 |
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, GMDSS Maintainer, GMDSS Operator/Maintainer,
or Radiotelegraph 1st or 2nd class) |
Element 8 |
-- |
| GMDSS Operator License |
Elements 1 and 7 |
-- |
| GMDSS Maintainer License |
Elements 1, 3 and 9 |
-- |
| GMDSS Operator Maintainer License |
Elements 1, 3, 7 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 - I heard that the FCC was changing the exam question pool for several Elements.
When are the question pools changing?
A - As of
June 25, 2009, the FCC has updated Elements
1, 3, and 8 for the Commercial Operator License Examination.
However, examinations derived from either the old or the new
question pools may be given for six months. iNARTE intends
to offer examinations from the old question pools
through November 2009 to allow for updated study materials
which are expected to be available in early October.
Q - Is my study material current?
A - iNARTE FCC
Study Materials for Elements 7 and 9 are current. The FCC has
updated Elements 1, 3 and 8 as of June 25, 2009 and study
materials appropriate for these updates will be available from
October 2009. The study materials shown below for these Elements
may continue to be used, since examinations based upon the old
Element questions will continue to be offered through
November 2009.
| Question Pool |
Date of Latest Version |
| Element 1 |
June 25, 2009 |
| Element 3 |
June 25, 2009 |
| Element 7 |
July 25, 2001 |
| Element 8 |
June 25, 2009 |
| Element 9 |
December 1, 1995 |
| Elements 5 and 6 |
July 21, 1994 |
Q - Can I return my old Element 1, 3 and 8 study materials for credit or replacement if I have not yet taken these examinations?
A - iNARTE is not able to accept the return of study materials, all sales are final. Please note that examinations based upon the question pools that were current before June 25, 2009, will still be offered by iNARTE until December 25, 2009. If you have the above Element 1, 3 and 8 study materials and have not yet registered for examination, you should do so at once in order to take examinations appropriate to these materials.
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 cancel 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 - 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 with an
FRN in order to check their licensing status 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).
An FRN is an FCC Registration Number.
Note: An FRN (FCC Registration Number) is issued to you
automatically upon applying for a license with the FCC. Or you
can apply for an FRN prior to receiving an FCC license.
Q - How do I apply for an FRN?
A - You
must apply through the FCC. Go online to
www.fcc.gov under FCC Registration number (CORES) and follow
the instructions. Or you may call the FCC FRN Help Line at 877
480 3201.
Q - What if I don't want to provide my Social
Security Number?
A - You can use your FRN (FCC Registration Number).
Q - I do not have a Social
Security Number. What do I do?
A - Contact the FCC to see if you qualify for an FRN (FCC
Registration Number) You can call the FCC toll free at 1 888
CALL FCC or FRN Help Line at 877 480 3201.
Q - How do I file for my FCC
Commercial License?
A - A COLE Manager (such as iNARTE) can file for
you electronically with the FCC. iNARTE will file with the FCC
for your license based on the FCC Exam Elements you have passed
and your eligibility for an FCC license. This applies to the
MROP; GROL; GMDSS: DO, DM & DB; and Ship Radar Endorsement.
The
exception is the Radiotelegraph licenses (T1, T2 and T3) which
require Telegraphy Elements. In the case of the Radiotelegraph
licenses, iNARTE will mail you a Proof of Passing Certificate on
the written exam element(s) that you have passed through us and
the information needed for you to file with the FCC.
Q - When will I get my FCC License?
A - If iNARTE files with the FCC for your License, we will mail
you a letter notifying you of your scores and if your license
has been granted the FCC license number. We will include an FCC
Proof of Passing Certificate with this letter. You should
receive your license directly from the FCC in about a week to 10
days from the time it is granted (when iNARTE sends your the
letter of notification).
Q - Can I check on the progress of my FCC
License?
A - Yes. You can phone the FCC toll free at 1 888 CALL FCC or
go to the FCC website:
www.fcc.gov, Licensing, Universal Licensing Systems, License
Search. Search by "Call Sign" which is your License number,
FRN, or Name (last name, first name).
Q - How can I get a Duplicate
or Renewal of my FCC Commercial
License?
A - You must do this directly through the FCC. You can can
phone the FCC toll free at 1 888 CALL FCC or go to the FCC
website:
www.fcc.gov, Licensing, Universal Licensing Systems.
Q - When does my FCC license expire?
A - Since March 25, 2008 most FCC Commercial Radio Operators
Licenses are lifetime licenses. However, Prior to March 25,
2008, the license term for a MROP Radio Operator's License and
GMDSS Radio Operator's License was five years. Any holder of an
MROP or GMDSS Radio Operator's License that expired prior to
March 25, 2008, must still file an application to renew the
license within the five-year grace period after expiration.
Please
check the FCC website, Commercial Radio Operators License
Program at:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/commoperators/index.htm?job=home for
information about each license and the terms of the license or
call the FCC toll free at: 1 888 CALL FCC (225-5322).
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.
|
|
