Ham Radio
Exam On-line

Due to COVID-19, all Alfred J. Perez in-person VE exams are suspended. However, we are able to do a very limited number of remote video-supervised exams.

Warning: The online exam-taking process is much more complicated and will take a lot more time than the in-person exams. You must be able to meet and agree to all of the following requirements in order to take a video-supervised exam.

VIDEO-SUPERVISED EXAM OVERVIEW

The N5VEV Volunteer examiner (VE) team has been entrusted by the ARRL VEC, and by extension the FCC, to be examiners for an FCC-issued license. The volunteer examiners have a duty to ensure that tests are conducted fairly and that there is the same level of integrity as there would be for an in-person examination.

The exam session is conducted using a Zoom online video conference and a web-based exam-taking system. The candidate joins the video conference using two Zoom capable video devices simultaneously. The two video streams combined with screen sharing give the three VEs a similar view to what they would have for an in-person test. During the exam, all three VE’s attention will be focused on monitoring a single candidate. Before the exam begins, using video, the candidate must show the three VEs the entire area where the test is taking place. This is similar to what the three VEs would be able to see during an in-person exam.

The process may seem onerous and somewhat invasive. It may seem like we suspect that each candidate might try to cheat. The N5VEV VE team did not come up with the complete process and requirements, but we have a liability to uphold the trust put in us. Please read through the requirements and understand what will be asked of you before registering. If you don’t agree, please consider another option for taking your test.

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE REGISTERING

1. Please consider the commitment required before registering. We are required to have three VEs continuously monitor each candidate for the duration of the test. Using video conferencing, only one candidate can be examined at a time. Therefore, three people are dedicating their personal time to you while you take the test which is typically around 30 minutes.

2. There is a backlog of candidates waiting for tests. When you sign up, you will be taking up one of the very few available spots. Please make sure you are completely prepared for the exam before signing up. Thoroughly review the technical requirements and ensure you will be able to get through the sessions without any issues.

3. If you are under age 18, we will need to receive parental or legal guardian permission and that person will need to be present in person to state their approval, prove their identity, and remain present in the room during your exam.

4. Be aware of how information about your FCC license information is made publicly available.

5. Be aware of the exam software's privacy policy.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. A computer with a webcam, and an up-to-date Google Chrome web browser. Older versions of Internet Explorer do not work. Other browsers may not work.

2. On the computer you must install the Zoom video conferencing application. Note: You must install the Zoom application, not use the browser version.

3. During the examination, only one display must be connected to the computer.

4. The computer must be located in a room that is appropriate for taking an exam, see below. Your screen will be shared with the VEs for the duration of the exam. Preferred computers are Windows PC, or Apple Mac. Unfortunately Chromebooks (and probably IoS and Android devices) do not work correctly with Zoom for the main exam computer.

5. NOTE FOR MAC USERS: "Due to increased security and permissions with Mac OS 10.14 Mojave and 10.15 Catalina, you will be prompted to authorize the Zoom Desktop Client to use the microphone, camera, and on Mac OS 10.15 Catalina, screen recording. The permissions are set within System Preferences of the device." We have found that, as of the most recent Zoom 5.x clients, you will be forced to exit and restart Zoom for these changes to take effect. Please make sure you have done this prior to joining your video-supervised exam session.

6. A separate mobile device (cell phone or tablet) with a camera that will also be logged into the Zoom video conference for the duration of the exam. This device provides the VEs a view of the candidate and the computer the candidate is using. At the start of the test session, the candidate will use the mobile device’s camera to show the room, desk, etc. where the test is taking place as well as the candidate’s arms and legs.

7. A reliable Internet connection that can keep both the computer and the cell phone connected to Zoom for the duration of the exam.

8. Both devices should be wall powered, or have sufficient battery power, to keep them running for at least an hour. If the test session is interrupted, the exam is terminated.

9. During the exam, a method of keeping the mobile device’s camera steadily positioned on the candidate will be needed. Some sort of stand or something to prop the device up on will be needed.

Getting your FRN

Steps to Getting an FCC Registration Number (FRN)

1. Go to the Commission's Registration System (CORES) and Click Register.

2. Answer whether the FRN is for an individual or business (for Hams select individual) and whether the address for the contact is within the U.S. and click Continue.

3. Complete the registration information and click Submit.

4. Here is the Link: https://apps2.fcc.gov/fccUserReg/pages/createAccount.htm

REGISTER WELL IN ADVANCE

Register at online exam site as soon as you receive the link. It will arrive in your email a few days before your exam. That website will walk you through the process. The website will walk you through the process of collecting necessary information for your NCVEC 605 form. Do not fill out an NCVEC 605 yourself; a completed form will be filled out for you upon successful exam completion and you will sign it electronically at that point.

PAYMENT IS REQUIRED IN ADVANCE

After you've registered and been moved off the waitlist, you'll receive an email with payment instructions. All Ham-In-A-Day clients your exam fee for your initial exam has already been collected. You can ignore this step.

We use Square for payment of the standard exam fee. All you need is a debit or credit card. If you don't personally have any of these cards it's fine if a friend or family member pays for you.

In all cases make sure the payment memo has your name and the 4-digit PIN that was assigned to you when you registered at the exam site.

Failure to send payment within 24 hours of receipt of the request for payment may result in your session reservation being cancelled.

This exam fee will be forwarded to the ARRL/VEC less any allowable expenses incurred per FCC Rule §97.527.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any other forms of payment at this time.

PREPARING FOR YOUR EXAM

Prepare the following before your online exam session:

PHOTO ID: A legal photo ID will need to be shown on camera to the VE Team. For online sessions the VE Team will only accept driver’s license, equivalent state-issued non-driver ID or passport for adults.Under-18 students may show any of the above items, or a school ID or report card. A parent or legal guardian will also need to present a photo ID.

1. FCC Registration Number (FRN): The FRN must be submitted on the exam application. If you do not have an FRN, you will be able to register for one when you register oh hamstudy.org. Or, you can do it yourself by visiting the FCC’s Registration page and clicking “Register for an FRN.”

2. Exam Application: Before your scheduled exam you will register for a specific exam session where you will fill out an exam application. Your application will generate a 4-digit access code you need to take the test later. Don't worry, Hamstudy will email you the access code and the VE team will also know it. Shortly after you register on Hamstudy, the VE Manager will email you instructions on how to send payment.

3. License Upgrading: If you have a pending Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) from a previous exam session that is not yet reflected in the FCC database, please reply to the VE team email with a copy.

4. No Element Retries: Due to the current backlog of candidates on the waiting list and difficulty of administering exams online, you may take only ONE instance of an exam element per session. If you don’t pass, you will have to sign up to get on the waitlist and go through this process again to retake the test.

5. Multiple Exam Elements: We will not be allow you to take additional exam elements if you pass earlier element.

PREPARING YOUR COMPUTER AND MOBILE DEVICE

In order to allow the VE Team to ensure the integrity of the exam session, please make sure your computer and separate mobile device are ready by following these steps:

1. Make sure your computer has Zoom installed and that you can participate in a video call using the computer’s webcam, microphone, and speakers. Headsets may not be used during the exam. Your computer should be connected to power, or fully charged to last for at least an hour.

2. Make sure Zoom is installed on your mobile device (such as a smart phone) and that the camera works. You will need to mute both the microphone and speaker on your mobile device to prevent feedback. Your mobile device should be fully charged or connected to power.

3. Find a way to aim your mobile device’s camera so that the VEs will have a full (side) view of you and your computer during the exam.

4. Your computer and phone must be connected to the Internet with reliable service. If the connection drops during the exam, the exam will be terminated.

5. We strongly suggest thoroughly testing Zoom with both devices at the same time well in advance of the test so that you have time to resolve any issues that come up. Practice using Zoom on both your devices here: https://zoom.us/test.

6. Before the exam, disable/shut down anything that might pop-up on your computer during the exam. This includes email, chat, alerts, bluetooth, virtual screens and password managers.

7. Set ‘Do Not Disturb’ on your mobile device so you aren’t distracted by incoming calls or text messages.

8. During the exam:

   1. only only one screen or monitor can be connected to the computer. Remove any additional monitors, or take a single laptop into a different room. You must prove that no other monitors are connected. The VE team may end the exam immediately for non-compliance.

   2. Only a browser with a single window and no other tabs can be open. You may optionally have a computer calculator app on your screen during the exam. Load it in advance if you need it. No other applications or browser windows are permitted to be open.

PREPARING YOUR EXAM ROOM

The VE Team must ensure the integrity of the test environment. Be sure you have an isolated area where you can take the exam without any interruptions that might cause your exam session to be terminated:

• You must not have in the exam room any other people.

• Clear the room of all non-exam materials, notes, books, posters, computer screens, or anything that could aid in taking the exam.

• Clear your exam table and floor of ALL items within reach or view that would raise suspicion, such as papers, sticky notes, electronic items, headphones, waste baskets, and anything unnecessary for the exam.

• Clear the room of any distracting things that could take your attention off of the exam.

• Warn family members not to enter the room during the exam.

Before the exam begins, you will be asked to show the three VEs the entire room, including the walls, floor, ceiling, desk area, and area under the desk to give them the confidence that the exam is taking place in an appropriate environment.

PRACTICE FOR YOUR EXAM

It is your responsibility to be fully prepared since you will be taking the time of three or more volunteers and a time slot from a long list of wait-listed candidates. Use an online practice site to practice all topics and to take randomly selected practice exams. Be sure you are consistently scoring well above the passing grade before you schedule an exam.

JOIN THE ZOOM MEETING TO TAKE THE EXAM

15 minutes before your scheduled time, join the Zoom meeting. The meeting information will be sent to you by email once you've successfully registered and paid the exam fee.

GOOD LUCK!!!