[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/FCC TCB Certification Process FCCTCBequipment authorization # FCC TCB Certification Process: Equipment Authorization Through a Telecommunications Certification Body All intentional radio transmitters — Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, Zigbee — must receive FCC Certification through an accredited Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB) before they can be legally sold in the United States. Understanding how the TCB process works helps you move through it efficiently. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Ffcc-tcb-process) [Check my FCC requirements](/platform/new) What is a TCB ## The role of Telecommunications Certification Bodies in FCC authorization The FCC does not directly review equipment authorization applications for most product categories. Instead, it accredits private organizations — Telecommunications Certification Bodies — to perform equipment authorization on its behalf under 47 CFR Part 2, Subpart J. TCBs are accredited under the requirements of ISO/IEC 17065 and the FCC's TCB-specific accreditation requirements. When a TCB issues a grant of equipment authorization, it has the same legal effect as a direct FCC grant. The product receives an FCC ID and appears in the FCC Equipment Authorization database. TCBs can only certify equipment in the product categories and frequency ranges for which they hold accreditation — a TCB accredited for Part 15 devices cannot certify a cellular infrastructure device regulated under Part 22. As of 2025, there are approximately 18 accredited TCBs worldwide, including US-based, European, and Asian organizations. Many test laboratories operate their own affiliated TCBs, enabling a single-stop shop for testing and certification. Application process ## What you submit to the TCB and what they review The TCB application package for FCC Certification typically includes: test reports (complete measurement data from an accredited laboratory demonstrating compliance with all applicable FCC rules); FCC ID application (submission of the grantee code and product code); product description (block diagram, schematics, photographs of external views and internal construction, and description of operation); user manual (with required FCC compliance statements and interference notices); and labelling samples showing FCC ID placement in the required format and location. The TCB reviews the application against the applicable FCC rules and KDB procedures. Most TCBs complete their review within 5-15 business days for a complete, clean application. Incomplete applications or applications with questions about test coverage extend this timeline significantly. Changes after certification ## Permissive changes, C2PC, and new applications FCC Certification covers a specific equipment design as tested. Changes after certification may require notification or reauthorization depending on the nature and magnitude of the change. Class I permissive changes (minor changes that do not affect radiated emissions or fundamental compliance) can be made without notifying the TCB but must be documented. Class II permissive changes (modified antenna, revised transmitter circuit, new operating mode) require a TCB application with updated test data. Substantial changes require a new FCC ID and new certification application. The FCC's Knowledge Database (KDB) publication KDB 953509 defines the criteria for Class I and Class II permissive changes. Consult the applicable KDB for your product category before filing a change application to confirm the correct classification. Software-defined radios or devices where user programming could enable emission outside the original certified parameters may require new applications for each configuration. ## Learn this properly, not just for one product In-depth courses and books that teach the process — not a one-off answer you'll need to look up again next time. [Start the course — $149](/courses/02-fcc-authorization-for-hardware-startups)See your free roadmap [Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/02-fcc-authorization-for-hardware-startups) ## Frequently asked questions ### How is an FCC ID structured? An FCC ID consists of two parts: the grantee code and the product code. The grantee code is a 3-5 character alphanumeric identifier assigned to the equipment authorization holder by the FCC. The product code is assigned by the grantee and can be up to 14 characters. The full FCC ID appears as GRANTEE-PRODUCT (e.g., XYZAB-MODEL01) and must appear on the device in the specified format and location. ### Can a foreign manufacturer hold an FCC grantee code? Yes. The grantee code can be held by a foreign manufacturer. The responsible party for FCC compliance must be identifiable and able to cooperate with FCC enforcement. Many foreign manufacturers use a US-based representative or their US importer as the grantee, but this is not strictly required. ### How long does FCC Certification take? Assuming complete, clean application documentation and test reports, most TCBs complete their review in 5-15 business days. A full-cycle compliance campaign typically takes 8-16 weeks from test submission to grant, with lab lead times as the primary schedule driver. ### What is the FCC KDB? The FCC Knowledge Database (KDB) is a collection of published guidance documents that clarify FCC requirements for specific product types, test procedures, and compliance scenarios. Test reports and certification applications typically reference applicable KDB publications. See our separate guide on using the FCC KDB for more detail. 🇺🇸 US roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇺🇸 US compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $149](/courses/02-fcc-authorization-for-hardware-startups)[Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/02-fcc-authorization-for-hardware-startups) Related guides * [FCC SDoC Supplier's DeclarationFCC SDoC explained: which devices qualify, required content, responsible party obligations, record-keeping, and when Certificat…](/guides/fcc-sdoc-supplier-declaration) * [FCC Part 15 Class A vs Class BFCC Part 15 Class A vs Class B explained: how to classify your digital device, emission limits, residential vs commercial use, …](/guides/fcc-part-15-class-a-vs-b) * [FCC KDB GuideThe FCC's Knowledge Database (KDB) publishes official guidance on FCC equipment authorization rules and test procedures.](/guides/fcc-kdb-guide) * [ISED Canada CertificationComplete guide to ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development) Canada equipment certification: IC ID format, RSS standar…](/guides/ised-canada-certification) * [How to Work with a Test LabTest lab engagement strategy significantly affects CE, FCC, and global certification timelines and costs.](/guides/test-lab-engagement-guide) Educational resource only. Verify current FCC rules and KDB guidance with your test laboratory before certification.