Remote testing for Ham ticket?

[wayoverthere]

https://qrznow.com/usa-conducts-first-all-online-ham-radio-exam/

 

Stumbled across this in the Google news feed. Appears to be in the works toward some form of online testing offering, especially important in this current situation. Been dragging my feet getting licensed, and my local options were already shrinking before the whole coronavirus thing hit the scene, so this is a very intriguing idea to me.

[BoxCar]

I would also like to see remote testing for Amateur licensing as the current setup near me is 30 miles away and you need to be enrolled in their Community College class. I completed electronics training in the Navy many years ago and only miss one or two questions on the practice exams. Even though I haven't done any component level work in many years I retain enough knowledge to pass even the General level exams,

[Extreme]

Yes, I'd be more likely to go for a ham if it were done virtually.  Then I could spend even more money on equipment!

[Mikeam]

Yes for many the only thing they are going to do is buy a packaged mobile or hand held unit (myself included) so all of the electrical components will never be used kind of like algebra and in 60 plus years I have never had a use for algebra, not a rant just a personal opinion. Would like to see on line rather than setting up an appointment to take a physical test!

[WRFP517]

From what fcc has posted it wont likely happen for remote testing for another year or so .....but the good news is your not required to inroll in any class in order to take the test contact ARRL support and Vec testing and let them know if someone tells you that you do and that will stop fast ... just info that sounds like is needed

[wrfi501]

VEC remote sessions are already available in several areas.

 

https://hamstudy.org/sessions

 

Look for “VEC Remote”

[berkinet]

Yes for many the only thing they are going to do is buy a packaged mobile or hand held unit (myself included) so all of the electrical components will never be used kind of like algebra and in 60 plus years I have never had a use for algebra, not a rant just a personal opinion. Would like to see on line rather than setting up an appointment to take a physical test!

I strongly disagree with this sentiment. Ham radio is much more than talking over radios. It is about experimentation, design, building, fixing, operating radios and related equipment. It is about casual conversations, emergency communications, rag-chews, community and support. It is about voice, data, telemetry, video, mesh-networking and satellite and moon bounce communications. And more.

 

Part of what makes ham radio different from CB, MURS, GMRS, and FRS is the barrier to entry. If that barrier were to be removed, ham radio would quickly devolve into a cesspool. And keep in mind, electric theory is just part of what is tested. There is also wave propagation, proper equipment operation and practices, safety, rules and regulations, and more.

 

I have no objection to remote testing per-se, as long as the same standard of honesty and avoidance of cheating can be preserved. But, for those who see remote testing as a way to avoid a little work and study that is, in my opinion, an extremely poor idea.  And honestly, if someone is a complete null, they can just memorize the answers to all 424 questions in the pool - and you only are tested on 35 of those questions and you only need to get 26 (75%) right.

[kidphc]

I have no objection to remote testing per-se, as long as the same standard of honesty and avoidance of cheating can be preserved. But, for those who see remote testing as a way to avoid a little work and study that is, in my opinion, an extremely poor idea.  And honestly, if someone is a complete null, they can just memorize the answers to all 424 questions in the pool - and you only are tested on 35 of those questions and you only need to get 26 (75%) right.

 

I agree with your points. I know to help avoid cheating, some of the initial testing of the test sessions they took steps to stop cheating. One of them involved a video camera to verify there wasn't anything off camera to cheat. Then facing the camera towards the one being tested to verify things like a cell phone not popping up on the desk.

[wayoverthere]

Found this in my feed today:

 

https://qrznow.com/fully-remote-amateur-radio-license-exam-administration/

 

Fits with what was mentioned about some remote testing already in progress

[krvw]

FWIW, one of my neighbors has successfully completed his Tech license 100% remotely during the C19 lock down. I asked him for details on how he did this and he said, "The exam I took was from GLAARG. Because the remote sessions worked well in April, they’ve said flt he’ll schedule more sessions in May. I check this link daily: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/91364."

 

IMHO, this is a wonderful step forward, and the lock down has catalyzed innovation and acceptance. As an IT security professional who's been using remote video for decades, I welcome the change. I also know that exam integrity must be ensured, but I'm confident that can be done.

 

Cheers,

 

Ken

[BoxCar]

https://www.fcc.gov/document/wtb-confirms-amateur-radio-license-exams-may-be-held-remotely

 

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau released a notice today that Amater Radio License exams may be conducted remotely. This is great news for those who are stuck at home but wanting to get their Technician or General ticket.

[BoxCar]

https://www.fcc.gov/document/wtb-confirms-amateur-radio-license-exams-may-be-held-remotely

 

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau released a notice today that Amater Radio License exams may be conducted remotely. This is great news for those who are stuck at home but wanting to get their Technician or General ticket.