Help someone
earn their
callsign.
Every new amateur radio operator starts with an exam. Volunteer Examiners are the licensed hams who help make that moment possible.
The GSARA VE Team helps administer amateur radio license exams and welcomes accredited Volunteer Examiners who want to help new and upgrading operators take their next step in the hobby.
You're part of the team
behind the exam.
Volunteer Examiners help make amateur radio license examinations possible by working together to administer exam sessions and maintain the integrity of the process.
You don't have to stand in front of a classroom or teach someone radio theory. As a VE, your job is to help make sure candidates receive a fair, organized and properly administered examination.
Administer the exam.
VEs work as a team to conduct amateur radio license examinations according to the procedures established by their Volunteer Examiner Coordinator.
Support the candidate.
A good exam session should feel organized and welcoming. VEs help candidates understand the process, move through the session and know what happens after their exam.
Protect the process.
VEs verify that examination procedures are followed correctly and help maintain the integrity and credibility of amateur radio licensing examinations.
You don't have to be a teacher.
Some Volunteer Examiners also teach license classes, mentor new operators or help people prepare for an exam. Those are great ways to contribute—but they aren't the same thing as serving as a VE.
For the candidate, this can be a pretty big day.
They may be earning their first amateur radio license or working toward an upgrade they've spent weeks studying for. A good VE team helps make that experience smooth, professional and welcoming.
A few hours can start
someone's entire journey.
Think back to the day you passed your first amateur radio exam. For the candidate sitting across from you, this may be that day.
Serving as a Volunteer Examiner is a practical way to give something back to amateur radio while helping new operators get started and experienced hams take the next step toward an upgrade.
Help us make testing easier to access.
GSARA's VE Team supports amateur radio examination sessions using modern tools and flexible testing options while keeping the experience organized, professional and welcoming for candidates.
Help support exam sessions that can meet candidates where they are, including online and in-person testing opportunities.
The team uses ExamTools to help organize and administer examination sessions efficiently.
Licensing and testing can also be part of GSARA's broader work introducing amateur radio to schools, youth programs and the community.
Sometimes you get to be there when someone realizes, “I passed.”
Maybe it's a brand-new Technician who can't wait to get on the air. Maybe it's a General candidate who has been studying for weeks. Maybe someone finally earns their Extra after years in the hobby.
You're not the reason they passed—they did the work. But you get to be part of the team that helped make that moment possible.
Testing is part of a much bigger picture.
Help candidates take the final step from studying amateur radio to becoming licensed operators.
Help Technician and General licensees move forward as they expand their privileges and knowledge.
Help make amateur radio licensing more approachable and accessible to people discovering the hobby.
Becoming a VE is the next step.
Volunteer Examiners must first become accredited through a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator. We'll walk through that process next.
Getting accredited is
pretty straightforward.
Before you can help administer amateur radio license exams, you'll need to become an accredited Volunteer Examiner through a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator.
GSARA works with accredited VEs for our examination sessions. If you'd like to join us, the first step is completing the accreditation process.
Review the ARRL VE materials.
Start by reviewing the Volunteer Examiner information and accreditation materials provided by the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator.
These materials explain the responsibilities of a VE, how examination sessions are conducted and the procedures examiners are expected to follow.
Complete the VE accreditation application.
After reviewing the material, complete the ARRL VEC Volunteer Examiner accreditation application and open-book review.
The goal isn't to make becoming a VE difficult. It's to make sure prospective examiners understand the procedures and responsibilities involved in administering an examination.
Submit your application to ARRL VEC.
Send the completed materials to the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator for review.
Once your application has been accepted, you'll be accredited as a Volunteer Examiner through the ARRL VEC program.
Join the GSARA VE Team.
Once you're accredited, let us know you're interested in helping with GSARA examination sessions.
We'll help you get familiar with how our team conducts exams, the tools we use and how you can begin participating in upcoming sessions.
Begin with the ARRL Volunteer Examiner program.
The ARRL VEC provides the accreditation materials, application and information you'll need to become an ARRL-accredited Volunteer Examiner.
VE privileges depend on your license class.
Your amateur radio license class determines which examination elements you may administer as a Volunteer Examiner. Review the current ARRL VEC requirements before applying so you understand the privileges associated with your license.
Already accredited?
We'd like to hear from you.
If you're already an accredited Volunteer Examiner and would like to help with GSARA exam sessions, getting involved is easy.
You don't need to already know our testing workflow or the tools we use. Let us know you're interested and we'll help you get familiar with how the team operates.
We'll get you connected with the team.
Reach out to the GSARA VE Team and let us know that you're an accredited VE interested in helping with upcoming examination sessions.
Send the VE Team a quick note with your name, callsign and interest in helping with GSARA examination sessions.
We'll help you become familiar with how GSARA conducts sessions and how we use ExamTools as part of the examination process.
When an opportunity fits your availability, join the team and start gaining experience working alongside other GSARA VEs.
You don't have to arrive knowing everything.
Being accredited gives you the foundation to serve as a Volunteer Examiner. Learning how a particular team runs its sessions comes with experience. We'll help you understand the GSARA workflow and become comfortable working with the rest of the team.
A larger VE team makes it easier to support exam sessions, community activities and opportunities for people to earn or upgrade their amateur radio licenses.
Help put the next
callsign on the air.
Every exam session needs licensed amateurs willing to give a little of their time to help someone else move forward in the hobby.
Whether you're thinking about becoming a Volunteer Examiner or you're already accredited and looking for a team to work with, there's a place for you to help.
Start with accreditation.
Review the ARRL Volunteer Examiner program and complete the accreditation process. Once you're accredited, come back and connect with the GSARA VE Team.
BECOME AN ARRL VECome help us with the next session.
If you're an accredited Volunteer Examiner, introduce yourself to the GSARA VE Team and let us know you'd like to help with upcoming examination sessions.
JOIN THE GSARA VE TEAMSomeone studied for the exam. Let's help them take it.