VE TESTING AND UPGRADE SESSION COMING UP SOON!!!!!!!! ======================== April 16th, 2022 VE Testing!!!!! LICENSING AND TESTING!!!!! PLEASE READ AND FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS TO ANYONE, CLUB OR HAM RELATED FACEBOOK PAGES, ETC We will be having VE testing at the NEMRA, Inc club room Saturday April 16th, 2022 beginning at 9am. We will start at 9 am. If no-one shows by 9:30am, we will conclude testing for the day. We will be at the Old Fulton Grammar School located at 603 S Cummings St in Fulton, MS in the NEMRA club room. Look for the red testing sign for the entrance to the old school house (south side). THERE IS NO FEE FOR THE TESTING, please bring at least 2 types of ID, one needs to be a state issued photo ID, a copy of your current license and any CSCE's not reflected in your current license (example, took general test yesterday, passed, and want to take extra today and the general upgrade has not been processed and posted yet). As of April 19th, 2022, the FCC will begin the implementation of the $35 fee for Amateur Radio licenses so these are still free as of today, but it's coming!!! Get your license today before the FCC begins the charge!!! ======================= As of Jan 1, 2021, Laurel VEC will no longer accept Social Security Numbers, FRN Only. The SS# entry will be removed from the application process and the session report. YOU MUST HAVE A FRN OR A VALID CALL SIGN OR YOU CANNOT TEST. VERY IMPORTANT!!!! NOTE: If you are testing for the Technician license, PLEASE, follow the instructions below: ======================= If you don't have an FRN, go to: https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do You will need to: 1) Register in CORES (in the middle) 2) Verify your email address and log in 3) Register for a new FRN Notes: ● You will need access to your email ● Username must be an email address ● Use your LEGAL NAME. Do not use NICKNAMES. ● Enter your Social Security Number without dashes Once you have your FRN, click the Username Login button. https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do Click the Register FRN and complete the process. You MUST have an FCC Registration Number (FRN) for your application. If you have an Amateur (Ham) or GMRS License, you already have an FRN go to : http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp to get your number if needed. ==================================================== You must first register with the FCC and obtain a FRN before you can test. We do not accept social security numbers any more. You must bring your FRN number with you for the testing paperwork, as is the only number you will have to complete the application (No SSN's). Please contact Bobby at w1law@yahoo.com or (John) at k5fy.usa@gmail.com for more information or notification that you intend to test that day. Walk-ins are accepted however, we would like to know if you intend to take the test and make sure that you have your FRN prior to coming to Fulton so please RSVP as soon as possible. We will be cleaning and preparing the night before and face coverings or mask and social distancing are encouraged and requested. Please go to www.laurelvec.com for more testing sessions for your area and go to www.w5nem.org for a complete list of scheduled exams on our blog calendar for NEMRA along with other club information. We look forward to seeing you there and Good Luck!! Bobby W1LAW -- NEMRA, Inc Northeast Mississippi Radio Amateurs, Inc PO Box 261 Mooreville, MS 38857 nemra.inc@gmail.com www.facebook.com/w5nem www.w5nem.org

 ARRL News | New FCC Application Fee Will Not Apply To Amateur Radio License Upgrades

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) staff has clarified in response to an ARRL request that the new $35 application fee will not apply to most license modifications, including those to upgrade an Amateur Radio Licensee’s operator class and changes to club station trustees. The FCC staff explained that the new fees will apply only to applications for a new license, renewal, rule waiver, or a new vanity call sign. As previously announced, the new fees take effect on April 19, 2022.

“We are pleased that the FCC will not charge licensees the FCC application fee for license upgrade applications,” said ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM. “While applicants for a new license will need to pay the $35 FCC application fee, there will be no FCC charge for future upgrades and administrative updates such as a change of mailing or email address. Most current licensees therefore will not be charged the new FCC application fee until they renew their license or apply for a new vanity call sign.”

ARRL previously reported that the new $35 application fee for Amateur Radio licenses will become effective on April 19, 2022. Further information and instructions about the FCC Application Fee are available from the ARRL VEC