PARC Radio & Technology

After Passing Your Exam

This page describes the steps between a successful examination and the issuance of a license, followed by recommended next steps for new operators.

Leave a Review

Do not change any FCC records for 30 days after a license or upgrade is granted. This includes the address, name and email address. Do not apply for a vanity call sign during that period.

New License: FCC Application Fee

  1. FCC email. When the FCC begins processing the application, it emails payment instructions to the address on the Form 605. FCC email is frequently not delivered to Gmail accounts; check spam and junk folders.
  2. FCC CORES. Beginning two business days after the examination, log in to FCC CORES to locate the application and the payment option, whether or not an email has arrived.
  3. Payment within 10 days. Pay the $35 fee following the FCC’s payment instructions. If the fee is not paid in time, the FCC dismisses the application and the process must be repeated. New licenses are issued in order of payment.

FCC CORES Login FCC Payment Instructions

Candidates under 18 who tested with PARC may be eligible for reimbursement of the fee through the ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program.

ARRL Youth Licensing Grant

Upgrade: No Fee

The FCC does not currently charge a fee for upgrades. Fees apply only to new licenses, renewals and call sign changes. An upgrade is processed once any required verification is complete.

All Candidates

  • Felony conviction. Submit the required documentation directly to the FCC. This process is strictly between the candidate and the FCC; PARC cannot assist or intervene.
  • Processing time. A call sign may appear in the FCC ULS database within days, or within several weeks when the FCC has a backlog, such as after system outages or a government shutdown.
  • Contacts:
    • If no FCC email has been received ten days after the examination, email vetesting@yahoo.com, and PARC will check the status of the application.
    • If the fee has been paid and no license has appeared ten days after payment, call the FCC at (888) 225-5322.
    • Otherwise, do not contact the FCC, the ARRL or PARC about the application. The FCC’s call center is operated by a contractor and may not have accurate information.

Licensing During a Government Shutdown

Getting Started

New operators are encouraged to continue learning and to take part in the amateur radio community.

  • Join a local amateur radio club.
  • Attend hamfests and local events.
  • Consider membership in the ARRL for resources and advocacy.
  • Before purchasing equipment, learn what other operators in the area use. Low-cost handheld radios such as Baofeng or Wouxun can be difficult to program and have limited range. Equipment reviews are a useful reference.
  • PARC Radio & Technology holds a monthly meeting on Zoom with amateur radio news, technical tips and a presentation on a topic of interest. New operators are welcome to attend in addition to their local club.

QRZ Jumpstart Program: $17.99 Radio Offer

New licensees may receive a one-time 70% discount on a QRZ-1 radio. Applications must be submitted within six months of the license issue date:

  1. Create a QRZ account after the call sign has been issued.
  2. Submit the Jumpstart application.
  3. Apply the discount code sent by QRZ to a QRZ-1 radio and accessories.

Create a QRZ Account Jumpstart Application Program Details (GigaParts)

PARC Telegram Group

PARC uses Telegram for club and contest announcements. Members must configure their profiles as follows:

  • Name: the name you go by, followed by your call sign — for example, Gary K4XYZ. The last name field may be left blank.
  • Username: @Firstname_Callsign — for example, @Gary_K4XYZ. This allows members to find you without your telephone number.
  • Profile photos: visible to Everybody.

Join the Telegram Group

Telegram Setup Instructions
  1. Install Telegram from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) by searching for Telegram Messenger, or download the desktop application from telegram.org.
  2. Create an account. Open Telegram, select Start Messaging, and enter your mobile number and the verification code sent by text message.
  3. Set the name in the format shown above when prompted. To change it later: Settings → select your name → Edit.
  4. Set the username: Settings → Username → enter it in the format shown above → Save.
  5. Set profile photo visibility: Settings → Privacy and Security → Profile Photos → Everybody.
  6. Restrict telephone number visibility (recommended): Settings → Privacy and Security → Phone Number. Set “Who can see my phone number” to Nobody and “Who can find me by my number” to My Contacts.
  7. Join the group using the button above. If you are signed in to Telegram, the group opens automatically.

For assistance, contact a PARC volunteer.

PARC also maintains a Facebook group.

PARC Facebook Group

Upgrading Your License

Each higher license class adds operating privileges and frequency allocations.

Book the Next Element

Upgrade examinations are booked on the schedule in the same way as the first examination.

Book Your Next Exam

Restoring Your Computer After the Exam

Preparing for the examination involved changing settings and closing programs. Shut the computer down completely and restart it. This restores normal startup programs, including the system tray on Windows and Finder and the menu bar on a Mac.

All Computers

  • Browser: close the window used for the examination.
  • Bluetooth: turn it back on if it is normally used.
  • Do Not Disturb or Focus: turn it off.

Windows

  • Desktop icons: right-click the desktop → View → Show desktop icons.

Mac

  • Desktop icons: restore the normal desktop icon display.
  • Stacks: click the desktop → View → clear Use Stacks if individual icons are normally shown.
  • Applications: reopen any applications that were force-quit for the examination.