Subj : Local License Exam Update
To   : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Fri Jul 03 2020 08:43 am

  For ham radio operators in the United States and its territories,
the Amateur Extra Class Question Pool, and resulting exams, CHANGED
on July 1, 2020.

  Study guides, exams, etc. from the 2016 Extra Class Question Pool,
are NO LONGER VALID as of July 1, 2020 -- VE Teams should DESTROY
copies of the 2016 exam books, etc. on July 1, 2020...and only use
exam books dated July 1, 2020 or later. 

  If they give an outdated exam in error, the examinee MUST re-test
with the 2020 exam book, but be allowed to do it FREE OF CHARGE. VE
Teams should be vigilant in having the latest exam books on hand.
ARRL/VEC Field Stocked teams have been shipped new Extra Class exam
books in late June, 2020...and the ARRL/VEC Exam Maker software has
been updated...those VE Team Leaders with the software should follow
the instructions to update the exam elements.

  Those wishing to take a license exam, be SURE that you are studying
the correct version of the exam you are planning to test for. Or, you
could be in for a rude awakening on exam day. Examinees having study
guides, etc. for the 2016 Amateur Extra Class Question Pool, should
throw these in the trash, as they are worthless. New study guides for
the 2020 Amateur Extra Class Question Pool are available from ARRL,
W5YI, and other sources.

  No Question Pool changes are planned in 2021. However, the cycle
begins with a new Technician pool in 2022, a new General pool in
2023, then a new Amateur Extra pool in 2024.

  With COVID-19 restrictions, check with the VE Team Contact Person,
to be sure the session is still on, and for any special requirements,
such as masks and gloves, and whether it's a "low contact, in person
session" (including examinees taking testing from their cars)...or
"remote testing".

  My team, the University Of Arkansas At Little Rock (UALR) Ham Radio
Club VE Team, is NOT equipped for "remote testing". As of now, we plan
to do a LOW CONTACT IN PERSON SESSION on Saturday, September 19, and
Saturday, November 21, at the Amy Sanders Library in Sherwood, Arkansas.
I am waiting final word from the library on any other special conditions
or requirements. For now, those interested can download the file
LRCVDHAM.PDF from the Ham Radio Exams File Area. A PDF reader is
required to view/print it.

Daryl Stout, WX4QZ, UALR Ham Radio Club VE Team Liaison
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