As one of only 13 COLEMs in the nation, ETA offers all of the FCC commercial radio license exams. You can take any of these tests from our many ETA-approved test sites. You may also take any of these tests online through ETA's Trapeza online testing site (a Certification Administrator will still be required to proctor the exam). The Montgomery GI Bill also covers FCC exams for reimbursement for qualified military personnel. Commercial FCC license exams are now lifetime exams.
FCC Licenses Now Paperless
As of 2/17/15, the FCC will not issue paper certificates with new licenses unless notified. All commercial, private and public safety wireless service licensees and ASR registrants will access their current official authorizations in “Active” status only through License Manager in ULS or ASR Dashboard in the ASR System or by email, unless a licensee or registrant notifies the Commission that it wishes to receive its official authorizations on paper through the U.S. Postal Service. Once accessed, the licensee or registrant can download, save and print official authorizations, to the extent needed. via FCC
Pricing
| One Element: | $50 |
| Any Two Elements Taken Together: | $50 |
| Any Three Elements Taken Together: | $70 |
| Additional Elements Taken At The Same Sitting: | $20 |
| License Renewals: | $80 |
Number of Exam Questions
| Element 1 (MROP and GMDSS Restricted): | 24 |
| Element 3 (GROL and GMDSS Maintainer): | 100 |
| Element 6 (1st/2nd/3rd Class Radiotelegraph): | 100 |
| Element 7 (GMDSS Maintainer/ Operator): | 100 |
| Element 7R (GMDSS Restricted): | 50 |
| Element 8 (Radar Endorsement): | 50 |
| Element 9 (GMDSS Maintainer): | 50 |
Resources
Question Pools
Below are a few of the study resources available for FCC license exams:
Licenses
Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP) - Element 1
Description
MPs, or MROPs, are required to operate radiotelephone stations aboard certain vessels that sail the Great Lakes. They are also required to operate radiotelephone stations aboard vessels of more than 300 gross tons and vessels which carry more than six passengers for hire in the open sea or any tidewater area of the United States. They are also required to operate certain aviation radiotelephone stations and certain coast radiotelephone stations.
Qualifications
To qualify, you must:
- be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; and
- be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and
- pass a written and/or telegraphy examination(s) as described below under Examinations.
Term of License
An MP is issued for the holder's lifetime. (Prior to March 25, 2008, the license term for an MP was five years. Any holder of an MP that expired prior to March 25, 2008, must still file an application to renew the permit within the five-year grace period after expiration.)
How to Obtain a License
Submit FCC Form 605 along with the appropriate Proof of Passing Certificates (for the requisite written examination element). Use the FCC Form 605 and the FCC Form 159 (fee processing form) to renew a license or to replace a lost, stolen, or mutilated license. Many Commercial Operator License Examination Managers (COLEMs) file these documents for applicants who test with them. Ask your COLEM if it provides this service to its customers.
General Radiotelephone Operator License (PG) - Elements 1 & 3
Description
A PG, or GROL, is required to adjust, maintain, or internally repair FCC licensed radiotelephone transmitters in the aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio services. It conveys all of the operating authority of the MP. It is also required to operate the following:
- any compulsorily equipped ship radiotelephone station operating with more than 1500 watts of peak envelope power.
- voluntarily equipped ship and aeronautical (including aircraft) stations with more than 1000 watts of peak envelope power.
If you hold a valid FCC GROL, and either the ETA Associate CET (CETa) or a Journeyman (CET) certification, then you are eligible for a rollover to an ETA Wireless Communications (WCM) certification! To apply, you will need to send a copy of your GROL certificate to ETA via fax (765) 653-4287 or email. You may also attach when filling out the online form. GROL rollovers are $75. NOTE: This rollover only applies to the new FCC question pools that went into effect December 26, 2009. No earlier licenses will be accepted.
Qualifications
To qualify, you must:
- be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; and
- be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and
- pass a written and/or telegraphy examination(s) as described below under Examinations.
Term of License
A PG is issued for the holder's lifetime.
How to Obtain a License
Submit FCC Form 605 along with the appropriate Proof of Passing Certificates (for the requisite written examination elements). Use the FCC Form 605 and the FCC Form 159 (fee processing form) to replace a lost, stolen, or mutilated license. Many Commercial Operator License Examination Managers (COLEMs) file these documents for applicants who test with them. Ask your COLEM if it provides this service to its customers.
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System Operator (DO) - Elements 1 & 7
New Element 7 & 7 Restricted Pools
The FCC has released two new question pools for the Element 7 and Element 7 Restricted. The old pools can be used until June 10, 2013. For more information, please read the press release.
Description
The DO, or GMDSS Operator, qualifies the holder to operate, and make some basic equipment adjustments to, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) radio installations. It also confers the operating authority of the MP.
Qualifications
To qualify, you must:
- be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; and
- be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and
- pass a written and/or telegraphy examination(s) as described below under Examinations.
Term of License
A DO is issued for the holder's lifetime. (Prior to March 25, 2008, the license term for a DO was five years. Any holder of a DO that expired prior to March 25, 2008, must still file an application to renew the license within the five-year grace period after expiration.)
How to Obtain a License
Submit FCC Form 605 along with the appropriate Proof of Passing Certificates (for the requisite written examination elements). Use the FCC Form 605 and the FCC Form 159 (fee processing form) to renew a license or to replace a lost, stolen, or mutilated license. Many Commercial Operator License Examination (COLE) Managers file these documents for applicants who test with them. Ask your COLEM if it provides this service to its customers.
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System - Restricted (RG) - Elements 1 & 7
New Element 7 & 7 Restricted Pools
The FCC has released two new question pools for the Element 7 and Element 7 Restricted. The old pools can be used until June 10, 2013. For more information, please read the press release.
Description
The RG, or GMDSS Restricted, qualifies the holder to operate, and make some basic equipment adjustments to, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) radio installations, but only on voyages that remain within twenty (20) nautical miles of shore. It also confers the operating authority of the MP.
Qualifications
To qualify, you must:
- be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; and
- be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and
- pass a written and/or telegraphy examination(s) as described below under Examinations.
Term of License
An RG is issued for the holder's lifetime. (Prior to March 25, 2008, the license term for an RG was five years.)
How to Obtain a License
Submit FCC Form 605 along with the appropriate Proof of Passing Certificates (for the requisite written examination elements). Use the FCC Form 605 and the FCC Form 159 (fee processing form) to renew a license or to replace a lost, stolen, or mutilated license. Many Commercial Operator License Examination (COLE) Managers file these documents for applicants who test with them. Ask your COLEM if it provides this service to its customers.
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System Maintainer (DM) - Elements 1, 3 & 9
New Element 9 Pool
The FCC has released a new question pool for the Element 9. The new Element 9 question pool date of effectiveness is October 3, 2013.
Description
The DM, or GMDSS Maintainer, qualifies personnel as GMDSS radio maintainers to perform at sea repair and maintenance of GMDSS equipment. It also confers the operating authority of the PG and MP. NOTE: In instances where an applicant qualifies for both a DO and a DM, the applicant qualifies to hold a GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License (DB).
Qualifications
To qualify, you must:
- be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; and
- be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and
- pass a written and/or telegraphy examination(s) as described below under Examinations.
Term of License
A DM is issued for the holder's lifetime. (Prior to March 25, 2008, the license term for a DM was five years. Any holder of a DM that expired prior to March 25, 2008, must still file an application to renew the license within the five-year grace period after expiration.)
How to Obtain a License
Submit FCC Form 605 along with the appropriate Proof of Passing Certificates (for the requisite written examination elements). Use the FCC Form 605 and the FCC Form 159 (fee processing form) to renew a license or to replace a lost, stolen, or mutilated license. Many Commercial Operator License Examination (COLE) Managers file these documents for applicants who test with them. Ask your COLEM if it provides this service to its customers.
Radiotelegraph Operator (T)
Radiotelegraph Change
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd class Radiotelegraph Operator Certificates will no longer be issued. The 1st and 2nd will be renewed as the Radiotelegraph Operator License. The 3rd class will be renewed as the Marine Radio Operator Permit. These new licenses will be lifetime. This took effect May 20, 2013.
Description
The T authorizes the holder to operate, repair, and maintain ship stations, and to repair and maintain coast radiotelegraph stations in the maritime services. It also confers all of the operating authority of a T2.
Qualifications
To qualify, you must:
- be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; and
- be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and
- pass a written and/or telegraphy examination(s) as required by the Rules.
Term of License
The T is issued for the holder's lifetime.
How to Obtain a License
Submit FCC Form 605 along with the appropriate Proof of Passing Certificates (for the requisite written and/or telegraphy examination elements) to apply. Use the FCC Form 605 and the FCC Form 159 (fee processing form) to renew your license or to replace a lost, stolen, or mutilated license. Many Commercial Operator License Examination Managers (COLEMs) file these documents for applicants who test with them. Ask your COLEM if it provides this service to its customers.
Ship Radar Endorsement - Element 8
Description
Only persons whose commercial radio operator license bears this endorsement may repair, maintain, or internally adjust ship radar equipment.
Qualifications
To qualify, you must:
- hold (or qualify for) a PG, DM, DB, T, T1, or T2; and
- pass a written examination as described below
Term of License
A DM is issued for the holder's lifetime. (Prior to March 25, 2008, the license term for a DM was five years. Any holder of a DM that expired prior to March 25, 2008, must still file an application to renew the license within the five-year grace period after expiration.)
How to Obtain a License
Submit FCC Form 605 along with the appropriate Proof of Passing Certificates (for the requisite written examination elements) to apply. (You do NOT need to submit FCC Form 159 (fee processing form) or any fees.) Many Commercial Operator License Examination Managers (COLEMs) file these documents for applicants who test with them. Ask your COLEM if it provides this service to its customers.
If you hold a valid FCC Element 8, and either the ETA Associate CET (CETa) or a Journeyman (CET) certification, then you are eligible for a rollover to an ETA RADAR (RAD) certification! To apply, you will need to send a copy of your Element 8 certificate to ETA via fax (765) 653-4287 or email. You may also attach when filling out the online form. Element 8+ rollovers are $75.
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