Subj : ARRL/VEC VE Newsletter To : All From : Daryl Stout Date : Wed May 19 2021 20:20:32 ================================================================== ARRL VE Newsletter May 2021 ================================================================== Inside this VE E-Newsletter: FRNs MUST Be Used at Exam Sessions Session Documents Upload Webpage ================================================================== First-Time Exam Applicants Must Obtain FCC Registration Number before Taking Exam Effective Thursday May 20, 2021, all amateur examination applicants will be required to provide an FCC Registration Number (FRN) to the Volunteer Examiners (VEs) BEFORE taking an amateur exam. This is necessary due to changes the FCC has made to its licensing system. Social security numbers are NO LONGER ACCEPTED at exam sessions. Amateur candidates who already have an FCC license, whether for amateur radio or in another service, already have an FRN, and can use the same number. All prospective new FCC licensees, however, will be required to obtain an FRN before the examination, and provide that number to the volunteer examiners on the Form 605 license application. An FCC instructional video provides step-by-step instructions on how to obtain an FRN through the FCC's COmmission REgistration System (CORES). The FRN is required for all new applicants to take an amateur exam and is used afterward by the applicant to download the license document from the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS), upgrade the license, apply for a vanity call sign, and to submit administrative updates (such as address and email changes) and renewal applications. In addition, after June 29, all applications will be required to contain an email address for FCC correspondence. Applicants will receive an email direct from the FCC, with a link to the official electronic copy of their license whenever a license is issued or changed. ARRL VEC suggests that those without access to email to use the email address of a family member or friend. Licensees will be able to log in to the ULS using their FRN and password to download the latest version of their license at any time. The FCC no longer provides paper license documents. ================================================================== Session Documents Upload Webpage The US Postal Service has been slow and unreliable with moving mail and packages through their system. Some exam session packages have been unexpectedly delayed. Uploading completed sessions as a PDF file (scanned documents) via the web allows for quicker processing to the FCC. Please contact the VEC department (VEC@arrl.org) for information on e-filing exam session documents through our secure upload page. Authorized VEs will be sent the upload page URL which is hidden from the public. The VE team must only accept FRNs (FCC Registration Numbers) at the session. Social security numbers are NOT permitted on ANY exam documents or session files that are uploaded. Candidates will have to be registered in the FCC system, and have FRNs already issued. Refer to the FRNs at Exam Sessions item above for the examinee registration instructions. ================================================================== The ARRL VEC Staff is Ready to Serve You As always, the dedicated VEC staff are here to answer any questions you may have. ARRL/VEC: (860) 594-0300 (A toll free number is available to currently accredited ARRL/VEC VE's for their use regarding exams; but it is not listed here for obvious reasons). Address: ARRL VEC, 225 Main St, Newington CT 06111 Email: VEC@arrl.org Web: www.arrl.org/volunteer-examiners ARRL VEC Fax: 860-594-0339 Maria Somma, AB1FM, Manager Amanda O'Brien, N1NHL, Assistant Manager Stephanie Borden W2MAU, Service Representative Ann Brinius, Service Representative Lisa Riendeau, Service Representative Joshua Nance, Service Representative We thank you for your efforts and interest in the ARRL VEC program. ================================================================== Please do NOT respond to these automated emails. A "reply" to this bulk email address will not reach us as only the list administrator may post to the list. To unsubscribe from these messages, forward this message to VEC@arrl.org. ================================================================== ARRL VEC VE Newsletter is published by the American Radio Relay League, Inc. - the national association for Amateur Radio (R). Material from the ARRL VE E-Newsletter may be republished or reproduced in whole or in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must be given to The American Radio Relay League VEC. ARRL VEC 225 Main Street Newington CT 06111 USA Sincerely, Maria Somma, AB1FM - VEC Manager / Editor ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio (R) 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 USA msomma@arrl.org ================================================================== --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32 * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7) .