Radio Amateurs in the Shenandoah Valley sponsor VE Examinations, normally held on the second Saturday of the last month of each quarter.  The next exam will be held on December 9th, 2023. Note, you must have an FCC FRN number to take the test. Instructions for obtaining one can be found here: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/getting-fcc-registration-number-frn If upgrading, you must have the Official copy of your license. Instructions for obtaining an official copy can be found here: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/knowledge-base/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/how-obtain-official Exams begin at 9:00 am with registration, and are always graded and finished well before noon. The location is the Hose Company #4 at 2654 Port Republic Rd, Rockingham. The cost is $15.00 per session. You can take multiple examination elements for one payment of $15.00 on any scheduled exam date. Candidates should bring several #2 pencils, two forms of identification, one of which MUST have a recent photograph of the candidate (driver’s license, passport, etc.).  FCC rules governing eligibility must be met. Candidates must also bring any certificate of successful completion of previous exam elements passed, for which they wish to claim credit. Candidates are permitted to bring simple calculators, but programmable calculators, smartphones, laptops, pads, and computer devices are not allowed.

So how do you study for the exam? Occasionally, local hams offer classes. But you can certainly study on your own. One simple app is https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.delasystems.hamradioexamtech

Another app, with a different layout, but the same elements is https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iversoft.ham.test.prep

If you don’t want to download an app, go to hamstudy.org. This is a comprehensive site that explains all the ins and outs of Ham Radio in general.