Volunteer Exam Protocols

Beginning of the year

  • Contact VE (CVE) makes sure Holton classroom is reserved for all exam dates
  • CVE updates test session dates in ARRL test directory

Before the test session

  • CVE creates test session in ExamTools
  • CVE mails invitation to VEs on the exam team
  • If a VE is not signed up for ExamTools, CVE facilitates the signup (see VE Signup Instructions)
  • When a candidate makes a reservation, CVE mails VE Candidate Confirmation Letter
  • CVE adds candidate to test session spreadsheet
  • When we get notified of ExamTools registration, CVE confirms FRN at FCC CORES
  • If the candidate paid via PayPal and cancels, refund the fee. Note that we cannot keep the fee, even if they offer to give it to the club as a donation.

Beginning the test session

  • All VEs individually check candidate’s ID
  • If the candidate is paying in cash, CVE collects $15
  • ExamTools: CVE goes to “Manage Sessions”, click on the session, and set “Current state” to “In Progress”
  • CVE goes to “Session LIst” and clicks on the session
  • CVE adds VEs using the “Add VE” button. Other VEs will now have the session in their session list
  • CVE assigns three VEs to each candidate in the session (VEs can also assign themselves)
  • Candidate(s) can now log in to Exam Tools using the call sign W1BOS and their PIN.

Web test

  • When a candidate requests to join the session, a red icon will appear next to their name on the screen of all VE’s
  • Any VE can click on the candidate and approve them to join
  • Candidate will now see a dialog with “Start Technician (General, Extra) Exam”
  • When candidate hits the button, another red icon will appear on the screen of all VE’s
  • Any VE can now click on the candidate’s name and approve “Start Element n exam?”
  • At this point, the candidate takes the test
  • VEs will see blue progress bar and question count on the right of the candidate’s information
  • When candidate is done, he/she clicks “Grade Exam”
  • When candidate hits the button, another red icon will appear on the screen of all VE’s
  • VE approves “Grade exam?” and candidate gets results
  • If the candidate passed, he/she will have the option of taking the next element or finishing and signing the forms
  • Candidate will have an opportunity to review the forms and then sign them
  • When candidate hits the button, another red icon will appear on the screen of all VE’s
  • At this point, all VEs will go in and electronically sign the forms
  • CVE reviews forms and finalizes the examinee