Before your electronic product is approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), it needs to undergo a comprehensive testing process. This procedure allows the FCC to determine whether your product is safe for consumers to use. Once you’ve registered with the FCC, you’ll need to get in touch with a regulatory testing facility, or test lab, to begin external FCC testing. The results of these tests will ultimately determine whether your product can be manufactured, sold and distributed in the United States whether you are in Arizona, California, Texas, Canada, Mexico or Australia. 

One of the most common questions people have regarding the testing process is pricing or how much it costs. If you are planning on submitting your electronic device for official FCC certification, it is important to ensure that you are financially prepared for this step. 

Here is everything you need to know about the cost of FCC testing.

Which Type of Testing Is Right for You?

The total cost of FCC certification depends on the type of FCC testing that you need. To choose the right testing or FCC standards for your product, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the main forms of FCC testing.

The most rigorous type of testing is FCC Part 15 Certification. The purpose of this testing is to verify that the electromagnetic interference, or EMI, emitted by your product does not exceed the FCC’s limits. FCC Part 15 Certification also ensures that your electronic device meets all of the necessary technical specifications and administrative requirements as well. 

Both unintentional radiators and intentional radiators are categorized as Part 15 devices. Intentional radiators are devices that emit radio frequency, or RF, energy in order to operate, while unintentional radiators are devices that may emit radio frequency (RF) waves by accident while being used. Examples of products classified as Part 15 devices include mechanical light switches, cash registers, coffee pots, computers, printers, telephones, Wi-Fi transmitters and Bluetooth devices.

Another common testing category is FCC Part 18 Certification. This category includes products that are used to provide radio frequency (RF) energy for a purpose other than telecommunications applications. Examples of these products include microwave ovens, fluorescent lights, halogen ballasts, arc welders and medical diathermy machines.

Average Cost of Testing

Once you have determined which type of testing is right for you, it’s time to check the pricing for each option. First, keep in mind that the cost of FCC testing depends on several factors, including the type of electronic device you are selling into market and how much work is involved within the testing process. That said, there are a few average estimates that you can use as a guide.

Generally speaking, one can expect to pay anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000 for FCC testing. However, testing for modules & more complex devices can be much costlier. In addition, it is important to take other expenses into consideration, such as the cost of labor. The total cost is also influenced by how extensive the testing process is.

Overall, be sure to plan ahead for these expenses before beginning the testing process. Once you have a clearer idea of what the specific process will look like for you, you’ll be much better prepared for each step of it, as they arrive. 

Get the Help You Need During FCC Testing

When you want to ensure that your products fulfill the FCC’s requirements, you need an experienced and credible regulatory test lab to help you through the process. Reach out to Compliance Testing today to learn more about the pre-compliance & compliance value-added services we’ve been providing to manufacturers like you since 1963. 

Let CT’s team of seasoned test engineers & client advocates help you earn the official seal of FCC certification fast, easy & painlessly today.