Why Remote Amateur Radio Testing is a Game-Changer: My First Experience as a GLAARG VE
If you had told me 4 years ago that I’d be sitting at my desk proctoring a nationwide amateur radio exam through my computer, I might have laughed. But here we are—and after my first experience as a GLAARG (Greater Los Angeles Amateur Radio Group) Volunteer Examiner (VE), I’m convinced: remote testing is the way. It’s easier, more accessible, and, frankly, more fun than I ever expected.
Let me walk you through why I believe all amateur radio testing should be done this way.
A New Way to Give Back
Being a VE has always been about giving back to the community—helping new hams find their place in the world of amateur radio. But the remote format takes that to a new level.
In just one session, I was able to help candidates from all across the country, all from the comfort of my home in Arkansas. Imagine assisting aspiring hams from different states without anyone needing to drive, fly, or even leave their living room! It wasn’t just my small footprint in Arkansas—I was making an helping out nationwide, and that was both fulfilling and exciting.
The Smoothest Test Day Ever
We’ve all been through stressful test days—whether it’s the nervous energy in the room, waiting for your turn, or wondering if you brought the right pencils. Remote testing takes all that away.
As a first-time remote VE, I was a little nervous about how it would all go. But GLAARG has the process down to a science. The entire session flowed effortlessly, from checking IDs to monitoring the exam. Candidates were comfortable, I was comfortable, and the system is set up to run like a well-oiled machine. No one was left guessing what to do next, and it made for one of the smoothest exam days I’ve ever experienced—on either side of the desk.
Flexibility Like Never Before
One of the greatest things about remote testing is the flexibility it offers—for both candidates and examiners. When was the last time you heard someone say they took an amateur radio exam on a Wednesday evening after work, without leaving home? That’s the beauty of remote testing.
With GLAARG’s remote system, candidates can schedule their exams at times that fit their busy lives, and VEs like me can volunteer without rearranging our entire schedules. It’s a win-win. Living in a rural area, the flexibility meant I didn’t have to worry about finding a local session or driving hours to a test site.
Maintaining Integrity, Building Comfort
I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first—how do you ensure the integrity of a remote test? But GLAARG’s procedures left no room for doubt. The exam was proctored just as rigorously as any in-person test if not more. From the thorough ID checks to the live webcam monitoring, the security was top-notch.
But here’s the thing: the candidates were more relaxed. There’s something about taking a test in your own space that reduces stress, and I could see the difference in their performance. The entire process was less intimidating, which ultimately helped candidates do their best.
Why Remote Testing is the Future
When I look at how smooth, secure, and flexible remote testing is, it’s hard to imagine going back to the old in-person model. Here’s why I think all testing should move in this direction:
- Accessibility for All: No matter where you live, remote testing ensures you can get licensed without the hassle of travel.
- More Opportunities to Volunteer: Remote proctoring opens the door for more VEs to participate from anywhere, which means more testing opportunities for candidates.
- Lower Stress for Candidates: Testing at home removes a lot of the nerves and distractions that come with in-person exams.
- Technologically Advanced: Remote testing shows that amateur radio isn’t stuck in the past—it’s adapting and thriving in a digital world.
Ready to Dive In?
If you haven’t tried remote testing yet, whether as a candidate or a VE, I encourage you to jump in. The experience is rewarding, and I genuinely believe it’s the way forward for our community. Remote testing is a more modern, accessible, and enjoyable way to ensure the future of amateur radio.
GLAARG is certainly not the only VEC that offers remote testing; I’m also an ARRL VE. About a year ago, I emailed GLAARG expressing interest, and they reached out to me again roughly three weeks ago to see if I was still interested. That’s how I ended up experiencing my first remote session as a GLAARG VE.
In addition to GLAARG, here are several other VECs that offer remote amateur radio testing:
- W5YI-VEC – Known for its broad network of examiners, W5YI offers remote testing for all license classes.
- Anchorage ARC VEC – A pioneer in remote testing, they’ve been offering online exams well before the surge in remote sessions.
- Laurel VEC – Some teams under Laurel VEC have embraced remote testing to increase accessibility for candidates.
- ARRL VEC – The American Radio Relay League has adopted remote testing, with certain examiners offering online sessions.
- Greater Cincinnati Amateur Radio Association (GCARA) VEC – Another group providing remote testing opportunities for aspiring hams.
Each of these VECs, and I believe there are still others, contributes to making amateur radio licensing more accessible through remote testing, just like GLAARG.
Serving as a VE for GLAARG was a rewarding experience, and I’m looking forward to doing it again. After all, with how easy and efficient it is, why wouldn’t I?
