From American Certification Body, Inc. (ACB)
Selling electronic products in the United States? You’ll likely need FCC approval to ensure your device doesn’t interfere with other equipment or violate safety standards. FCC regulations apply to most devices that emit radio frequency (RF) energy above 9 kHz—whether intentional or not.
Skipping FCC certification can result in fines, product delays, or blocked sales, so following the right process is essential.
Which Products Need FCC Certification?
Devices fall into two categories:
- Intentional Radiators – Products that intentionally transmit RF energy (e.g., wireless routers, smartwatches, Bluetooth headsets).
- Unintentional Radiators – Devices that unintentionally emit RF energy during use (e.g., TVs, computers, LED displays).
They are also classified by usage:
- Class A – Designed for industrial or commercial use.
- Class B – Intended for residential or home use (with stricter emissions limits).
FCC Authorization Options
The FCC offers three approval paths based on the type of device:
Verification
For simple devices or those using pre-certified radio modules. No FCC filing is required.
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
Applies to personal computers and peripherals. Requires testing by an FCC-accredited lab, and the product must display the FCC logo.
Certification
Required for most wireless devices. Issued by a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) like American Certification Body, Inc. (ACB). Certified devices must display an FCC ID.
5 Steps to FCC Certification
Partner with ACB – Your Global Wireless Compliance Expert
Step 1: Choose Your Frequency & Design for Compliance
Review the FCC’s spectrum rules to choose the right frequency bands and design your product accordingly. Consider power output, antenna type, shielding, and use case to ensure compatibility with FCC limits. Helpful resource: Table of Frequency Allocations Chart
Step 2: Run Pre-Compliance Testing
Before sending your product for full testing, perform pre-scans or in-house evaluations. These early tests help identify potential RF issues before they become costly. Helpful resource: EMC Bench Notes: Pre-Compliance Testing for Radiated Emissions Written by By Kenneth Wyatt for Incompliance Magazine
Step 3: Register with the FCC
Create an account in the FCC CORES system to get your FCC Registration Number (FRN) and apply for a Grantee Code. Both are required to move forward with certification.
Step 4: Perform Compliance Testing at an Accredited Lab
Choose an FCC-recognized test lab and submit your final product sample along with required technical documents. Testing includes measuring RF emissions, power output, and frequency accuracy. Testing Laboratory Qualifications
Once testing is complete, American Certification Body, Inc. (ACB) will review the test results and manage the certification process.
Step 5: Certification Approval & FCC Listing
Once approved, ACB will issue a Grant of Equipment Authorization and upload your device to the FCC database. You can now legally market and sell your product in the U.S. Your product will display an official FCC ID to show it meets all requirements. FCC ID Search
Why Choose ACB for FCC Certification?
American Certification Body, Inc. (ACB) offers flexible and independent wireless certification services customized to your project. Whether you need full-service testing and certification—or just certification support—we adapt to your needs. Contact ACB today to speak with a wireless compliance specialist and get your product on the path to approval.
As a leading Telecommunication Certification Body, ACB helps you:
- Achieve U.S. and global wireless compliance
- Navigate complex regulatory requirements
- Reduce time to market with expert guidance
