ARRL VEC Program - Importance Update
2024 was the last year ARRL VEC will create, print, and ship new/ updated examination booklets to the VE Laisons (for the ever-changing question pools). This will move the ARRL VEC one step closer to a complete digital transformation. VE teams currently using paper tests supplied by the ARRL VEC will need to transition to the ExamTools examination platform in 2025 in preparation for the 2026 Technician pool change. Shifting to the web-based platform will reduce VEC printing, storage, shredding, and shipping (both to and from the team). In addition ExamTools will be able to update corrections to whatever current exams have been distributed. Recently 2 questions were struck from the General test pool This required email to VE Laisons and the VE Laisons were then required to manually review all the General tests they had on hand and strike those questions. With ExamTools the questions could be struck and or replaced in the shortest time, and in this case they had been.
The ExamTools platform can be used to administer online examinations and/or generate printed exams. On-line exams can be used at an in-person session using paper exams or tablets or conducted as remote video supervised sessions utilizing conference tools such as Zoom and personal tablets or laptops. To restate the HCARC VEs are not planning remote testing sessions .. No Zoom ..
The ExamTools program provides for preregistration and tracking candidates throughout a scheduled session, on screen exams and grading, or printed exams and answer sheets for grading, online signing of CSCE and Application 605 forms by the candidate and the examiners, logging and compiling session stats and VE participation lists (test report summary), and creation of output files for uploading to the coordinating VEC. The program manages/handles most everything needed to conduct a test session.
Note: The HCARC VE Team will administer through ExamTools in-person printed exams with answer sheets and correcting with ExamTools supported and provided GradeCam tool.
Process changes to the HCARC VE Testing will not initially change the way the candidate takes the exam. Candidates who do not preregister can be registered at the time of the exam at the scheduled test session. All candidates will still be required to obtain an FRN before the exam. Changes will affect the VE Team in the method for correcting exams, (GradeCam) and signing CSCE and 605 Forms and most importantly the way the completed exam session is managed and submitted to the ARRL VEC by the VE SM/TL (Session Manager/Team Leader).