Can I use a pre-certified radio module without obtaining a new FCC certification?

Yes, you can use a pre-certified radio module without a full, new FCC certification for the radio itself. However, your finished product is still classified as an unintentional radiator and will require testing for digital device emissions (EMC/EMI) before it can be legally sold in the US.

To avoid a full FCC certification, you must strictly meet the following conditions:

• No Radio Modifications: You must use the module exactly as specified by the manufacturer, without altering its output power, circuitry, or trace antenna.
• Follow Integration Guidelines: You must adhere strictly to the module’s integration manual regarding antenna keep-out zones, ground planes, and decoupling.
• Labeling: You must clearly label your final product’s exterior to include the text, “Contains FCC ID: [Module’s FCC ID]”.

If you alter the antenna (e.g., swapping a trace antenna for a higher-gain external whip), you may need a Class II Permissive Change (C2PC) through an FCC-recognized lab.

While the radio is covered, your host board (microprocessor, power supply, clocks, and high-speed digital buses) still generates emissions that must comply with FCC Part 15 Subpart B rules.