Before you can take your amateur radio license exam, you’ll need an FCC Registration Number (FRN).
Your FRN is your unique identifier with the Federal Communications Commission. It is required for all license applications and exam processing. Without it, you cannot receive a callsign after passing your test.
The process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes.
Step 1: Create Your FCC Account (CORES)
Start by creating an account in the FCC’s CORES system:
Go to: https://apps.fcc.gov/cores
Click “Register” under the “Need a Username?” section.
You will be asked to provide:
- Email address (this becomes your username)
- Password (12–15 characters)
- Full legal name
- Phone number
- Security question and answer
- Optional secondary email
Once submitted, check your email for a verification message from the FCC and click the confirmation link to activate your account.
Step 2: Register for Your FRN
After your account is active:
- Return to https://apps.fcc.gov/cores
- Log in using your new credentials
- Select “Register New FRN”
- Choose Individual and confirm you have a U.S. address
- Proceed with CORES FRN registration
You will be prompted to enter identifying information, including your Social Security Number. This is required by the FCC to issue your registration.
Once completed, the system will generate your FRN immediately.
What Happens Next
After registering, you will receive your FCC Registration Number on-screen.
Save it.
You will need your FRN when:
- registering for your exam session
- completing licensing paperwork
- receiving your callsign after passing
Why This Matters
This step is often overlooked, but it is required before you can get licensed.
If you show up to an exam session without an FRN, you may not be able to complete the process that day.
Taking a few minutes to set this up now ensures a smooth path from testing to getting on the air.
SCRG Tip
If your goal is to get your ham radio license in Las Vegas and start using it right away, do this step first, then move directly into studying for the Technician exam.
Once you pass, the Sin City Repeater Group network is already active and waiting. You won’t be getting licensed into silence—you’ll have a system to use from day one.