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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 future test session dates 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!
Travel to Remote Test Sites With more than 35,000 VEs accredited in the ARRL/VEC program, most areas throughout the country have testing teams. VEs aren't expected to travel extensively to conduct test sessions. The ARRL/VEC can usually locate an additional VE, frequently close to the test site, for a VE Team that needs a third member. If a VE is requested to travel an extended distance, VE Teams can provide expense relief to that VE in the form of mileage reimbursement and/or expense reimbursement. Real Life Experience Box Our VE Team is very busy, conducting an average of 15 to 20 exam sessions each year. Why so many you ask? Our VEs are always ready to help; we have driven 60 miles to a church group, we have helped the Civil Air Patrol youth from the local high school, teachers from various school districts, many rangers at the state parks and those with special needs. We’ve provided test sessions at our local convention and have given classes and exams at the Braille institute. We have a wonderful group of VEs, ready to go at the drop of a hat, willing to go almost any place, any time and help in any way they can. We always have extra supplies on hand, and can take care of any size group, and have for the past 15 years. – K6BSC, Coachella Valley ARC VE TEAM LIAISON
Registering the Test Session Most VE Teams register each session with the ARRL/VEC well in advance, some often a year in advance, and the ARRL/VEC office provides all test materials to them session by session. Such teams can: (1) register several sessions at the same time, and submit individual requests for test materials for each session as the respective test dates approach; or (2) when registering the sessions, tell the ARRL/VEC what materials they will need for each session. The ARRL/VEC needs to know what test materials are needed at least 20 days before the test date so that its staff can use the least expensive reliable courier service available to deliver the materials to the Liaison. If you give less lead time, the ARRL/VEC is forced to use more expensive courier services. This not only increases an already large postage bill, but it also decreases the chances of correcting any problems during the packaging of the shipment. It is also simply not fair to the hundreds of VE Teams that work hard to provide adequate notice of their testing needs. The ARRL/VEC will always supply its VE Teams with whatever materials they need--even if overnight service (the most expensive) is required to get the package there--but we will not do it routinely. To register your upcoming test dates and locations, fill out the ARRL/VEC Session Registration / Request for Test Materials Form and mail or FAX to ARRL/VEC or use the Registration Form Template found on our Web site at www.arrl.org/arrlvec/testregistration.html and email to vetests@arrl.org.
Field-Stock Program Many teams have worked with ARRL/VEC over several test sessions. Teams who have conducted at least four ARRL/VEC test sessions, and who have registered four future test dates, may request to receive and retain quantities of test materials so that they can continue their regularly scheduled sessions without the usual back-and-forth correspondence with the VEC office. They also have the flexibility to conduct any "on-the-spot" testing that may be called for with short notice.
ARRL VE Manual - 9th Edition