Amendment of the Amateur Service Rules Governing Qualifying Examination Systems and Other Matters
WT Docket No. 12-283
https://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2014/db0609/FCC-14-74A1.pdf
2.Remote testing20.Background. Our rules require that each administering VE be present and observing the examinee throughout the entire examination. In the years since the VE system was established, remote testing methods have been developed, including audio and video links, either hard-wired to a site or available through Internet or satellite technologies, whichwould allow a VE team to observe an examinee from afar. Such methods are commonly used by educational institutions to provide classes, by businesses for teleconferencing among numerous locations simultaneously, and to provide myriad services to consumers. In the NPRM, the Commission sought comment on whether to amend Section 97.509(c) to provide that, at the option of the administering VEs and the VEC coordinating the examination session, the VEs may be “present and observing” an examinee for purposes ofthe rule when they are using an
audio and video system that can assure the proper conduct and necessary supervision of each examination.5521.Decision.Allowing VEs and VECs the option of administering examination at locations remote from the VEs is warranted. Most commenters support amending the rules to allow remote testing. We disagree with the commenters who oppose the proposal on the grounds that there is no need for remote testing56or that we should undertake a pilot program and revisit this issuein the future.57Rather, we agree with most commenters that remote testing that maintains the integrity of the examination process is feasible,58and can bring amateur radio licensing opportunities to applicants in isolated locations,59and we amend Section97.509(c) accordingly. 22.We will not incorporate into the rules specific requirements or conditions for remote testing.60No VEC or VE will be required to conduct remote testing. Because such testing is optional and can only be done if a VEC agrees to coordinate the examination session,61VECs may coordinate sessions only if they are certain that remote testing can assure the proper conduct and necessary supervision of the examination session.62The mechanics involved in remote testing will vary from location to location and session to session, and specific rules regarding how to administer such examinations could limit the flexibility of VEs and VECs. Finally, we amend Section 97.509(h) of the Commission’s Rules63to provide that the administering VEs must grade examinations from a remote testing session “at the earliest practical opportunity” (rather than “immediately” as the rule requires for conventional examination sessions), given that immediate scoring may not be possible depending on how the VEs implement remote testing.6423.While we decline to adopt specific rules applicable to remote testing or rules limiting where such testing should be permitted, we emphasize that the obligation under our rules of VECs and VEs to administer examinations responsibly applies in full to remote testing. In the event that their remote administration compromises the examination process, VECs can decertify VEs and we can terminate our agreements with VECs. ~:EOF
"VECs can decertify VEs" This not only places my certification in jeopardy but places every exam I have participated in and every licensee I have certified in question. In its strictest sense the holder of every 605 I've signed could be recalled for re-testing.
"...and we can terminate our agreements with VECs" This places the entire VE program at risk.
No wonder the Laurel VEC says no...
Now do you have some idea of what is at stake?
