Pinson, AL Exam Site Information
Amateur radio license testing is conducted monthly. The exam sessions are normally scheduled for the fourth Saturday of the month. If a holiday or special event falls on or adjacent to the fourth Saturday, the exam is scheduled to adjust for the holiday. Please see the Testing Schedule page for specific dates.
The exam sessions are held at the Pinson Valley High School, 6895 AL-75, Pinson, AL 35126.
Please see the map below for directions.
We offer exams for all elements: Technician (Element 2), General (Element 3) and Amateur Extra (Element 4).
UPDATE: Beginning this month (Nov 2022) the exam sessions start promptly at 9:00 AM. Please plan to arrive between 8:45 and 9:00 AM.
The information below applies to ALL exams taken with the CAVEC Pinson team.
*** Preregistration is required due to COVID-19 safety guidelines that must be followed. All examinees must wear a mask while in the building and safety precautions will be taken regarding sanitation. Please preregister two days prior to each testing session by contacting Ken Moore at jkmoore@jefcoed.com or 205-482-4237. *** You can also Pre-register for our exam sessions on Hamstudy at hamstudy.org/sessions/ab4wl/all
What you need to bring to the exam session:
1) Government-issued picture ID.
2) If currently licensed, the official copy (signed) and an extra copy of your current FCC amateur radio license. The extra copy will be attached to your NCVEC Form 605 (License Application.)
3) Test fee, CASH ONLY, exact amount (if possible): $5.00
**One fee will cover all tests taken at a particular session…no extra charge for extra tests (or retests)!**
4) Any current CSCEs that have not yet shown up in the FCC database.
5) Your FCC Registration Number (FRN). You have to apply for an FRN at the FCC website at least one week ahead of the exam session you plan to attend. More information is located here: FRN Info
Calculators: Non-programmable calculators are allowed. Programmable calculators are NOT ALLOWED unless their memories can be cleared or reset at the exam session site by the testing crew prior to the start of the exam. The decision as to whether a calculator will be allowed to be used rests with the Chief Volunteer Examiner/Session Manager and that decision is final.
Cell phone/tablet Calculator Apps will not be used.
Cell Phones, Tablets and other Personal Electronic Devices: These devices will be placed on “silent” or turned off and removed from the examinee’s position prior to the start of the exam.
Special Needs Accommodation: If you cannot take the exam in its standard written form, or at our regular location, we will do our absolute best to provide an alternative testing situation. However, please be advised that we probably will NOT be able to accommodate you on a walk-in basis at one of our regular test sessions. Please contact us ahead of the exam session you plan to attend and we will work out a plan to offer you an exam session that takes your needs into account.
Different organizations offer testing as follows: Birmingham alternating between Birminham and Pelham, two Shelby County exams, two Blount County exams, Pell City, and Pinson CAVEC there is an exam offered every weekend in the greater Birminham area.
We look forward to serving you and being a positive part of your amateur radio experience. Please feel to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
73,
-Ken
Ken Moore
AB4WL
CAVEC Pinson Chief Volunteer Examiner
jkmoore@jefcoed.com