A license exam session is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025, 10:00 am – 12 noon at the East Baton Rouge Main Library, 7711 Goodwood Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, in the Technology Lab on the 2nd floor. If you want to take an exam for a new license or to upgrade an existing license, please register at this page.
If upgrading, bring a copy of your current license. It will be submitted with your application by the Volunteer Examiner Team. If you are taking your first test, you must register with the FCC and get your FRN number (FCC Registration Number). This will be used on the forms instead of using your Social Security number. You can register for the FRN at this page.
To take the test in person, candidates need to bring the following:
• Photo ID
• Copy of your current FCC license or CSCE (for those upgrading)
• $15 cash or check made out to ARRL VEC
• Two #2 pencils with erasers and a black ink pen.
• Calculator – Optional. If used, you must demonstrate the memories are blank.
ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program
The ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program went into effect on April 19, 2022. ARRL will cover the one-time $35 application fee for new license candidates younger than 18-years old for tests administered under the ARRL VEC program. The $35 FCC application fee will be reimbursed after the ARRL VEC receives the completed reimbursement form and the new license has been issued by the FCC. The reimbursement check will be mailed to the fee payer. Also, candidates younger than 18-years old would pay a reduced exam session fee of $5 to the BRARC VE team at the time of the exam. The $5 fee is for all candidates under the age of 18 regardless of the exam level taken. Proof of under 18 status is required at the session. Visit the ARRL website for the program instructions and reimbursement form at www.arrl.org/youth-licensing-grant-program.
Reminder: FCC $35 Amateur Application Fees Effective April 19, 2022
Amateur radio application fees, including those associated with Form 605 application filings, became effective April 19, 2022
The $35 FCC application fee applies to new, renewal, rule waiver, and modification applications that request a new vanity call sign. The fee will be per application.
Administrative updates, such as a change of name, mailing or email address, and modification applications to upgrade an amateur radio licensee’s operator class, will be exempt from fees.
The BRARC Volunteer Examiner (VE) team does not collect the $35 fee at exam sessions. The VE team licensing procedures are unchanged. New applicants will pay the $15 exam session fee to the BRARC VE team as usual and pay the $35 application fee directly to the FCC.
Candidates should go to the FCC Application Fee webpage for the detailed instructions and information about the FCC fees.
Future Exam Dates
- Saturday, March 1, 10 am
- Saturday, May 31, 10 am
- Saturday, September 6, 10 am
- Saturday, December 6, 10 am
updated 12/12/2024