The CFMC Volunteer Examiner (VE) team requests all candidates make a firm commitment by using the link to our registration page to schedule your exam.
For the time being, we are unable to accommodate unregistered walk-ins.
VE Team Chair
Bill Deans
KD9TWA
Extra
Testing is available at 11:00 AM the second Saturday of each month at the Chicago Police Department – 16th District, 5151 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago.
All testing is computer based for faster grading, submission, and license grant.
Please go to our registration page to find other dates and times.
CFMC will also do license testing at Summer Field Day on June 27, 2026 at Camp Reinberg in Palatine, IL.
Additionally, the club will do FCC license testing at our annual hamfest, Radio Expo, in September, 2026.
Candidates who wish to be tested need to bring the following:
- Two forms of current, valid state issued photo identification such as a current drivers license, current state ID card, school ID, passport, etc…
- If upgrading, the candidate must present his or her unexpired FCC Amateur Radio License AND one photo copy. If applicable, please bring your unexpired CSCE AND one photo copy. The VE Team will return the originals documents to you. Copies will be forwarded to the ARRL VEC for processing upon successful completion of the test. Please be aware that the VE Team does NOT have a photo copier on-site. All required copies must be submitted at the time of application.
- All candidates must have a valid FRN from the FCC. Parents of a child planning to take the test must have a FRN for that child in order to complete the application process.
- An FRN can be obtained from the FCC: Click Here
- Electronic calculators are optional but must be inspected prior to sitting for the exam.
- The ARRL VEC testing fee is Fifteen Dollars ($ 15.00) payable in cash, check or money order. Checks and money orders must be made payable to “ARRL VEC.” Exact cash is preferred. The bank has agreed not to do testing, and we are unable to provide change. Technician, General and Extra, exams will be available. Retakes of failed exams require an additional Fifteen Dollar, ($15), fee and are subject to the sole discretion of the VE Team. Retakes may be limited by the number of examinees and time of day.
