What proves that the FCC has issued an operator/primary license grant?
A printed copy of the certificate of successful completion of examination
Incorrect. A printed copy of the certificate of successful completion of examination is proof that you have passed the exam, but it does not indicate that the FCC has issued your license.
An email notification from the NCVEC granting the license
Incorrect. An email notification from the NCVEC (National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators) can inform you of your results, but it is not an official document from the FCC granting your license.
The license appears in the FCC ULS database
Correct. The appearance of your license in the FCC ULS database is official proof that the FCC has issued your license, as it is the authoritative source for license records.
All these choices are correct
Incorrect. This choice is incorrect because neither a certificate of examination nor an email notification constitutes official proof of an FCC-issued license; only the ULS database serves this official function.
Explanation
Understanding how to verify that the FCC has granted an operator/primary license is crucial for any amateur radio operator. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) is the governing body that oversees all amateur radio operations in the United States, and ensuring that you have a valid license is legally required to operate on amateur radio frequencies. The correct answer to the question is that ‘The license appears in the FCC ULS database’. The Universal Licensing System (ULS) database is a centralized repository that the FCC uses to manage and track all radio licenses, including amateur radio licenses. Once you pass your examination and your results are sent to the FCC, your license grant is processed and, if successful, posted in the ULS database. This database is publicly accessible, which provides a reliable means for both the licensee and others to verify the status of the license. Ensuring that your license appears in this database is the definitive proof that the FCC has issued your license, rather than relying on physical documents or emails that can be lost or forged.
T1A05 – 2022-2026