The COVID-19 global pandemic has certainly had a major impact to all of us. While I certainly don’t need to point out all the pain points, for those who may stumble onto this blog posting you’re either interested in getting your ham radio license, planning to upgrade your license, already licensed at the level you want to be or just simply wanting to read the entire Internet while you are quarantined at home with nothing better to do. If you fall into the latter category, then you’ve pretty much reached the end of the line. 
Controversy Galore
I’m sure the very mention of moving away from the standard VE exam process has some old men stirred up beyond imagination. I get it…I really do. The most obvious concern of course would be some form of cheating. I’ve also heard concerns that this new method of remote testing will replace the in-person exam process forever. Then there’s the category of just being reluctant to change and the idea of “this is how we’ve always done it” mentality. For those who are always reluctant to change, may I suggest reading a book titled “Who Moved My Cheese”, available on Amazon. But I digress.
The Right Move
I personally support this idea of conducting online ham radio exams. I believe the technology exists to be able to conduct a secure exam process and I believe within the hobby and service of amateur radio we have the resources to make this happen. After all, one of the key points of our “Radio Amateur’s Code” is being Progressive!
More Information
Richard Bateman, KD7BBC who is also the owner of HamStudy.org recently recorded a short video discussing how he (and others) are working to help bring Online Amateur Radio exams to the US very soon. I’ve embedded the video below for your ease in viewing.
Final Thoughts
As I said at the beginning, I do understand the concern some amateurs have regarding the subject of online exam testing. But I have a greater concerns over how this pandemic will impact our hobby. I truly believe the efforts being led by Richard will only do our hobby good. I’m sure at some point life will get back to some kind of normal. I’m certainly looking forward to finding out just what the new normal will be.
What do you think?
Until next time…
73 de KDØBIK (Jerry)
Yeah, ‘old men stirred up’ ,eh? Quite the smartass, aren’t you as that point really helped get more on board with your side.
We’ve already dumbed down the effort required to get a license so why not just hand them out? That way *everyone* can be a ham and make all those “concerned about our hobby” happy with the new found numbers of amateurs now licensed. If anything, this type of emergency pandemic should make those considering being a ham, to actually try and pass legitimately.
And yes, I’ve read ‘Who Moved My Cheese’ 25 years ago while working at Southwest Airlines.
Rick,
I absolutely agree with you. This is exactly the type of event that should make others want to obtain their license legitimately. I’m certainly not for handing out licenses, I simply was impressed with the information Richard shared and discussed in his video. As for the “old men stirred up” comment, it wasn’t intended to be an insult. I’m becoming an old man myself and often get stirred up if I watch the news for too long.
Thanks for reading, thanks for the comment and best to you and your family during this pandemic.
73
Jerry
I’m already and old man but I am a young HAM, licensed at age 69. I really support the entry level being fairly easy, helps us get a license to learn. I also support keeping the privelages limited, how else do we encourage greater study. The concept of “on line testing” is a good one when applied for special circumstances. Times such as now count and also for those in locations that require un-real travel. Carefully planned and executed the integrity of licensing can be maintained. As far as being progressive, 55 years ago I began studying to be a ham. Had the theory, had the code but unable to get to the FCC office. Let us move forward.