Anchorage ARC VEC Ramps Up Remote Testing to Meet COVID-19 Challenges
The Anchorage ARC VEC recently enhanced its ability to administer amateur radio license examinations using its web-based examination system. It also received approval from the Anchorage Amateur Radio Club Board of Directors to offer remote examination testing outside of Alaska under certain circumstances. In situations where examination locations are a considerable distance from examinees’ homes, where there are very infrequent examination session opportunities in a given area, where examinees have special needs, etc., prospective examinees can submit a Remote Examination Request.
The Anchorage ARC VEC Chairman will review the request to determine if the candidate meets eligibility requirements. If so, the process moves forward. There is a considerable burden placed upon the examinee in that they must locate a suitable proctor, a suitable testing venue with internet access, and provide a computer with webcam capabilities.
Fast forward to the COVID-19 crisis. We know that there are scheduled amateur radio examination sessions around the country that have been canceled or will be canceled as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Anchorage ARC VEC has already received several requests for remote testing as a direct result.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, we will consider offering remote testing opportunities to those affected by these examination session cancellations where an undue hardship may be presented. However, applicants must understand that there are limits to the number of remote examinations we can give over any specific period of time. That said, we are tooling up our VE teams to be ready to administer remote examinations to the best of our ability.
If you believe you are a candidate for remote testing, visit https://kl7aa.org/vec/remote-testing/ to read more about the remote testing program. From that page, you can launch the actual remote testing request form.
To conclude, we will continue to process applications for remote testing. While our resources are limited, we are working to expand our capacity. Applications will be processed in a timely manner (and as humanly possible). Should the number of requests continue to rise, the process could slow so your patience will be greatly appreciated. It could take longer than normal to process your applications and assemble a team for your testing session. Thank you for your understanding.
73,
Brandin S. Hess – AL6I
Chairman, Anchorage ARC VEC
