LARC Monthly VE Exam Sessions

2024 Upcoming Sessions

Test sessions are held at the Clover Building at the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont (9595 Nelson Rd # B, Longmont, CO 80501) See Map

We alternate between two different VECs – ARRL and Laurel.  There are some differences:

ARRL

• Sessions are held on fourth Saturday of even months (February, April, etc.) starting at 10:00am.
• There is a $15 test administration fee, payable to the ARRL VEC
• If you do not already have a license, you must obtain an FRN (FCC Registration Number) prior to attending the test session, and bring a copy of it to the session for verification.  You can do so at: https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do.  Your email address is REQUIRED.
• Please use the Contact Form to notify our VEs of your intent to attend the session.  Include your phone number so we can notify you of any last-minute changes to the exam session.

Laurel / Patriot VE Team

• Sessions are held on the fourth Saturday of odd months (January, March, etc.) starting at 9:00am.
• YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER FOR THE EXAM AT: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/w0pct
• There is no fee to take the exam
• You may bring a tablet or laptop to the test session to use for taking the online exam (paper exams are also available)

What to Bring

• Surgical or cloth masks (no gaiters / balaclavas) are optional for this test facility
• One government-issued picture ID or two alternate forms of identification, such as a Social Security card, birth certificate (with seal), utility bill, bank statement or other business correspondence that specifically named the person, a postmarked envelope addressed to the person at his/her current address, or a minor’s work permit, school report card, school ID card, or library card.
• A copy of your current FCC license (if you have one – we must keep this copy)
• Original and one photo copy of your CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Exam) for any exam elements for which you have not yet been issued a license
• ARRL Only: Copy of your FRN
• (optional) Calculator (if programmable, must clear memory & show VE before use) – you may not use a cell phone as a calculator
• ARRL Only: Blue or black ballpoint pen, two #2 pencils, eraser
• ARRL Only: Exam fee as check or cash – credit cards are not accepted ($15 grants you one attempt at each test element – Technician, General, and Amateur Extra.  If you wish to retake any element, you will be charged another $15).
• Laurel Only: If desired, a tablet or laptop on which to take the exam (must have WiFi capability) – you may not use a cell phone

Training Classes

LARC offers License Preparation classes frequently throughout the year for all three Amateur Radio License classes. To learn more about these and/or to register, click on the Education link on the menu bar.  All of our classes also offer additional Exam Sessions at the end of each class.

Testing Assistance

There are several places on-line to take practice tests, including the following:

• HamStudy.org
• HamExam.org
• QRZ.com
• eHam.net
• HamTestOnline

Other Testing Sites

If our testing sessions do not meet your needs, please check the following:

• https://hamstudy.org/sessions/w0pct – The Patriot VE team offers free in-person sessions at various locations around the Front Range.
• Boulder Amateur Radio Club VE Team – Currently sponsor two sessions per month (be sure to verify sessions are being held, as some were cancelled due to Covid)
• hamstudy.org/sessions – This list includes in-person and fully remote (typically via Zoom) test sessions from multiple VECs- be sure you read what you are signing up for, and can meet any requirements.
• ARRL VEC
• W5YI VEC
• Laurel VEC – Scroll down to 10th call area for Colorado sessions

How to Become an ARRL VE

The “V” in “VE” stands for “Volunteer.”  Serve the amateur radio community by helping others progress through the licensing process.  Once you obtain your General license, you can become a (limited) VE.

There is no cost and the process is simple.  For more information, visit the ARRL’s Volunteer Examiner web page, contact us via the Contact Form, or talk to us after an exam session.  We’d be happy to have you!