The ninth edition of the ARRL VEC/VE Manual is now
online on the ARRL Web site. The manual, the most complete source on the Amateur Radio Volunteer Examiner Program, has everything you need to know in order to be an ARRL Volunteer
Examiner.
“We’re really excited about the new Manual,” said ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM. “We’ve put a lot of work into it, taking suggestions from Volunteer Examiners all over the United States. It’s very comprehensive, yet easy to understand.” Somma said the manual is full of new and timely information, taking into account the licensing rule changes that went into
effect last year.
“One of the biggest changes to the ninth edition is the deletion of all the procedures having to do with Morse code testing,” Somma said. As of February 23, 2007, the FCC no longer requires those upgrading their license to be tested on Morse code. Somma said that more than 80 percent of the Manual’s content has been revised.
The Manual, written to help guide amateurs through the VEC program, is also a guide for those aspiring to be Volunteer Examiners. “Any General, Advanced or Amateur Extra class license holder is eligible to be a Volunteer Examiner,” Somma said. “It’s a simple process to become a VE — just complete the ARRL VE application form and pass a 40-question ‘open book’ test and you’re set! If you’re an active ham radio operator, you probably enjoy giving back to the
Amateur Radio community, be it through public service or as a Volunteer Examiner. Many hams fondly remember their first license examination experience.”
Information in the Manual includes how to become an accredited Volunteer Examiner and how to participate in the Amateur Radio examination process, as well as real-life experiences from current Volunteer Examiners. “It’s really a reference manual with tons of details. The real-life experiences in the Manual will help current and future Volunteer Examiners know how
to deal with those pesky situations that sometimes pop up,” Somma said.
For more information on the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Program, please see the ARRL VE Web site.
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