Learn. Test. License. Connect.
Welcome to Keystone State Remote Exams (KSRE)
Amateur Radio Remote Online Testing
Supporting Hams from First Signal to Extra Class.
Our Mission
At PA Ham Exams, our mission is to empower aspiring and experienced amateur radio operators by providing accessible, accurate, and supportive exam preparation and testing opportunities. We are dedicated to fostering a welcoming community where learning thrives, knowledge is shared, and every individual has the resources needed to succeed — from their first Technician license to advancing through General and Extra. By combining innovation, reliability, and a passion for radio, we help ensure that the spirit of amateur radio continues to grow and connect people across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Rules for testing sessions
Be Prepared
- The ONLINE system is more complicated and time consuming than a regular in-person exam. You MUST read and follow all the protocol on this page. Exams require a minimum of 3 volunteer examiners per session and only 1 candidate can be tested by them at a time. To be sure no one can cheat, you will be asked to scan all around the room and verify the integrity of the exam environment. You and your exam session may be recorded. If you are not comfortable with this, please consider taking the exam in-person at a future date. By signing up for an exam, you agree that you will cover any sensitive items in the room or you consent to the scanning and recording of those items.
- An acceptable room is a room free of distractions and includes a door to prevent anyone from entering. Great choices are bathrooms or even closets.
- Please open any closet doors or shower curtains for the scan and then close them for the exam.
- A desk, countertop, or table is good. Laps and other options can work.
- Clear the room of all exam and non-exam materials, all amateur radio related materials, notes, books, posters, computer screens, or anything that could aid in taking the exam.
- Clear your exam table and floor of ALL items within reach or view that would raise suspicion, such as papers, sticky notes, electronic items, monitors, headphones, drink containers, waste baskets, vapes, ashtrays, tobacco products, and anything unnecessary for the exam.
- Warn family members not to enter the room during the exam. Also make sure they do not make any loud noises that can be heard in the exam session. The bathroom is a PERFECT spot.
- You may not have any other people in the exam room while taking exam. (except 13 years old or younger)
Be respectful
Please respect the time of the volunteers and those candidates that are waiting to take their exam after your exam is complete. You do this by being FULLY PREPARED. Please READ this page completely and also the FAQ page completely. Remember, this takes not only the time it takes to give you your exam, it also takes time for the VE’s to prepare for your exam and for the team to complete and submit your paperwork.
Accreditation
We are accredited through the ARRL VEC to administer Amateur Radio exams for the FCC. https://arrl.org
things required to take online test
FRN # from FCC
Valid form of ID
Valid form of ID
Please visit the FCC website to apply for your Amateur Radio FRN #; https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do
If you already have an Amateur Radio / GMRS license, you can use the same FRN # assigned to you. You can check here:
https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp
Valid form of ID
Valid form of ID
Valid form of ID
Any valid form of State issued Driver's License/Identification card or US Passport will be accepted.
- Under-18 candidates may show either of the above items, or a student may show a school ID, with a legal guardian presenting a valid photo ID.
Zoom App
Second device for video
Second device for video
If you don't already have the zoom app, please download and install before logging in to take the test.
http://zoom.us/download
The test will only work in the App and NOT a web browser!
Second device for video
Second device for video
Second device for video
If taking a test in a closed room, generally a second device is not required. If taking a test in an open area, a second device may be required. It is up to the V.E. team if a second device is needed. It is best to have a second device ready for your test, just in case it is needed.
Keystone State Remote Exams
ARRL Exam Fees
$15.00
Use this link to pay the Exam fees using a Credit/Debit card or PayPal account.
Keystone State Remote Exams
ARRL FEE (17 Years old or younger)
$5.00
Use this link to pay the Exam fees using a Credit/Debit card or PayPal account ONLY IF UNDER THE AGE OF 17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach out to us at vetesting@pahamexams.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Click the "Look for an Online Session" link above and follow steps to register. After you registered, come back here and click on "How to pay ARRL fee" to pay. You will receive an email with further instructions and a link to your Zoom session. If no session is found for the date and time you are wishing to schedule for, please reach out to us to see if we have the availability to accommodate you at: vetesting@pahamexams.com
We will email you a copy of your CSCE within 24 hours of successful completion of your test. (usually within a couple minutes, but can take up to 24 hours)
The normal process is 3 to 4 weeks. However, we process electronically, which results in new licenses and upgrades occurring within 5-7 business days under most situations.
Yes! If you pass the current exam by 90% or higher, the V.E. Team will ask you if you want to take the next test. If you take the next element test within the same session, there is no additional charge. If you fail a test and want to retest, one will be offered at an additional $15 ($5 for youth) per try, as long as the V.E. Team can fit it into their schedule.
We accept payment by credit or debit card using PayPal. No test will be offered without payment.
Yes! Just ask the V.E. Team and they can provide you with that information.
Yes! A VE specified by the Exam Team can read the questions off only if test session is being recorded and a maximum of two times per question. You must request this type of exam in advance. Email us to request this: vetesting@pahmaexams.com
No! This is absolutely prohibited. No-one may be present during your exam that is not a VE or taking an exam.
EXCEPTION: children under 13 must have one parent observe at a distance.
Generally no. If you are taking a test in a closed room, generally a second device is not required. If you are taking a test in an open area, a second device may be required. It is up to the V.E. team if a second device is needed. It is best to have a second device ready for your test, just in case it is needed.
No, we require a camera view of your face for the duration of the exam. These devices typically shut off the camera when sharing the screen and that is not acceptable. You must use a laptop or desktop that has a camera in the center of the screen looking at your face and the Zoom app installed. http://zoom.us/download
Be patient, if you are in the waiting room, that means you have received am email with a link to join the Zoom session, and you are on the schedule. Some sessions can take longer than others. You will be brought into a room as soon as the V.E. team is ready for you. If you are in the waiting room longer than 15 minutes past your scheduled time, please reach out to us at: vetesting@pahamexams.com
We ask that you join the Zoom session, via the link that was emailed to you, about 15 minutes BEFORE your scheduled test. Also, please be sure to log in with the Zoom app and NOT in a web browser. You can download the Zoom App here: http://zoom.us/download
PayPal did not process your payment -or- your name and email on your PayPal payment does not match your name or email on your exam session application/registration. You will need to request an invoice and we will include your name on the subject line.
No. Although there is no strict time limit, our V.E. team does volunteer their time to administer online tests. Therefore, if you miss more than 25% of the questions and it becomes clear through an extended period of time that you were unprepared, we reserve the right to terminate the exam.
If you are caught cheating or suspected of cheating, the V.E. team will terminate your exam session without a refund and you will be permanently banned from taking any future online exams with us.
Yes! The FRN # is required for all exams. The FRN # is a federal number that is issued by the FCC and requires you to verify your identity. Please note, an FRN number is required to take an online exam. You will need to get your FRN number before you can register to take the test. https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do
NEW LICENSE: Once the FCC processes your application, you will receive an email to pay the $35 fee online directly to the FCC. The $35 must be paid within 10 days or your application will be dismissed, so be sure to check your spam folder as well. You MAY NOT transmit on any amateur radio frequencies until you obtain your call sign from the FCC.
LICENSE UPGRADES: There is no cost from the FCC associated with any upgraded class, call sign change or address changes. After you receive your CSCE, you can amend your call sign by adding "/AG" for General class or "/AE" for Extra class and begin using those privileges immediately. Check the FCC CORES website to see if the database updated with your new privilege's. Once your upgrade shows in the database, you can drop the appendage and continue with just your call sign, but not before. https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do
It is up to the V.E. team administering the test. Typically, if you are locked in a room by yourself, they will not be recorded. However, if you are in an open area or require any special accommodations, the V.E. team can request the test session be recorded. Also, the V.E. team MUST notify you if session are being recorded.
To ensure exam integrity, all non-essential running applications must be quit and closed. These are not limited to Mail, Messaging, Alerts, Discord, Teams, Steam, Team Viewer, VNC, VPN’s, Remote Desktops, etc. The exam team will help you close any unwanted apps or software before loading the exam.
Yes! All wearable technology such as Headsets / Earbuds / Headphones / Smart Watches / Smart Eyewear must be removed prior to starting the exam. You also cannot wear any wristbands, bandanas, scarves, etc. or other articles of clothing that may obscure your face during the exam.
Yes! You can use a BASIC STANDARD calculator and plain sheet of scratch paper. The V.E. Team will ask to see the calculator and BOTH sides of the paper to insure it's blank.
Before you schedule an exam session, please reach out to us at vetesting@pahamexams.com and we will discuss what accommodations are needed and if an online exam is right for you or if an in-person exam may be needed instead.
No. All devices and TV's/monitors (except the one you will be using) must be powered off, unplugged or covered up with a sheet or a towel. Only the monitor you will be using for the test and Zoom session will be allowed.