact the Cherryland ARC’s ARRL VE Coordinator with any questions and/or signing up for a test session:
Hope Francisco AA8SN
231-218-0622 (cell)
aa8sn@arrl.net