As one of only 12 Commercial Operator License Examination Managers (COLEMs) in the nation, ETA offers all of the commercial radio license exams available through the FCC. 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 licenses are lifetime and do not require maintenance/recertification.
Per Public Notice DA 15-72, the FCC no longer mails license authorizations. If you provide an email address on your application, a link to print your official copy of your license will be automatically emailed to you when the application has granted. Licensees may also log into the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS) to download official authorizations.
As a courtesy, ETA files FCC commercial licenses for free. Exams are processed and filed within 7-10 business days upon arrival at ETA headquarters.
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.
To qualify, you must:
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.)
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.
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:
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 FCC question pools that went into effect December 26, 2009. No earlier licenses will be accepted.
To qualify, you must:
A PG is issued for the holder's lifetime.
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.
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.
To qualify, you must:
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.)
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.
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.
To qualify, you must:
An RG is issued for the holder's lifetime. (Prior to March 25, 2008, the license term for an RG was five years.)
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.
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).
To qualify, you must:
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.)
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.
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.
To qualify, you must:
The T is issued for the holder's lifetime.
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.
Only persons whose commercial radio operator license bears this endorsement may repair, maintain, or internally adjust ship radar equipment.
To qualify, you must:
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.)
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.
*Price does not include any applicable FCC application fees.
One Element: | $50 |
Any Two Elements Taken Together: | $50 |
Additional Elements Taken At The Same Time: | $25 |
License Renewals: | $80 |
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 |
Below are a few of the study resources available for FCC license exams: