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 March 11, 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 PLEASE NOTE: The question pool for the General License Class will change at the end of June 2023. Your last opportunity to test with the current General Class pool will be at the following dates: March 11, 2023 June 10, 2023 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. In addition, for upgrade exams, candidates must bring the original of their FCC license.

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.