FCC Certification & Equipment Authorization
Compatible Electronics (CETCB) is an FCC-authorized Telecommunications Certification Body. Under Title 47, Part 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations, we evaluate and grant equipment authorizations directly — typically in under two weeks — for FCC Part 15, Part 18, and a wide range of wireless and RF devices.
Compatible Electronics as an FCC-Authorized TCB
The TCB (Telecommunications Certification Body) system was implemented in 2000 to allow the FCC to step out of the product approvals role and focus on regulating and market surveillance. Until this system was implemented, most products which intentionally radiate radio frequency energy — and products which connect to the public switched telephone network — were required to be certified directly with the FCC, a process that often took several months.
Compatible Electronics, Inc. has been appointed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to serve as a Telecommunication Certification Body (CETCB). In accordance with Title 47, Part 2 of the CFR, Compatible Electronics, Inc. is authorized to evaluate and grant equipment approvals required under FCC rules. CETCB can certify these types of products generally in less than two weeks.
Our scope of accreditation covers FCC Part 15 for both intentional and unintentional radiators, as well as Part 18 ISM equipment. All testing is performed at our NVLAP-accredited, ILAC-MRA recognized Southern California facilities.
TCB Testing & Certification Capabilities
Our accredited scope covers both the testing and the certification issuance for the device categories below. A single test campaign at Compatible Electronics can often satisfy FCC requirements alongside Canada ICES and international market requirements.
FCC Part 15 Devices
- Part 15B — Unintentional radiators
- Part 15C — Intentional radiators
- Part 15D — Unlicensed PCS devices
- Part 15E — UNII devices (no DFS)
- Part 15F–H — UWB, BPL, White Space
Wireless & RF Device Types
Test Methods (NVLAP Accredited)
- ANSI C63.4 (2014) — unintentional radiators
- ANSI C63.10 (2013) — intentional radiators
- ANSI C63.17 (2013) — UPCS devices
- FCC OST/MP-5 — Part 18 ISM equipment
- KDB publications — mmWave, FHSS, DTS
Part 18 ISM Equipment
- FCC Part 18 industrial, scientific & medical RF generators
- FCC OST/MP-5 measurement procedures
- ICES-001 for simultaneous Canada certification
- EN 55011 / AS CISPR 11 for international markets
- CISPR 11 for CE marking and global compliance
FCC Equipment Authorization Methods
Information presented here is derived from FCC CFR Title 47. The two primary authorization methods under FCC rules are Certification and Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). For the official rules, see Title 47 at e-CFR.
Certification (TCB Grant)
- An equipment authorization issued by a TCB, based on representations and test data submitted by the applicant.
- Required for most intentional radiators (FCC Part 15C, 15D, 15E) and for scanning receivers, radar detectors, Access BPL, and certain other device types.
- Compatible Electronics (CETCB) issues the Grant of Equipment Authorization directly — no FCC routing required.
- CFR Title 47, Part 2.907
Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)
- A procedure where the responsible party makes measurements or completes other procedures to ensure the equipment complies with the appropriate technical standards.
- Submittal of a sample unit to the Commission is not required unless specifically requested pursuant to §2.945.
- Available for most Class A and Class B digital devices, computers, peripherals, and many receiver types.
- CFR Title 47, Part 2.906
Intentional Radiators
- Devices that intentionally generate and emit RF energy by radiation or induction.
- Except as otherwise exempted (§§15.211, 15.213, 15.221), all intentional radiators under Part 15 must be certified by a TCB prior to marketing.
- Carrier current systems and devices below 490 kHz (≥40 dB below limits) may use SDoC.
- CFR Title 47, Part 15.201(a)&(b)
Unintentional Radiators
- Devices that intentionally generate RF energy for use within the device but are not intended to emit RF energy by radiation or induction.
- Most Class A and Class B digital devices may use SDoC or Certification.
- Scanning receivers, radar detectors, and Access BPL require Certification.
- CFR Title 47, Part 15.3(z); Part 15.101
ⓘ Class A vs. Class B: Class A devices are marketed for use in commercial, industrial, or business environments. Class B devices are marketed for residential use and typically face more stringent emission limits. The responsible party selects the authorization method (SDoC or Certification) where both options are available.
Authorization Requirements by Device Type
The table below is derived from CFR Title 47, Part 15.101. Where more than one authorization category is shown, the responsible party has the option to select the type of authorization. Note that Compatible Electronics can issue Certification grants directly as a TCB for all device types requiring Certification.
| Type of Device |
Authorization Required |
| TV broadcast receiver | SDoC or Certification |
| FM broadcast receiver | SDoC or Certification |
| CB receiver | SDoC or Certification |
| Super regenerative receiver | SDoC or Certification |
| Scanning receiver | Certification required |
| Radar detectors | Certification required |
| All other receivers subject to Part 15 | SDoC or Certification |
| TV interface device | SDoC or Certification |
| Cable system terminal device (CSTD) | SDoC or Certification |
| Class B personal computers and peripherals | SDoC or Certification |
| CPU boards and internal power supplies (Class B PCs) | SDoC or Certification |
| Class B external switching power supplies | SDoC or Certification |
| Other Class B digital devices and peripherals | SDoC or Certification |
| Class A digital devices, peripherals and switching power supplies | SDoC or Certification |
| Access Broadband over Power Line (Access BPL) | Certification required |
| All other devices | SDoC or Certification |
The FCC Certification Process
The process for obtaining FCC equipment authorization begins as soon as you are ready to move toward mass production. Below is the typical path through Compatible Electronics as your TCB.
1
Select Your Radio Frequency
Research which frequencies are legally open for your equipment. Consider range, power consumption, and applicable FCC rules. Pre-compliance consulting at this stage can prevent costly redesigns later.
2
Pre-Compliance Testing
As you develop your product you can perform pre-compliance tests to identify issues early. While not required, these tests help avoid unexpected failures during final compliance testing and protect your market window.
3
Register With the FCC
Obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN) and a Grantee Code from the FCC's CORES system. You must have these before a TCB can issue a Grant of Equipment Authorization for your device.
4
Compliance Testing
Submit your production-ready prototype and all technical documentation to Compatible Electronics. Our accredited engineers perform all required measurements at our Southern California facilities using NVLAP-accredited test methods.
5
Receive FCC Test Report
Once testing is complete, Compatible Electronics compiles an FCC test report showing that your device passed and meets FCC standards. Our reports are prepared by experienced engineers and formatted to meet TCB submission requirements.
6
Compile Documentation
Your company provides all necessary documentation (user manual, block diagram, schematics, operational description, etc.). Compatible Electronics compiles the complete FCC application package for TCB review.
7
Receive Grant of Equipment Authorization
As your TCB, Compatible Electronics reviews and grants the FCC equipment authorization directly. You receive a Grant of Equipment Authorization, and your device can be legally sold and marketed in the United States. No FCC routing required — grants issued typically in under two weeks.
🔎 FCC Label Requirements: All certified products must display an FCC ID directly on the product. Finished products incorporating an approved transmitter module (e.g., a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module) must display the FCC ID of the approved module. If the finished product contains a previously unapproved transmitter and the manufacturer performs certification on the complete product, the FCC ID label must appear on the product exterior.
Impartiality Statement
The following policy is accepted by members representing stakeholders and shall be adhered to by all staff of the Compatible Electronics, Inc. Telecom Certification Body (CETCB).
We take our responsibility seriously to ensure impartiality and freedom from vested interests in all aspects of our certification business. For the sake of its integrity and professional standing, CETCB and its staff recognize that it must be, and must be seen to be, making decisions and establishing policies to prevent or resolve conflicts of interest so as not to influence subsequent activities of CETCB adversely.
To ensure compliance with the requirements for impartiality, the CETCB has developed and implemented appropriate policies and documented procedures for its certification operations. For more information regarding Compatible Electronics' TCB (CETCB), see our conformity assessment page or feel free to contact us.
Marketing of Radio Frequency Devices (47 CFR Part 2.803)
No person may market a radio frequency device unless one of the following conditions is met:
Devices Subject to Certification
- The device has been authorized in accordance with subpart J of Part 2
- The device is properly identified and labeled as required by §2.925
- All other relevant labeling and administrative requirements are met
Devices Subject to SDoC
- The device complies with all applicable technical standards
- All labeling and identification requirements are satisfied
- All administrative requirements of subpart J of Part 2 are met
Devices Not Requiring a Grant
- The device complies with all applicable technical standards prior to use
- All labeling and identification requirements are met
- All relevant administrative requirements are satisfied
Source: CFR Title 47, Part 2.803, paragraphs (a) & (b)
Key FCC Terms & Definitions
The following definitions are derived from CFR Title 47 and are relevant to understanding FCC equipment authorization. For the full regulatory text, see Title 47 at e-CFR.
Intentional Radiator
A device that intentionally generates and emits radio frequency energy by radiation or induction. (47 CFR §15.3(o))
Unintentional Radiator
A device that intentionally generates RF energy for use within the device but is not intended to emit RF energy by radiation or induction. (47 CFR §15.3(z))
Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB)
An organization designated by the FCC to approve equipment as required under Part 2. A TCB processes applications, determines compliance, and issues a written grant of equipment authorization. (47 CFR §2.960)
Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)
A procedure where the responsible party makes measurements or completes other procedures to ensure the equipment complies with applicable technical standards. Sample submission to the Commission is not required unless specifically requested. (47 CFR §2.906)
Class A Digital Device
A digital device marketed for use in a commercial, industrial, or business environment, exclusive of a device marketed for use by the general public or intended for home use. (47 CFR §15.3(h))
Class B Digital Device
A digital device marketed for use in a residential environment. Includes personal computers and similar devices marketed to the general public. Subject to more stringent emission limits than Class A. (47 CFR §15.3(i))
RF Energy
Electromagnetic energy at any frequency in the radio spectrum between 9 kHz and 3,000,000 MHz. (47 CFR §15.3(u))
Carrier Current System
A system that transmits RF energy by conduction over electric power lines. Can be designed for reception by conduction (unintentional radiator) or over-the-air from the power lines (intentional radiator). (47 CFR §15.3(f))
FCC Part 15
Sets out regulations under which an intentional, unintentional, or incidental radiator may be operated without an individual license. Contains technical specifications, administrative requirements and conditions for marketing Part 15 devices. View Part 15 at e-CFR
Responsible Party
The party responsible for equipment compliance. For SDoC equipment, the responsible party must be located in the United States. See 47 CFR §2.909 for the complete definition.
Why Compatible Electronics for FCC Certification?
⚡
TCB Grants in Under Two Weeks — we issue the Grant of Equipment Authorization directly, bypassing the FCC queue entirely
🔬
NVLAP Accredited, ILAC-MRA Recognized — ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited lab, NVLAP Lab Code 200527-0; data accepted in 100+ countries
🌎
One Campaign, Multiple Markets — FCC data can often be leveraged toward Canada ICES, CE marking, and other international certifications
👁
Customer Witnessing Welcome — engineers may attend and observe testing at any of our three facilities in Lake Forest, Brea, and Newbury Park
Related FCC Testing & Certification Services
FCC certification draws on a broad range of underlying RF, EMC, and wireless test capabilities. Below are the most commonly requested services alongside FCC equipment authorization.
Ready to Get Your FCC Equipment Authorization?
Contact Compatible Electronics to file your FCC certification application or get a quote. As an authorized TCB, we can issue your Grant of Equipment Authorization typically in under two weeks.
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