Columbia Amateur Radio Association Ham Testing

Actions Panel

Columbia Amateur Radio Association Ham Testing

Ham Cram and Amateur Radio testing

By Columbia Amateur Radio Association - N7EI

Select date and time

Location

St Helens Road Department

1054 Oregon St St Helens, OR 97051

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 1 day before event
Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.

About this event

*******Important: FCC FRN registration*******

Prior to taking you license examination you must now obtain a FRN (FCC Registration Number) This will allow you to provide you SSN directly to the FCC and be assigned a FCC Registration number without sharing this information at the testing session. You will not be allowed to take you ham radio license exam without first obtaining a FRN. You can find out how to do this here:

https://www.fcc.gov/rofrn

******************************

Starting in September 2022, Columbia Amateur Radio Association will re-start providing HAM Cram services.

What is a 'Ham Cram'?

The Ham Cram session is six directed self study periods, you will use your short term memory and learn the test. While some may consider this 'cheating', is gives the opportunity for someone to take the test and then learn while doing. Some people just don't retain information by reading a boring/dry book.

We have had very good luck with the Ham Cram. If you focus and follow the steps directed during the introduction, you have a 90% chance of passing the exam.

If you choose to play on your cell phone all day during the ham cram sessions, we will guarantee that you will not pass the test.

The Ham Cram is for:

Technician license - This is a entry level license - Typically VHF/UHF (Very High,Ultra High frequencies). Typically repeaters and mobile communications

General license - For world wide communications - HF (High Frequency). Long distance communications

Those pursuing your Extra license will need to study by any other means. The Ham Cram is not designed for obtaining your Extra License.

We will start at 8AM at the St Helens Road Department with this iterinary:

8AM - Introduction

Study session 1

Break

Study session 2

Break

Study session 3

Break

Study session 4

Lunch

Study session 5

Break

Study session 6

Break

Take the test at about 2:30 PM - Testing should last about an hour depending on how many participants show up and available volunteer examiners.

We have changed the location to the St Helens Road Department and will be able to accommodate a total combination of 10 ham cram participants and/or test only sessions at this time.

For the Test Only session @ 2:30PM, you will need to spend your own time studying before taking the test.

Prior to taking you license examination you must now obtain a FRN (FCC Registration Number) This will allow you to provide you SSN directly to the FCC and be assigned a FCC Registration number without sharing this information at the testing session. You will not be allowed to take you ham radio license exam without first obtaining a FRN. You can find out how to do this here:

https://www.fcc.gov/rofrn

ATTENTION

Fees:

Ham Cram + Test $30

Test only $15

All licencees will pay an additional FCC FEE of $35 upon successful passing of the exam effective April 19, 2022

Link to article

When the FCC receives the examination information from the VEC, they will email a link with payment instructions to each qualifying candidate. The candidate will have 10 calendar days, from the date of the application file number being issued, to pay. CARA will continue to collect $15 for the test only session or $30 for the ham cram. After successful passing the test, the user will need to pay an additional $35 to the FCC directly.

What to bring:

Ham Cram participants:

  • Snacks, drinks, lunch
  • There are several local places to get food if needed

All testers, including Ham Cram participants:

  • Valid/current identification required for testing
  • Existing licensees, please bring a copy of your amateur radio license

All of the people supporting the Ham Cram are volunteers, we receive no monetary payment.

Organized by

$15 – $30