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Categories
Q - Which FCC license do I need?
A - To find out which license you need, go to Do I need an FCC License?
Q - Which exam(s) do I need to take?
A - The exams required for FCC Licenses are as follows:
| License/Endorsement Type |
Written Exam Element(s) Required |
Telegraphy (Morse code) Elements Required |
| Marine Radio Operator Permit (MROP) |
Element 1 |
-- |
| General Radiotelephone Operator (GROL) |
Elements 1 and 3 |
-- |
| Ship Radar Endorsement (to GROL) |
Element 8 |
-- |
| GMDSS Operator License |
Elements 1 and 7 |
-- |
| GMDSS Maintainer License |
Elements 1, 3 and 9 |
-- |
| 1st Class Radiotelegraph |
Elements 1, 5 and 6 |
Telegraphy Elements 3 and 4 |
| 2nd Class Radiotelegraph |
Elements 1, 5 and 6 |
Telegraphy Elements 1 and 2 (or Amateur Extra Class License granted before 1 April, 2000) |
| 3rd Class Radiotelegraph |
Elements 1 and 5 |
Telegraphy Elements 1 and 2 (or Amateur Extra Class License granted before 1 April, 2000) |
Q - Do you sell study materials?
A - Yes. To check out the FCC Study Materials iNARTE offers, go to FCC Study Materials (Secure).
Q - What is GMDSS?
A - The GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress Safety System) radiocommunication safety system
has replaced the manual Morse code system on 500 kHz and voice radiotelephony on Channel 16 and
2182 hKz. GMDSS is an automated ship-to shore system that uses satellites and digital technology.
Find out more about GMDSS HERE.
Q - I have a Radiotelegraphy (Morse code operator) License.
Will I be able to renew it or is the FCC phasing out the Telegraphy Licenses for GMDSS?
A - Although the FCC no longer requires an RT Operator aboard commercial vessels, the FCC is
still renewing all classes (1st, 2nd and 3rd) of the RadioTelegraphy licenses
(see renewing your FCC License).
Q - I have a Radiotelegraphy (Morse code operator) License. Can I
"transfer" it to GMDSS?
A - No. You must pass the GMDSS Element exam(s) to be eligible for a GMDSS license.
Find out more about GMDSS HERE.
Q - Is my study material current?
A - All iNARTE FCC Study Materials are current.
If you buy other materials, be sure they are current according to this table:
| Question Pool |
Date of Latest Version |
| Element 1 |
January 1, 1996 |
| Elements 3 and 8 |
January 1, 1996 |
| Element 7 |
July 25, 2001 |
| Element 9 |
December 1, 1995 |
| Elements 5 and 6 |
July 21, 1994 |
Q - I heard that the FCC was changing the exam question pool for
Element _____ .
When are the question pools changing?
A - The revised question pool for Element 7 (or US Coast Guard version) is now in use (as of July, 2001).
The changes to the pool were mostly to update questions which refer to old equipment or
procedures. The Element 7 exam is now 100 questions (as opposed to the old test of 76 questions).
New study material for Element 7 is available from iNARTE using the study material order form.
The new Element 7 question pool can also be obtained from the FCC website.
No other question pools have pending revisions.
Q - Is the Element 1 question pool changing?
A - No. The FCC will not be releasing a new question pool for Element 1. The January 1996
release will remain the most current version until further notice.
Q - Where can I take the test?
A - At any of the iNARTE Testing Centers.
Q - I am in the military. Can I test at my Education Office?
A - Yes. We will coordinate with any education office, worldwide, on-land or afloat, to arrange
your FCC exam. Military locations may test on request.
Q - How much does it cost to take the FCC test with iNARTE?
A - $65 per session. You may take up to 3 Test Elements per session.
For example: You can test for Elements 1, 3 and 8 for $65.
Q - What can I bring with me into the exam room?
A - A No. 2 pencil, a non-programmable, battery operated calculator and clean
scratch paper, if desired. (Scratch paper is not necessary, as you are permitted to mark
in your examination booklet.) The FCC prohibits the following unauthorized
aids from the exam room: programmable or printing calculators, books and other reference material,
radios or cameras.
Q - No programmable calculators?
A - Until this prohibition is reviewed or clarified by the FCC, we are compelled to
ensure that no programmable calculators of any kind be used.
Q - How long is a test session?
A - 4 hours maximum.
In our experience, this is a very generous time limit. For example, most examinees
have completed Elements 1 and 3 within 2 hours.
Q - When will I know my exam results?
A - iNARTE will mail you your results within 10 business days. However, you may
call in for your scores before then, and we'll be happy to provide them to you.
Q - What if I need to cancell or postpone my exam?
A - A scheduled examination may be re-scheduled ONE TIME without an additional charge if you can show undue hardship or extenuating circumstances beyond your control (subject to approval by iNARTE).
However, any postponement requires notification to iNARTE at least 7 business days prior to the exam date. Otherwise, rescheduling of an examination will require payment of the $65 processing fee.
Q - Can I get a refund for my $65 testing fee?
A - iNARTE's examination fee is non-refundable unless the individual who is testing can prove due hardship or extenuating circumstances that causes them to miss the exam date.
Q - If I pass one Element, but fail another, do I have to retake both?
A - No. You are issued a PPC (Proof of Passing Certificate) for each element passed.
Q - How long is a PPC valid?
A - For ONE YEAR from the date it was issued.
Q - My PPC is expired! Do I have to re-test?
A - Yes. The FCC will not accept an expired PPC.
Q - Darn. Are you sure?
A - Absolutely. No exceptions.
Q - I lost my PPC. Can I get a duplicate/replacement?
A - Yes. Duplicate PPCs cost $15 each. To order one, contact iNARTE at 1-800-89-NARTE.
Q - What is the ULS? How does it work?
A - ULS stands for Universal Licensing System.
The FCC now requires your Social Security Number, or an FCC Registration Number (FRN) to track all licensing activity. The ULS enables the applicants to
obtain a password in order to check their licensing status on-line. To get an FRN, register on-line at CORES
OR get an FRN by mail by completing a form 160 [FCC Forms Page] and mailing it to:
FCC
Attention: CORES Administrator
Room: CY-C140
445 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20554
Q - How do I use the ULS?
A - You can file two ways: By Mail OR
Electronically (On-line)
Q - What's the difference between a TIN, SSN and FRN?
A - There is no difference between your TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) and your SSN (Social Security Number).
Note: An FRN (FCC Registration Number) is issued to you automatically upon applying for any license with the FCC. To find out how to get an FRN before you apply for your license, see the next question.
Q - What if I don't want to provide my Social Security Number?
A - You can register for an "FRN" (FCC Registration Number) by registering on-line at the FCC COmmission REgistration System or CORES
OR get an FRN by mail by completing a form 160 [FCC Forms Page] and mailing it to:
FCC
Attention: CORES Administrator
Room: CY-C140
445 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20554
Q - I do not have a Social Security Number. What do I do?
A - The FCC will issue you an FCC Registration Number (FRN). To determine if you qualify for
this, call ULS Technical Support at (202) 414-1250.
Q - Will the FCC still accept Form 756?
A - NO. The FCC has converted to Form 605.
* IMPORTANT * You must use a current form 605. Old versions of the form will be rejected, and any fees you have paid will be forfeit.
To ensure that you get the most current form, go to the [FCC Forms Page]. Download FCC 605 Main Form and Schedule E.
Q - Where do I send my Form 605 and PPC(s)?
A - To apply for your NEW license:
- Complete Form 605 Main Form and Schedule E
Form FCC 605 help:
Item 1) Enter CM for a Commercial License; enter RR for a Restricted Radiotelephone only
Item 9a) Enter Social Security Number;
Item 9b) Leave blank;
Item 9c) Enter your FRN only if you do not have a Social Security Number,
or if you did not wish to use your Social Security Number in Item 9a).
- Attach your original PPC(s) (the FCC will not accept copies).
- There is NO FEE
- Mail application package to:
Federal Communications Commission
1270 Fairfield Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245
Your FCC license will be mailed directly to you. This takes about 4 weeks.
Q - Do I have to send the Original PPCs to the FCC, or can I send a copy?
A - You must send the Original PPCs to the FCC with your Form 605. If they receive a copy, they
will NOT process your license.
Q - When will I get my FCC License?
A - After you mail your PPC(s) and FCC Form 605 to the FCC in Gettysburg, PA, your
FCC license takes about 4 weeks to process.
OR
7 - 10 days after iNARTE files electronically for you.
Q - Can I check on the progress of my FCC License Application?
A - Yes. Call the FCC Consumer Assistance Line 1-888-CALL-FCC.
(Stay on the line for a representative.)
OR Check on-line by following the instructions at the
ULS Homepage
Q - Can I file on-line for my NEW FCC Commercial License?
A - No. A COLE Manager (such as iNARTE) must file for you.
If you are ineligible for electronic filing, iNARTE will issue you a PPC, and you may apply for your license by mail.
Q - Can I file on-line for a Duplicate or Renewal FCC Commercial License?
A - Yes. To file on-line for a duplicate or renewal of your FCC Commercial license,
follow the instructions at the ULS Homepage.
OR see instructions on renewing by mail.
Q - When does my FCC license expire?
A -
| FCC License |
Term |
Renewal Fee |
| MROP |
5 years |
$65 |
| GROL |
Lifetime |
none |
| 1st, 2nd or 3rd RT |
5 years |
$65 |
| GMDSS Op. |
5 years |
$65 |
| GMDSS Maint. |
5 years |
$65 |
Q - How do I renew my expiring FCC license?
A - Follow instructions 1 OR 2.
- To file by mail:
- Obtain FCC Form 605 and Form 159
* IMPORTANT * You must use a current form 605. Old versions of the form will be rejected, and any fees you have paid will be forfeit.
To ensure that you get the most current form, download FCC 605 Main Form and Schedule E from the [FCC Forms Page] or call the forms hotline at (202) 418-3676.)
- Complete the FCC Form 605
- The fee is $65
payable to "FCC" by check, bank draft, money order or credit card.
- Complete the FCC Form 159
(Remittance Advice form)
- The "Payment Type Code" for Form 159 is PACS
(renewal)
- Applications for Radiotelegraph Licenses
(Morse code) should include two signed, passport-sized photos
- Send the package to:
Federal Communications Commission
Wireless Bureau Applications
PO Box 358130
Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5130
- To file on-line:
Q - I lost my FCC license. How can I get a duplicate/replacement FCC License?
A - Follow instructions 1 OR 2.
- To file by mail:
- Obtain FCC Form 605 and Form 159
* IMPORTANT * You must use a current form 605. Old versions of the form will be rejected, and any fees you have paid will be forfeit.
To ensure that you get the most current form, download FCC 605 Main Form and Schedule E from the [FCC Forms Page] or call the forms hotline at (202) 418-3676.)
- Complete the FCC Form 605
- The fee is $65
payable to "FCC" by check, bank draft, money order or credit card.
- Complete the FCC Form 159
(Remittance Advice form)
- The "Payment Type Code" for Form 159 is PADM
(duplicate or replacement)
- Applications for Radiotelegraph Licenses
(Morse code) should include two signed, passport-sized photos
- Send the package to:
Federal Communications Commission
Wireless Bureau Applications
PO Box 358130
Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5130
- To file on-line:
Have a question you don't see here? Contact iNARTE by EMAIL or by phone at 1-800-89-NARTE, we'll be happy to help you.
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