Certificates of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCEs)
What Is a CSCE?
A CSCE must be issued to every candidate who passes one or more exam elements. It documents the element(s) passed and the license class earned. ExamTools generates and emails the CSCE automatically when the session is finalized and VEs sign electronically.
A CSCE is valid for 365 days from the date of issue, or until the FCC updates the applicant's ULS record, whichever comes first.
Operating Authority From a CSCE
| Situation | Operating Authority |
|---|---|
| New applicant (previously unlicensed) who passes exam | NO transmitting authority. Must wait until a license grant appears in the FCC ULS database. |
| Expired licensee who passes exam | NO renewed privileges from the CSCE alone. Must wait for FCC ULS to show an active license. |
| Currently licensed applicant who earns an upgrade | May operate under the new (higher) license class privileges immediately, using a temporary identifier appended to their call sign. |
Temporary identifiers for upgrades (appended after the call sign):
/KT: Novice upgrading to Technician/AG: Technician upgrading to General class privileges/AE: General or Advanced upgrading to Amateur Extra class privileges
Completing the CSCE
- ExamTools populates and distributes the CSCE automatically for electronic sessions.
- Three VEs must sign the CSCE
- The applicant must sign the CSCE in the presence of a VE.
- Give the applicant their copy of the CSCE immediately. Advise them to retain it as permanent proof of exam credit.
- The team retains a copy for its records.
Pre-1987 Technician "Paper Upgrade" to General
An applicant who holds a currently valid Technician license that was originally issued before March 21, 1987 is entitled to General class credit without taking Element 3. They must appear at a VE session — in person or remote — with valid proof of the pre-1987 license. Issue a CSCE showing General class earned and process a Form 605. No exam is required for this credit.