Subj : Local License Exam Update
To   : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Thu May 06 2021 12:28:52

NOTE: CORRECTED REPOST FOR TYPOS (darn fat finger syndrome). DS

  There will be a ham radio license exam session in central Arkansas
next Saturday, May 15, 2021, at Lake Cherrywood Park in Sherwood.

  Testing will start at 11:30am...it'll be outdoors with social
distancing done. It's recommended you wear a mask, especially if
you haven't yet had the shots for COVID-19 protection.

  The park is on Summit Street...to get there, there are 2 ways:

1) From US 67/167 take the Kiehl Avenue Exit, and go west about 1.2
miles. Turn left onto Summit Street (across from Ace Hardware). The
park is about a 1/4 mile on the right.

2) From Highway 107 (JFK Blvd.), turn right onto Kiehl Avenue. I
believe the light at Kiehl Avenue is the 11th traffic light, after
the traffic signal on the north side of Interstate 40. Right before
Kiehl Avenue, will be a Wendy's on your right. Turn right onto Kiehl
Avenue, and Summit Street is about 1.7 miles to the east.

  Since I will be bringing supplies as well (Loma, KU5J, will be
running the session), we will take walk-ins. However, if you plan
to test, please be there no later than 12 Noon.

  Examinees will be REQUIRED to bring the following items:

A) A photo ID, such as a Drivers License, Military ID, State ID,
or Passport.

B) If they've ever had a ham radio license, whether it's current
or expired (and no matter how long), the original and a copy of
the license.

  If the license is expired more than 2 years, it is WORTHLESS if it
was a Novice or Technician license. However, if it was a General,
Advanced, or Amateur Extra Class license, PARTIAL CREDIT is available.

  If the former license was General or Advanced, credit for the General
Class Exam (Element 3) is given...but, if the former license was Amateur
Extra, credit for the General Class Exam (Element 3) and the Amateur
Extra Class Exam (Element 4) is given. However, in ALL CASES, they MUST
take and pass Element 2, the Technician exam.

  Note that former Advanced Class licenses are DOWNGRADED to General;
but they can get those privileges back, and more, by also taking and
passing the Amateur Extra exam. Also, Morse Code knowledge is NOT
required to get a ham radio license.

C) A Federal Registration Number (FRN). They can NOT use their
Social Security Number (SSN) on the NCVEC Form 605. They MUST go
to the FCC CORES website (https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do)
BEFORE arriving at the exam site. They MUST provide their SSN to
get a FRN.

D) An Email Address. Effective June 29, 2021, examinees MUST provide
an email address on the NCVEC Form 605.

NOTE: The license application will be DISMISSED AS DEFECTIVE if there
is a SSN, and/or if there is not an email address on the NCVEC Form
605. Also, you can no longer request a printed copy of the license
from the FCC...it is now emailed to you. For those who do not have a
computer or cellphone for email and internet access, they will need
to supply the email of a friend or family member.

E) Cash, check, or money order, payable to ARRL/VEC, for the exam
fee, which is $15. Sometime this summer (not yet in effect) there
will ALSO be a $35 fee, payable to the FCC on their website. Do NOT
bring credit or debit cards for the fee, as the VE Team doesn't have
the resources to process such.

  Pens, pencils, exam books, and paperwork, will be provided.

  Be sure that your study guide is for the 2018 Technician, the 2019
General, or the 2020 Amateur Extra. Otherwise, you'll be in for a rude
awakening. The Technician exam will change again in 2022, the General
Exam will change again in 2023, and the Amateur Extra exam will change
again in 2024.

  If you have questions, you can contact either:

1) Loma, KU5J, at (501) 247-4751, or ku5j@arrl.net
2) Daryl, WX4QZ, at (501) 690-8325, or wx4qz@arrl.net

  We should have enough Volunteer Examiners, but current ARRL/VEC
Volunteer Examiners are welcome to show up and assist. For some of
us, it'll be our first exams since 2019.

Daryl Stout, UALR Ham Radio Club VE Team Liaison
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