getontheairUpgrading and becoming a VE
Most hams start as Technicians. Upgrading opens most of HF (General) and then all of it (Extra). Once you're licensed at General or above, you can also help others take the same exams as a Volunteer Examiner (VE). This page covers both.
Independent guide, not affiliated with the FCC, NCVEC, ARRL VEC or any VEC. Practice for every element with our free Ticket to Talk (Technician, General and Extra).
Upgrade & VE v1.0 · written 2026-10-08 · Part 97 (eCFR, Oct 1, 2026) and question-pool dates checked as of Oct 2026
What each upgrade adds (US, ITU Region 2)
| Upgrade | What you gain | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Technician → General | Most of every HF band: phone, CW and data on 160, 80/75, 40, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 m, plus 60 m (see 60 m for its special limits), and CW and data on 30 m. General can also give Technician exams as a VE. | Element 3: 35 questions, 26 to pass |
| General → Extra | The remaining HF slices: 3.500–3.525 and 3.600–3.800 MHz, 7.000–7.025 and 7.125–7.175 MHz, 14.000–14.025 and 14.150–14.225 MHz, and 21.000–21.025 and 21.200–21.275 MHz. Also full CEPT privileges abroad, and the right to give all three exams as a VE. | Element 4: 50 questions, 37 to pass |
Band edges are from §97.301, and question counts from §97.503. Which modes are allowed where is in §97.305. What a Technician already has on HF: Technician HF. Traveling? CEPT covers Extra (General only partly): Operating away.
To see what an upgrade unlocks at a particular frequency, enter it in the band-plan checker and switch the class between Technician, General and Extra.
Question pools in force (as of Oct 2026)
| Element | Pool valid | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Technician (Element 2) | July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2030 | New pool this year. Make sure your study material is the 2026 version. |
| General (Element 3) | July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2027 | A new General pool takes effect July 1, 2027. If you're studying now, aim to test before then, or switch to the new pool's material once it's released. |
| Extra (Element 4) | July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2028 | Current through mid-2028 |
Source: ARRL question pools and NCVEC. The NCVEC Question Pool Committee writes the pools, and only one pool per element is in use at a time.
How the upgrade itself works
- Same session format as your first exam, in person or online. Find sessions through the links on What a license costs, which also lists session fees by coordinator.
- You can take more than one element in a sitting if the session allows it. Many people pass General and try Extra the same day.
- No FCC fee for an upgrade. Your call sign stays the same unless you apply for a new one.
- Credit lasts 365 days. The CSCE your VE team gives you credits each element you passed for 365 days (§97.505(b)).
- Use it right away. Until the upgrade shows in ULS, add /AG (General) or /AE (Extra) after your call when you use the new privileges. Details: What a license costs.
Study tips
- Learn it, don't just memorize it. General's propagation, safety and operating rules are what you'll use on HF every day. Extra's circuits and math are harder. Spread study over weeks, a little each day.
- Practice until your scores hold steady. Take full practice exams until you're consistently well above the passing score, not just scraping 26 of 35 or 37 of 50.
- Get on the air between upgrades. Operating HF as a General makes much of the Extra material make sense.
- Ask your club. Many run upgrade classes. See Clubs & Elmers.
Becoming a Volunteer Examiner
VEs are the licensed volunteers who run every US amateur exam session. Exams need a team of at least three VEs (§97.509(a)), so local sessions depend on people stepping up.
Who can be a VE (§97.509(b)):
- Accredited by the VEC that coordinates the session
- At least 18 years old
- Holds General or higher. A General can give the Technician exam, Advanced or Extra is needed for the General exam, and Extra is needed for the Extra exam.
- Has never had an amateur license revoked or suspended
VEs also may not test their own relatives, must observe the examinees for the whole exam, and may not take payment beyond what the rules permit (§97.509(c)–(e)).
How to get accredited (ARRL VEC example). Per ARRL, it's free:
- Read the ARRL VE Manual and its current supplement.
- Complete the VE application and the open-book review.
- Send the forms to the ARRL VEC. ARRL says to allow 3–4 weeks for your badge and certificate.
Other VECs (W5YI, GLAARG, Laurel and more) have their own steps. NCVEC lists them. Your VE accreditation is only valid while your own license is current.
What a session is like: you'll check IDs and paperwork, proctor and grade exams, and sign CSCEs and the application forms. It's a few hours, and you get to hand someone their first passing CSCE.
Habits / gotchas / checklist
Sources (checked Oct 2026)
- 47 CFR via eCFR: §97.301, §97.305, §97.503, §97.505, §97.509.
- ARRL question pools and Become an ARRL VE. NCVEC.
Notes & edits
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