How soon after passing the examination for your first amateur radio license may you transmit on the amateur radio bands?
The correct answer is C: As soon as your operator/station license grant appears in the FCC's license database. According to FCC Part 97.5, you may begin transmitting as soon as your license appears in the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) database, even before receiving any paper documents in the mail.
The ULS database is the official record of FCC licenses. Once your license appears there (typically within a few days to a week after passing your exam), you are legally authorized to operate. You don't need to wait for a paper certificate, email notification, or any other document. The ULS listing is the legal proof of your license. Many new operators check the ULS database daily after their exam, eager to see their call sign appear and start operating.
Exam Tip
Start operating = ULS database listing. Remember: As soon as your call sign appears in the FCC ULS database, you can legally operate. Don't wait for paper mail or other notifications.
Memory Aid
"**U**LS **L**isting = **U**nlock **L**icense (think 'UL = UL')"
Real-World Application
You pass your Technician exam on Saturday. On Tuesday, you check the FCC ULS website, search for your name, and see your new call sign KA1ABC listed with Technician privileges. At that moment, you can legally turn on your radio and start making contacts - you don't need to wait for any certificate in the mail. The ULS listing is your proof of license.
FCC Part 97.5Key Concepts
Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. The CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination) proves you passed the exam, but it doesn't grant operating privileges. You must wait until your license appears in the ULS database.
Option B: Incorrect. The ARRL website is not the official FCC database. Only the FCC ULS database grants legal operating authority.
Option D: Incorrect. You don't need to wait for paper mail. The ULS database listing is sufficient for legal operation.
题目解析
The correct answer is C: As soon as your operator/station license grant appears in the FCC's license database. According to FCC Part 97.5, you may begin transmitting as soon as your license appears in the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) database, even before receiving any paper documents in the mail. The ULS database is the official record of FCC licenses. Once your license appears there (typically within a few days to a week after passing your exam), you are legally authorized to operate. You don't need to wait for a paper certificate, email notification, or any other document. The ULS listing is the legal proof of your license. Many new operators check the ULS database daily after their exam, eager to see their call sign appear and start operating.
考试技巧
Start operating = ULS database listing. Remember: As soon as your call sign appears in the FCC ULS database, you can legally operate. Don't wait for paper mail or other notifications.
记忆口诀
**U**LS **L**isting = **U**nlock **L**icense (think 'UL = UL')
实际应用示例
You pass your Technician exam on Saturday. On Tuesday, you check the FCC ULS website, search for your name, and see your new call sign KA1ABC listed with Technician privileges. At that moment, you can legally turn on your radio and start making contacts - you don't need to wait for any certificate in the mail. The ULS listing is your proof of license.
错误选项分析
Option A: Incorrect. The CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination) proves you passed the exam, but it doesn't grant operating privileges. You must wait until your license appears in the ULS database. Option B: Incorrect. The ARRL website is not the official FCC database. Only the FCC ULS database grants legal operating authority. Option D: Incorrect. You don't need to wait for paper mail. The ULS database listing is sufficient for legal operation.
知识点
FCC Part 97.5, ULS database, License activation, Universal Licensing System
Verified Content
Question from official FCC Technician Class question pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators.