Online Testing
PARC runs video-supervised exams almost every day of the week. You test from home, on your own computer, watched by three volunteer examiners over Zoom.
Before you book
- You need an FRN from the FCC — not an FCC username. Get one first; you cannot be issued a licence without it.
- You need two devices with cameras: a computer for the exam, and a phone or tablet placed behind you so the examiners can see your room.
- The computer must be a Windows or Mac laptop or desktop. iPads, Chromebooks and notebooks cannot run the exam.
- You need a quiet room to yourself with the door closed, and a clear desk.
Read the full instructions See available times
What happens, from booking to call sign
Every step below is something a volunteer examiner will actually do with you. Nothing here is a surprise on the day.
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You book a slot
Pick a time on the schedule. The $15 fee is taken as part of booking — there is no separate payment step.
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Your link arrives
Emailed within 48 hours of booking. Registrations are processed once a day, so if you booked for tomorrow, keep checking your email — including spam.
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You join and wait
You will sit in the Zoom waiting room until an examiner is free. Sessions sometimes run behind because some candidates take longer than others. Being in the waiting room means you are on the schedule.
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Check in
You show your driver’s licence — under 18s need different identification — and then walk your second camera slowly around the room so the team can see your whole workspace.
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The exam
Questions appear on your screen and you answer with the A, B, C and D keys only. There is no strict time limit; most well-prepared candidates finish in about ten minutes.
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You find out straight away
The team grades it during the session and tells you the result before you leave the call.
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Your CSCE, within 48 hours
Emailed to you. It is your proof of what you passed until the FCC catches up.
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Your call sign, usually in 5–7 business days
The normal FCC process runs three to four weeks. We file electronically, so in most cases new licences and upgrades come through in 5–7 business days. Then you are on the air — see what to do next.
Which situation applies to you?
- One exam — what most candidates book
- Two or three exams in one sitting — needs arranging first
- More than one candidate in the same building
- You need the exam protocol adjusted
Something not working? Common problems and fixes
Getting ready
- Pre-exam checklist — tick it off the day before
- Preparing for your session
- Setting up your computer
- Setting up the second device
- Setting up your room
- Acceptable identification
- Where and how to study
Our examiners are volunteers, not employees, so email replies are not instant. Please allow up to 24 hours — vetesting@yahoo.com.