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 on the first Sunday of each month 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.
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.
Filling with a VEC: If paying a fee for an application filed by a VEC organization, please use the CORES FRN Registration system (CORES – Login). The candidate will have 10 calendar days, from the date of the application file number being issued, to pay. Login and pay as soon as the application is in the FCC system. CORES payment instructions.
FCC Application Payment Instructions
If you have recently tested for an amateur radio license, your application has been filed by a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC). You must pay the FCC application fee directly within 10 calendar days of the filing date.
Step 1: Access the FCC CORES System
Click the link to log in to the Commission Registration System: Login to FCC CORES
Step 2: Navigate to Your Fees
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Log in with your FCC Username (your email address) and password.
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From the main menu, select “Manage Existing FRNs | FRN Financial | Bills and Fees.”
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On the left-hand sidebar, click “ULS Pay Fees.”
Step 3: Submit Payment
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Select your FRN from the list and click “Continue.”
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Check the box next to your pending application (Verify the File Number matches your VEC paperwork).
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Click “Continue to Pay” and follow the prompts to pay via Credit/Debit Card or ACH.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: The FCC allows exactly 10 calendar days from the date your application is issued a file number to receive payment. Failure to pay within this window will result in the application being dismissed.
Need to check your status?
If you haven’t received an email from the FCC yet, you can search for your application using your name or FRN here: FCC Application Search
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, 2028.
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/