Volunteer Examiner Coordinator: The GEARS VEC Committee is a group of volunteer examiners who are authorized by the FCC to provide examinations for amateur radio licenses.
When you’re ready to take the FCC License Exam, GEARS can administer the license exams and is one of only fourteen amateur radio clubs in the USA directly authorized by the FCC. If you’re not sure you’re ready, try a free online practice test, links below.
Call the GEARS VEC, Tom Rider, W6JS; at 1-530-893-9211. You must make a reservation for the testing sessions. The test sessions are held at the Chico Elks Lodge 1705 Manzanita, in Chico at 2PM.
Before going to the test secession, you must have an FRN number & a current email address. To obtain an FCC FRN number go to: “FCC Registration–Login”. Fill out the information it is requesting. Bring a copy of your FRN number & your current email address to the test session.
Schedule for the GEARS VEC Testing for 2024.
June 2nd, August 4th, October 6th, December 1st.
Practice Exams.
What to Bring
- Check or cash in the amount of $15.00.
- Two forms of identification, at least one containing a recognizable photo such as a current driver’s license, State ID, School ID or passport.
- Unexpired Certificate of Completion Examination (CSCE) if applicable.
- A #2 pencil and BLACK pen.
- A calculator is acceptable; however, the memory must be cleared before the exam session begins.
- Photocopy of existing license if upgrading to another class.
When you pass your exam: The GEARS VEC is an FCC VEC. When candidates pass their exam, the results go directly to the FCC. New licensee’s will know their new call sign by Monday or Tuesday from the GEARS VEC. When you passed your exam, you should have been given an instruction sheet on how to check your FCC Registration Number (FRN) and how to register on the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) and how to obtain your official copy of your license.
Application Form: The NCVEC Form 605 is the form used for new license applications, upgrades, renewals, address change and systematic call sign changes. Submit this form to the GEARS VEC; Do not send this form to the FCC.
Question Pools: The Question pool for each license level changes every four years. Be sure to study from the correct ARRL study guide and from the correct question pool.
Question Pool Longevity
Technician: July 1st, 2022, to June 30th, 2026.
General: July 1st, 2023, to June 30th, 2027.
Extra: July 1st, 2020, to June 30th, 2024.
Other Local Volunteer Testing
Yuba-Sutter Amateur Radio Club http://ysarc.net/ Contact LeRoy Smith KJ6DKM at landussmith@att.net Redding ARRL VEC Team http://www.reddingve.com/