FCC Implements $35 Filing Fee

As of April 19, 2022, the FCC has implemented a $35 filing fee for new commercial radio operator license applications (MROP, GROL, GMDSS, etc.). ETA promptly files license applications on behalf of individuals who complete FCC exam elements. Applicants will now receive an email from the official FCC email address instructing them to log into their CORES account to pay the fee and finalize their pending application.


FCC Logo

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.


Licenses

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.

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 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

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 & 7R

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

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)

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.

Pricing

*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

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

Question Pools

Below are a few of the study resources available for FCC license exams: