 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||
From: Somma, Maria, AB1FM [mailto:msomma@arrl.org]
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 1:51 PM
To: ve-list
Subject: [ve-list:557] Exam Search Web Page and Morse Code Report & Order
ARRL VEC Exam Search Web Page gets an Update
The ARRL VEC has implemented some web software changes to improve the resources available to VEs and candidates.
The enhancement enables an ARRL VE team's information to be listed year round on our "Exam Search web page".
This helpful feature is ideal for teams that are in remote areas and for teams that get few test applicants or that have many no-show applicants. Now your team's contact email and phone number can be listed without these details being associated with a specific test date or time (see example of new listing: http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml?zip=77627&dist=20).
A "bogus" future test date is used and then the following information is stated:
"CALL OR EMAIL TO SCHEDULE A TEST DATE" and "BY APPOINTMENT ONLY".
Teams that have already submitted their test session dates for 2007 and active teams that have registered test sessions would not want to use this resource. Registered test sessions are always easier to locate, track and process on the system.
Suitable teams can email your request to vetest@arrl.org and we will post your contact information on the web.
We hope this will help generate some test candidates for your team!
FCC's Morse Code Report & Order
The FCC's 05-235 R&O on the Commission's proposal to eliminate the Morse code requirement for all license classes was issued on 12/19/2006. However, it does NOT go into effect until 30 days from the time it is printed in the "Federal Register". The Federal Register Publication Date and the Effective Date are NOT yet known. As soon as the R&O is published in the Federal Register the ARRL will verify the effective date and publicize it on the ARRL Web and in QST.
The FCC has clarified that there will be no changes in the administration of Amateur Radio examination elements or upgrades and in granting a Certificate for Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE). CSCEs are only valid for examination credit for 365 days from date of issuance per FCC Rule 97.505(a)(6); applicants cannot use CSCEs older than that to upgrade. Amateurs possessing CSCEs that have gone beyond the 365 day window must retest. The FCC will not make any exceptions to this rule. Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs) will handle all upgrades through volunteer examiner teams.
Candidates for General or Amateur Extra testing between now and the effective date of the new rules will still have to pass Element 1 (5 WPM Morse code) to obtain new privileges. Those earning Element 3 or Element 4 credit between now and the effective date of the new rules will receive a CSCE from the VE team. Once the new rules are in place, anyone holding a valid CSCE may apply for an upgrade at a VE examination session. As with any candidate who attends a test session, the candidate must present a photo ID, their current license and CSCE document, pay the $14 test session fee and fill out a NCVEC form 605 to have the upgrade paperwork processed. The upgrade may NOT be sent directly to the FCC or the VEC.
Please visit the ARRL web for complete information on the 05-235 R&O and check back frequently for updates.
VE Express Newsletter is published by the
American Radio Relay League, Inc.
The National Association For Amateur Radio
ARRL VEC
225 Main St
Newington CT 06111 USA
Email: vec@arrl.org
ARRL VEC telephone: 860-594-0300
ARRL VEC Fax: 860-594-0339
ARRL telephone: 860-594-0200
Joel Harrison, W5ZN - President
David Sumner, K1ZZ - Chief Executive Officer
Harold Kramer, WJ1B - Chief Operating Officer
Maria Somma, AB1FM - VEC Manager / Editor
