Fully-Remote Amateur Radio Exam Administration - QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo 2020

This presentation was originally recorded for the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo on August 8+9, 2020. Slide deck available at www.qrz.com/db/AI6MS
More Information about the Expo here: www.qsotodayhamexpo.com/
So You Want to Take a Remote Exam: blog.hamstudy.org/2020/06/so-...
Detailed Fully-Remote Exams Press Release: blog.hamstudy.org/2020/04/ful...
Online Exam Session Listings: hamstudy.org/sessions/online
Abstract:
Amateur Radio license examinations are typically administered in-person by a team of at least 3 Volunteer Examiners. In 2014, the FCC authorized remote exam administration, which has seen limited use by a limited group of Volunteer Exam Coordinators in remote areas to provide exam sessions. In 2020, with the nation-wide shelter-in-place health restrictions, a renewed need to provide fully-remote exams brought together a small working group of amateur radio enthusiasts to develop processes, documentation, and improved examination software (using ExamTools, from the creators of HamStudy.org). This talk will go through the details, improvements, and challenges of fully-remote exam administration, including exam integrity, digital signatures, and computer-based testing that not only benefits the short-term need for fully-remote exams, but also enhances in-person examination sessions for your VE Team!

[@frankdries9543]

Great job Marcel. Thank you for posting this great presentation to KZbin Marcel. I'll be sharing this link at upcoming presentations on fully remote testing for amateur radio clubs.

[@robot6]

Great presentation. I love the freshman licensing initiative.

[@MrGoldenseal75]

Great presentation, thanks for all the effort!

[@oldtruckerdude3509]

Thank you, I had so many questions about the remote testing, you answered them for me, Thank you for the great and informative video.

[@Eric-ki6wl]

Wow, this is great. I have mobility issues and so this will help me a lot over the traditional in-person testing that my local club offers. I've already signed up for your online testing next week. You've really set the standard for online Ham testing here. Much appreciated!

[@mbdulka]

Thanks for doing this. I'll be studying for a while then take this as well!

[@roberts3942]

Well done video. Marcel, you are an excellent presenter and you made it very interesting.

[@rebeccaw968]

Taking my test tomorrow!!!

[@InexorableOne]

People are still watching!!! Once I get over the jitters i'll be using the remote testing in the next day or so to get my Technician and if the universe abides my general as well!!

[@brianjester123]

Excellent and comprehensive presentation, answered my questions on the logistics and cheating concerns! Thank you.

[@MarcelStieber]

You're very welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@Texas2WheeledRider]

Good to see a well monitored session. Covered all the concerns I would have as a VE. What about looking down while the do manual calculations or do they have to use on screen calculator? Are all 3 VEs are watching the one candidate the entire time? If so Lots of dedicated VEs.

[@MarcelStieber]

On-screen calculator is preferred. Otherwise paper can be ok, you just have to pay closer attention and do more checks. Yes, 3 VEs monitoring each candidate (usually 4+ actually, to account for any VEs internet issues that would otherwise invalidate the exam as well). Our biggest sessions are almost 1:1 for candidates and VEs. 80+ VEs and 80+ Candidates for a session that runs 3-5 hours with 10+ breakout exam rooms using Zoom. The great thing is that the VEs can be from anywhere and not just your local pool. So we usually don't have issues getting enough VEs.

[@jimlynch9390]

Excellent video. I've watched it twice and gotten new, good material from it each time. Now what I'd really like is some instructions on how to use zoom. I know that's more specific to the GLAARG vec but I'd really like to understand what's going on. The only thing i know how to do with zoom is click on a link someone sends me. Obviously there's more to it than that.

[@MarcelStieber]

Are you in the ExamTools discord server already? We have lots of resources for VEs there.

[@jimlynch9390]

@@MarcelStieber Yes, you and someone else magically shifted me into a test session with Heather Saturday.

[@kevinwhite2990]

Hey Marcel, loved this video and want to get my license for technical class. How long should I give myself to study? I work full time and want to wiggle study time into my schedule but not sure how long I should.

[@MarcelStieber]

It really depends. Some people can figure out a lot of the questions. Others need to spend time to learn most of them. I'd recommend making a free account at hamstudy.org and try studying there. Once your Seen score is at 100% and Aptitude is above 80%, it's usually a good sign you're ready to pass. You can also take practice exams on there, but it's a good idea to not do that too much or your brain will train you to select wrong answers.

[@OGRuth]

Since it is a federal license, does it matter which state hosts the online exam? Im still deciding if it makes a differene to me personally, if I take it online or in person. I would think it would be more comfortable at home, but it is a short exam..... thank you for the informative video

[@MarcelStieber]

Nope, you can take it with any team you'd like! That's the beauty of the online exams. Check out listings at hamstudy.org/sessions/online good luck!

[@stanspb763]

This is new to me and very interesting. I live away from home most of the time with my tour business. My home base is Northern California but have been limited from leaving where I am now to return home because the border has been closed for over a year. My Advanced license will expire next year and have missed 2 exams for Extra due to travel conflicts over the last few years so just gave up on upgrading. I have been licensed since 1959, at 10 years old. That exam or notice and the 5wpm at the time was given by two examiners and with the code copy portion given on a Hammond Organ and despite the unfamiliar tone passed. If it is possible to remotely upgrade exam for the Extra that would be perfect for me. Right now I am sitting in the beautiful city center St Petersburg Russia waiting for the border to open but loving every moment. I can operate here based on the CEPT reciprocal licensing but with my Elecraft K2 10 watts with simple antenna but not much chance of being heard back home

[@MarcelStieber]

Hi Stan, yes, as long as you meet the requirements for the license in the US, then most teams will happily test you. Once you're ready, just find a remote session at HamStudy.org/sessions/online and let the session manager know your circumstances so they can coordinate with you. Good luck!

[@19days2live]

I haven't found any method for declaring the need for having my phone present because it has the read-out software for my continuous glucose monitor. How are medical accommodations handled?

[@MarcelStieber]

Hi Mary, I'd recommend reaching out to the contact point for the exam you sign up for to discuss any necessary accomodations. We've handled many medical accomodations for candidates without issue. Thanks!

[@mikebelanger4165]

Our cub (Yavapai AR C, or YARC) still holds the 'live' in-person exam sessions.

[@teufeltuna1956]

Who can volunteer to become a proctor and what level of license is required?

[@MarcelStieber]

That's dependent on the VEC. You'd need to check their requirements. Note that "Proctor" refers to a different process that Anchorage VEC uses. "Volunteer Examiner" is the normal term for those administering amateur radio exams.

[@Hoot0118]

is this just limited to glaarg or can i register to take test from florida?

[@MarcelStieber]

Most teams allow anyone to test. Be sure to read the session listing details before you sign up to confirm. Https://hamstudy.org/sessions/online

[@MarcelStieber]

For example, this session shows available seats and should allow you to test: hamstudy.org/sessions/601f7f19279dd0bf55e47a77/1

[@SailingStarCatcher]

Who can I talk to regarding specific questions?

[@MarcelStieber]

I'm good on QRZ. Or check out the article here: blog.hamstudy.org/2020/04/fully-remote-amateur-radio-license-exam-administration/

[@K0BLR]

How do I register for a session? I’m looking to go for extra

[@MarcelStieber]

hamstudy.org/sessions/remote

[@ckrafcheck4216]

So you can't wear head phones like the host is wearing?

[@MarcelStieber]

Correct. Most teams do not allow this as they cannot verify what you are listening to.

[@ckrafcheck4216]

@@MarcelStieber Thanks.

[@VinnyBully]

seems cumbersome really. Mirrors ? really, lol.

[@MarcelStieber]

Most candidates have a great experience and thousands have gotten licensed like this. It's really pretty straightforward.

[@jefflarson4982]

All that paperwork and stuff just to use a radio. Government overreach for sure