ONLINE EXAM – RULES AND PROTOCOL

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Volunteer Examiners Australia (VEA) Inc, 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 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 as well as the candidates arms and legs. 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 VEA 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. 

1. Please consider the commitment required before registering. We are required to have a minimum of 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 30-60 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. Please do not register for multiple exam sessions (with ours or other VE teams) with the intention of missing later sessions once you pass at an earlier session: By doing so you are denying other candidates the opportunity to register and generating extra work and lost time for the VEs.
4. 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. Further, if you are under age 13, your parent or guardian will need to fill out a COPPA Parental Consent Form and email it as directed on the form.
5. Be aware of how information about your FCC license information is made publicly available.
6. Be aware of the exam software's privacy policy.

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 before 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 with 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 stand or something to prop the device up on will be needed.

Register at
https://hamstudy.org/sessions/VEA

Hamstudy will walk you through the process of collecting the 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. 

Prepare the following before your online exam session:

1. 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.
2. 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 on hamstudy.org. or you can do it yourself by visiting here.
3. Exam Application: Before your scheduled exam you will register for a specific exam session where you will fill out an exam application and book a time slot. 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. 
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Multiple Exam Elements: We will allow you to take additional exam elements if you pass earlier elements, but only if you are well prepared for the additional elements and have indicated the elements that you plan to take as part of your session registration. There is no additional fee for additional elements but we need to know your plans so we can schedule your and other candidates' exam sessions accordingly since we are only able to supervise one exam at a time.

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 mobile 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.

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 or pets other than a registered service dog. 
• 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 suspicions, such as papers, sticky notes, electronic items, headphones, wastebaskets, 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 scan the entire room, including the walls, floor, ceiling, desk area, and area under the desk to give the three VEs the confidence that the exam is taking place in an appropriate environment.

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. 

Some recommended sites:

• HamStudy.org, a free site with lots of tips. It has an inexpensive companion phone app you can use on the go. The actual exam you take will use the HamStudy testing system, so familiarize yourself with how it works.
• ARRL Exam Review for Ham Radio™, a free site from the national group that you may want to join and use for referencing a wealth of information.