Preflight checklist.

Five checks and you're cleared for your exam session. Tap each item as you complete it — green board means go.

STANDBY

0 OF 4 REQUIRED CHECKS COMPLETE

Get your FCC Registration Number (FRN)REQUIRED

Step zero — you need an FRN just to register for an exam session. Create one in the FCC CORES system: takes 10 minutes, it's free, and it replaces your SSN on all exam paperwork.

Bring a photo IDREQUIRED

Driver's license, passport, or school ID. Minors without photo ID: bring a parent who has one, plus something with your name on it.

Have a valid email addressREQUIRED

The FCC delivers your license electronically and will email you a link to pay their $35 application fee after you pass. (SANVEC's exam is $0 — the FCC fee is the only cost, and it goes straight to them.)

Know your sessionREQUIRED

Check the session schedule for time and location. Walk-ins are welcome at most sessions, but pre-registering guarantees your seat.

Optional: pencil & simple calculatorOPTIONAL

Sessions provide everything, but you can bring your own. Calculators are fine as long as memories are cleared — no phones during the exam.

$0.00 SANVEC EXAM FEE · IT HAS BEEN $0 SINCE 2016 AND IT'S STAYING THAT WAY.
BRING YOUR WALLET FOR THE ID, NOT THE MONEY — NOTHING IS PAID AT THE SESSION. THE FCC BILLS ITS $35 FEE BY EMAIL AFTER YOU PASS.

What happens at the session

TYPICAL TIMELINE · MOST CANDIDATES ARE DONE INSIDE AN HOUR

T−15 MIN

Arrive and check in. The VE team verifies your ID and FRN, and you pick your exam element.

T−0

35 questions (Technician/General) or 50 (Extra), multiple choice, no time limit. You need 74% — miss up to 9 and still pass.

T+30 MIN

Instant grading by three Volunteer Examiners. Pass and feel like it? You can take the next element right now, free, same sitting.

T+40 MIN

Sign your CSCE. Your team lead sends the session to SANVEC, and we submit it to the FCC electronically — often the same day.

+MIN–3 DAYS

The FCC emails your $35 payment link. They process applications hourly on weekdays, but the window closes Friday 6 PM ET and reopens Monday 8 AM ET — so a Saturday exam usually means the link lands Monday. All payments go directly to the FCC; watch your spam folder.

+1–2 DAYS

Your callsign appears in the FCC database after you pay. Welcome to amateur radio — here's what to do next.