If you are interested in amateur radio and would like to take a license exam, WTRA-VET can help. We are associated with the Western Tidewater Radio Association and conduct Amateur Radio Examinations under the auspices of the W5YI-VEC. WTRA-VET was formed in July, 2006 to fill a need for volunteer examiners in the western Tidewater region of Southeast Virginia. We offer license exams for all elements in the amateur service, and will soon include new and upgrade license study classes.

We strongly recommend that you read over the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below to help prepare your for exam day. When you are ready, complete the test registration form online.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our exam Contact VE, Chris Peters – N4KIT. Additional test sessions can be scheduled by request; contact N4KIT.

Scheduled test dates and locations:

Unless otherwise posted, doors will open for WTRA-VET exam sessions 30 minutes prior to exam time. Although not required, pre-registration is suggested in order to speed up registration time at the door. You may pre-register for exams online using this form. Candidates will not be admitted to the exam room once the exams have begun. The current exam fee charged all applicants at W5YI-VEC coordinated exam sessions is $14.00. This fee is required from all candidates taking any of the exam elements offered by this team. Your $14.00 exam fee covers all elements you take and successfully pass in one exam session. You may re-take any element which you do not pass one time at the same session, but re-taking an element previously failed will require an additional $14.00 exam fee.

Make sure you bring TWO proofs of identification, with one being a picture ID. All candidates for a new license or a license upgrade who do not have an FCC CORES FRN (FCC Registration Number) will be required to provide their social security number. Currently licensed hams, also please bring along originals and one photocopy of your current FCC Amateur Radio license, CSCEs or other documentation you intend to use to show previous element credits. A completed form NCVEC605 is helpful.

Session cancellations will be posted on this web page and over the WT4RA two-meter repeater (147.195 +). Additionally, any pre-registered candidates will be notified by the Contact VE by e-mail and/or phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q Do I need to pre-register for a WTRA-VET exam session?
A We do not require pre-registration, but recommend that you do so in order to speed up things on exam day. Additionally, we strongly recommend that you pre-register if any of the following apply:
· Candidates with physical disabilities who would request special accommodations.
· Candidates who wish to obtain grandfathering credit for the 5 wpm code test (Element 1).
· Candidates who wish to obtain grandfathering credit for the General class written test (Element 3).
· Parents or guardians of children under 18 years of age (to be sure that the Social Security Number and proper ID will be available)

Q What should I bring to the exam?
A Bring the items listed below:
· Two forms of ID, one a photo ID
· Your Social Security Number
· $14.00 exam fee (cash, check or money order)
· Original and photocopy of your current FCC amateur license
· Original and photocopy of valid CSCE documents from prior exam sessions
· Pens & pencils
· Simple battery or solar powered calculator
· Special documentation if credit is requested for Element 1 (5 wpm code) or Element 3 (General class written) for Technician Class licenses issued prior to 3/21/1987.
· Special documentation if credit is requested for Element 1 (5 wpm code) for Technician Class licenses issued prior to 2/14/2001.

Q What materials are not allowed at the exam session?
A Do not bring any of the following:
· Study materials
· Programmable calculators (may be allowed, but you will have to demonstrate that the memory is cleared)
· Computers
· MP3 players, iPods etc.
· Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
· Palm Pilots/devices with a keyboard
· Cell phones/pagers

Q What are acceptable photo Ids?
A Any one of the following:
· Non-drivers photo ID (“Walker’s ID”)
· Drivers license with photo
· Employer’s photo ID
· School photo ID
· Passport
· Military photo ID
· FCC Radiotelegraph License

Q What are acceptable non-photo Ids?
A Any one of the following:
· Driver’s license without photo
· Social Security card
· Birth Certificate (must have seal)
· Minor’s work permit
· School report card
· Utility bill, bank statement or other business correspondence which shows your name
· Postmarked envelope addressed to the candidate at the same address that appears on the FCC form 605

Thanks for your interest in Amateur Radio and we hope to see you at an exam session soon!