In response to the COVID-19 crisis, VECs around the country have—and rightly so—shut down their exam sessions. That has, of course, disappointed a number of folks trying to get their Tech licenses and those who are taking this time to study for General or Extra Class licenses.
The answer is for VECs to ramp up remote testing. This has been allowed since 2014, when the FCC published Report and Order FCC 14-74. The FCC notes,
In the years since the VE system was established, remote testing methods have been developed, including audio and video links, either hard-wired to a site or available through Internet or satellite technologies, which would allow a VE team to observe an examinee from afar. Such methods are commonly used by educational institutions to provide classes, by businesses for teleconferencing among numerous locations simultaneously, and to provide myriad services to consumers.
Unfortunately, only the Anchorage VEC seems to be the only VEC interested in doing this. As Sterling, N0SSC, points out on his blog, none of the VECs that he’s contacted are remotely interested in doing this. I had either a similar response or no response at all when I emailed the 14 accredited VECs.
Sterling even got a somewhat nasty reply from the Laurel VEC on Twitter:
The Chairman of the Laurel VEC, as recently as yesterday and earlier today, reaffirmed that remote testing is not necessary or desired. No means No. Does No mean ever? At this point in time, the answer is Yes. Let’s move on.
Personally, I find the Laurel VEC’s position to be incredibly short-sighted. I know that it takes some effort to set up remote testing, but it’s not rocket science. As the FCC noted almost six years ago, we have the technology. As was pointed out to me on Twitter by WA6VPS, Exemplar Global already administers FCC GROL examinations online. WA6VPS notes, “If anything they could show VECs how to do it.”
What we need now is some leadership. I would love to see the ARRL or one of the other big VECs step up and do this. It’s time to do this now.
Tom Parkinson says
I had just sent ARRL VEC an email about this the other day. I also mentioned that Alaska does the remote testing. I asked if this would be opened up for other to use as well. No reply yet, but I have a feeling they are looking into this at the ARRL. We’ll see what happens.
73,
Tom, KB8UUZ
Dan KB6NU says
I suspect they are at least thinking about it. I also imagine that there are plenty of ARRL VEs out there willing to help in whatever way needed.
Sterling N0SSC says
I think this is going to have to be a grassroots uprising if we want to see any sort of change in reasonable time. The ARRL has never really been a mover and shaker in amateur radio, and we’ve heard from Ria that it’ll be a 6 month process, and I think that’s a tall order for the League, especially considering CEO selection is on the horizon among other red tape to cut through. My guess would be that ARRL throws money at software engineering interns, kludges some proprietary testing software together, and distributes it to ARRL VEC teams leaving others to their own devices – a perfect example of what not to do. (Hope they’re reading!)
I spoke with a Laurel Regional Coordinator, and the conversation fortunately went from dismissive, to receptive of a pilot remote testing framework. He suggested I create a package, either a framework of existing software, or a suite of new software, open source it, and distribute it to the VECs to test drive on their choosing. That may be the best bet for remote testing.
The trouble I’m having right now is researching a good exam management software suite that’s free to use for our case. https://www.capterra.com/exam-software/ has quite a long list but many are costly. The benefit is that this software can lock down a candidate’s PC so that he or she can only see the exam, and any attempt at viewing other screens or windows will alert the proctors and invalidate the exam.
A simple alternative to exam software would be using Zoom videoconferencing, where each candidate would be required to use webcam (either external or built into their laptop, looking at their face) their smartphone (as a second camera from behind showing the test area and screen) and shared screen to serve as the 3 viewpoints that each of the 3 VEs can monitor independently. ExamTools (https://examtools.org/) and Zoom is everything that would be needed but a lot of beta testing would have to be done to ensure that the integrity of the test session is kept intact with that idea, and that cheating would be very hard or impossible. The caveat is the screen cannot be made to be locked down, but you could easily see from the video sources if something is amiss.
Of course, these ideas require equipment (computer, smartphone, internet connection) that some people don’t have, but most people do. However, a roving box of the proper equipment could be shipped from candidate to candidate, or the already well established in person VE sessions would still always be available.
Sorry to blog on your blog!
Dan KB6NU says
No worries at all, Sterling. I’m happy to have your comments.
Actually, I didn’t want to step on your toes. That’s why I kept my post short and linked to you. Maybe between the two of us we can gin up some action on this.
Bob K0NR says
You are probably right: it is time for remote license exams. On the other hand, this is not a crisis. On my list of 50 things to worry about right now, license exams are number 523.
If the Wuhan virus situation continues for very long, the license exam thing will work itself out. This is actually a great opportunity for the more innovative VECs to show their stuff.
Walter Underwood says
My son’s Occupational Therapy licensing exam was a remote exam. If it is good enough for a lifetime health career license, it should be good enough for an amateur radio license.
JPB says
We can’t complain about the health of the hobby AND make getting a license complicated. An easily attainable Tech license and a cheap HT can get more people engaged.
Dave Kerl says
Im all for remote testing. My wife is in charge of the Daytona Beach ARA test sessions and now that there is no testing going on face to face, this is the only alternative. I can see this evolving to the point where none of us in the field will be needed any more. It will all be administered directly by the various test organizations such as ARRL, and such.
Dave N9HF
Ormond Beach, Fl.
Eric Wheeler, KJ7LNW says
Remote video VEs could verbally ask the test questions and the student would answer verbally. This would reduce any on-site VE requirement since no one needs to do paper work. This is a 1-on-1 test. If there was a website to coordinate 1-on-1 VE’s with students and 1-way (or 2-way) video feeds, then FRNs.
I looked into this and HTML5 has video support. Just google for “WebRTC Video Chat Example”. Anyone with the javascript know-how could stitch this together.
I can see to entries: Log in as VE — or — Log in as Student. The UI would collect VE and FRN credentials, start the test, and the VE would enter the answers the student gave onto an existing paper form on the VE’s desk or electronically if allowed.
Then the video software would queue up VE’s and Students, and the next available VE would serve the next available student. Its kind of like a call center where VE’s answer the “calls”, one after the next.
John says
The reason more VECs aren’t doing this is that until now, a need didn’t exist. Now, everyone that doesn’t have the patience to wait this out is clamoring for remote testing, assuming this is something that can be done instantly. That’s not the case. It takes time to lay out the procedures, get the infrastructure in place and train the VEs to run it.
I’m not opposed to idea of remote testing. I feel we have to be very careful how this is administered or we’ll destroy the integrity of the exam process. If this were to be widely implemented AFTER the current crisis is over, I’d like to see it limited to persons with disabilities, religious restrictions or distance issues only.
Wayne Olmsted says
I totally agree with you… I got my first ticket (W9BPC) when I was 16 Moved to Florida when I was 21 (WB4IZJ) and then got (too) busy with career and raising a family; let my license lapse…. Finally, I have extra time available, and decided to get back into the hobby, just as the Kung- Flu hit. Had already bought a starter radio and am consistently pulling 100% on the example tests for Tech and General, but no way to take the test(s).
I would not want to go out for the testing anyway, right now, as I am 75 years old and don’t want to risk exposure. I would welcome video testing. The doctors have started video office visits and there is all kinds of free video conferencing software available. The “testee” could be required to have his/her smartphone in view of the camera for the duration of the test. and perhaps a strategically positioned mirror, to show the computer screen while the test is administered.
Wayne O
Jerry Wilson says
Here is my input. I have never seen anyone killed by a radio, and you’re not hurting any one from your home. You can do a lot more with a cell phone and a computer. Ham radio has been dying out, and truckers never use CB much any more. So why do we even have the testing anymore. Times has changed.
Jeffrey A. Linardi says
Philosophical arguments aside — having taught high school for 35+ years, I know the technology is available, and “our hobby” affords us with a genuine think tank of tech-savy operators who might lead-is in this effort. Schools nationwide are doing this as we speak, compelled by sheltering-in & the growing seriousness of COVID-19. Professions like medicine, law, engineering, education & others have found creative, user-friendly & authentic formats which expedite testing processes in trustworthy and credible ways. Again, I’m confident that among us lie persons who can propose, design and manage what many of us need, and would be anxious to do so. I do not suggest compromising standards, but inviting more success, excitement and participation in Amateur Radio.
Stay Well, Everybody.
73 Jeffrey K8SNR
Jeff says
I totally agree with what Jerry says – A license is not required to purchase any equipment and therefore use said equipment. If someone wants to raise hell somewhere on the radio waves I’m sure there will be a bunch of HAMs on their rascals ready to triangulate his location and hunt him down to deliver a stern warning and a carefully crafted speech about “how it was back in my day.”
I just can’t see to many people taking the time and money to invest in the equipment going out to do something reckless or harmful. An online examination and 15 bucks means someone who is going to take it seriously will.
Melvin Burr says
Skype video with a swing of the camera around the workspace might work.
Mitch J says
I read so many comments about how the ham community/hobby is dying out. I have a friend with an Extra license, that recently sparked my interest in the hobby. I started studying, bought a set of Baofengs and an ARRL Manual study guide. Then came the COVID-19 CRISIS!
I find it disheartening, given the technology available to everyone nowadays, that both the FCC and ARRL haven’t established some sort of remote testing capabilities for whomever wants to join the community. So, can I just ask Anchorage to give me the remote test?
Dan KB6NU says
I’m not sure what the Anchorage VEC’s policy is with regard to scheduling, but be a little patient. I’m confident that the others will be offering remote testing sooner rather than later.
Felipe Borrero says
Hi, There, I am studying to get my Tech and General Lic. because of the coronavirus, there is no testing!!! For a hobby that could use a shot in the arm that certainly is seemingly selfish. I am using the “HamRadioPrep.com” site for study and at the end of each section, they generate a random questionnaire test . Why can’t something like that be used for remote testing? After all, it is remote and I am being tested.
Alwin Roe says
I’m one VE of legion SANDARC-VEC (free exams) & did one exam day of observation/runner before the near-shutdown of civil society.
I don’t believe we’re going to offer remote exams, so to any VECs that will offer free exams remotely, I’d like to be on your teams.
My reply to the oft-repeated “there was no demand before now”:
Before I finally sat for my upgrades last year at times I’m not usually awake, I searched far & wide for remote testing & only found the news items on Antarctica. After the 2014 R&O finally allowing them at long-last behest of NCVEC in 2002 & Anchorage VEC.
I figured demanding [requesting] remote testing from the side of a lower licensee was futile, along with everyone else seeming to also see how entrenched VEing was, with on-site testing & paper (although IIRC I passed my Tech on a command-line OS computer at a Salvation Army building in 2003?), and that I would have to be the change I wanted to see in the world, once I hit Extra & signed up to VE. I’m in contact with one in the remote testing working group about joining their ranks.
Unfortunate that it’s THIS pandemic (out of many concurrent/consecutive ones) that caused the politely-sublimated demand to come out of the woodwork. But… 7 Ps.
Larry Works says
They are experimenting with it now. Here’s yesterday’s (4/13/20) update from ARRL….
http://www.arrl.org/read-a-message-about-video-supervised-online-exams
Larry KD8MZM
FutureGal says
Thanks for the info, Larry. I am also hoping to test soon and it surprises me that such a historically technical group is in its current position (regarding testing) in this digital age. I agree with the suggestion above to make the tests verbal. Think about it. Potential ham radio operators (radio communications are inherently verbal) should surely be able to handle a test in a verbal format. And that could simplify things for the test-givers.
Bananero says
This whole thing is ridiculous! I was able to obtain a license to operate a marine vessel online. I was even able to obtain an out of state license to fish, crab, catch sharks etc… all online! If I remember correctly I think I even have a license to scuba dive, also obtained online.
Majority of these license tests make you read something, then answer some questions, it tests your reading comprehension skills to see if you have a brain. Some of the hams I’ve heard on the airwaves might not even have half of one… I had an amateur license 20 years ago but let it expire. I took a practice test the other day and passed the first time. The tests are by no means hard or a challenge even if you have little background in garage electronics. Most questions that threw me off a little were the “control operator” questions.
Identity can be verified through credit security questions, ss #, drivers license #, and a copy of your federal approved government id, or a combination of these. If you raise the fee for taking the test to something substantial like maybe $75/yr. or $100 for new licensees. The old timers can get grandfathered in and not have to pay the fees. But I think there should be a fee like a drivers license or car registration. The FCC could really make some money! If they really wanted to they could charge to register every tranciever. If I remember correctly, the cost to register 4 maritime radios was somewhere along the lines of $1500!
It’s 2020 get the testing online with a fee! The old timer VE’s can still get together at Denny’s for coffee once a month.
You can get a college degree online! 🤦🏻♂️
Norm Goodkin says
Ref: http://glaarg.org/remote-sessions