Quick answers for common questions.

We've got you covered. You just need to follow the steps outlined here. If you run into any difficulties, let us know and we'll try to help.

There are other options. The goal is to make sure that you are you. Please contact us in advance and we can determine what documents you have that will work.

We never share any of your information, but the FCC makes some of it public. You can find he details here.

We are all Volunteer Examiners (VEs) accredited by the ARRL. We may have some helpers with us, but everyone involved in your exam will be a VE. There will be a minimum of three VEs monitoring the exams.

We totally get it. We'll work hard to make your experience as smooth and as comfortable as possible. Everyone there wants you to succeed and we'll do our best to create an environment that is conducive to that goal.

You can't use a physical calculator, but there is one built into the exam app if you need it. You're allowed to have one sheet of scratch paper which we can provide to you at the exam session. Please bring your own pen or pencil. We won't have those.

Before the exam begins we'll ask you to silence your phone. If you must take a call during a session, unfortunately we'll need to void your exam and you'll have to start over.

Yes! Time permitting, if you pass one element, you can take the next (and the next). If you plan to take more than one exam, please indicate that when you register for your exam. You'll be asked which tests you plan to take.

If that happens, you can take the exam again (time permitting), but you'll have to pay another $15 exam fee. But don't get that into your head - you're going to pass!

The ARRL uses the exam fees to keep the program self-supporting so that exam services can continue to be provided nationwide through volunteer teams. While most of your fee goes to the ARRL, some of it stays with SURF Exams to defray our costs.

You should get your CSCE via email the same day you take your exam. If you don't get that, please contact us. You'll get an email from the FCC in 1-2 business days after your exam. If you don't see it within that time frame, please reach out and we'll help to figure out what is going on. Things can be delayed from time to time, though not often.

Thanks, but we can't accept donations. We are volunteers and we have pretty strict rules about the way we handle the finances. Here's an idea: pay it forward by sponsoring someone else's exam fee. Another idea is to make a donation to your local club.

Yes! We'd love to see you get your license. In fact, the exam fee is only $5 and the ARRL will refund your $35 license fee. After you pass your exam and pay your fee, just fill out the Youth Licensing Grant Reimbursement form, email it to the ARRL, and they'll reimburse your payment. You can read more about it on the ARRL website.

Yes, as long as you meet the FCC’s requirements. That means you'll need to provide a valid US mailing address and have a valid FCC Registration Number (FRN). You'll need these at the time you register for the exam.

No problem! You can take a remote exam online using Zoom. We partner with the WM7X Testing Team. Check out their site for details. It will be an easy process with a friendly group of ham radio operators as your exam team.

Remember, even if you test online, be sure to connect with your local team, like the Santa Cruz County Amateur Radio Club (SCCARC).

If you meet the requirements, you sure can. For the ARRL, you must hold a valid General or Amateur Extra license, you must be at least 18 years old, and you need to be willing to follow the rules and procedures established by the ARRL and FCC. If you want to learn more, reach out to us and check out the ARRL's Become a VE page.

No, it's not an acronym, it's just meant to represent our area. Also, we needed a 4 character ID, and SURF wasn't taken.

No problem, just reach out to us and we'll do our best to answer.