Ham License Exams (Amateur Radio License Testing)

Become a ham or upgrade your license class at Pacificon
by taking a ham license exam
Take Your Ham License Exam at Pacificon
(Morse Code No Longer Required!)
At every PACIFICON we have Volunteer Examiners for those who want to get their first ham license, or those who want to upgrade to a higher class license. Examination sessions are available on Saturday and Sunday mornings in Hotel Suites Sierra (Testing Room) and Seqouia (Reception/Check In) rooms. If you almost passed the exam on the first try, you may retake the exam on either Saturday or Sunday. Morse Code is no longer required for any level of amateur radio license. All Morse code testing requirements for US hams were eliminated on February 23, 2007. Some portions of the ham bands remain reserved for Morse code use only and the mode remains popular.
Amateur radio operators are required to pass a written exam displaying knowledge and understanding of key concepts. This practice is in contrast to other personal radio services such as CB radio, Multi-Use Radio Service, or Family Radio Service / PMR446 that are unlicensed and more heavily restricted. In return, hams are granted operating privileges in larger segments of the radio frequency spectrum using a wide variety of communication techniques. Once you pass your first exam and become a ham you are given a unique callsign. The holder of a callsign uses it on the air to legally identify the operator or station during any and all radio communication.
In the US, there are three license levels, or "license classes". These are: Technician class, General class and Extra Class. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) grants these licenses. With only three License Classes and no Morse Code requirement, getting started in ham radio or upgrading your license class has never been easier!

Details of License Exams at PACIFICON:

► VE liaison is George Tickner K6NHY   k6nhy@arrl.net
• Testing is given 8:00 am to 12 noon, Saturday and Sunday, in Hotel Suites Prospector B (Testing Room) and Prospector A (Reception/Check In) rooms.
• There is testing for Technician through Extra Class 
• The license exam fee is $15 (Convention Registration is not required)
• You will need one photo ID, and will need to write down your social security number on the application (including minors)
• If currently licensed, bring original and a copy of your current or expired FCC Amateur Radio license. Also, if you have one, bring the original and copy of any CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Exam).
• Retakes are available both Saturday and Sunday 

One Day Class at PACIFICON:

If you want to get your Technician license in one day, there will be a special One Day Technician Class at Pacificon 2012 to help you prepare for the exam. Check the One Day Class page for information about signing up for this class. The class will be taught Saturday, October 13, from 8:00 AM to approximately 4:00 PM. A special license test for those who take the class will be given after the class ends on Saturday.