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ARRL VEC Department -- Fact Sheet

• The ARRL VEC program began in July 1984 (After the FCC stopped testing at FCC Field Offices, they created the VEC system in 1983). ARRL/VEC has over 20 years of Service to Radio Amateurs, operating as a knowledgeable information source for a wide-range of licensing issues.

• Today, the ARRL VEC is the largest of the 14 VECs, representing more than 65% of all exams given (at one point there were over 25 VECs).

• The ARRL VEC has 7 staff members. Manager is Maria Somma, Assistant Manager is Perry Green, and service representatives are Pete Warner, Ann Brinius, Lisa Riendeau, Amanda Grimaldi and China Chaney.

• Stats include more than 25,000 accredited volunteer examiners, holding more than 5,000 exams per year, serving nearly 30,000 examinees per year.

• In the last 20 years over 90,000 Test Sessions have been conducted, more than 1,250,000 Exam Elements have been given and over 809,000 Persons have been served. We have also processed more than 385,000 Form 605's (Includes initial and upgrade applications and modifications).

• Volunteer examiners are accredited by the ARRL VEC (obtaining training and ongoing guidance from our online VE Manual, as well as by phone or email).

• Questions regarding Exam Requirements, Exam Accommodations, Exam Test Locations, and VE Support are handled by our department.

• The VEC Department is also a primary provider for:
  • Club License (Club Call Sign) questions and applications (the application form and procedures are online).
  • Vanity Call signs (the application forms and procedures are online). We only serve in an advisory capacity in this activity, as application must be made (with fee) directly to FCC.
  • 1x1 Special Event call signs (the application form and procedures are online).
  • International Amateur Radio Permit -- IARP - a subject also supported by F&ES Regulatory Staff - (the application form and procedures are online).
  • ARRL Member (or non member with accompanying fee) FCC license updates and renewals (the application form and procedures are online).
  • Question Pool Committee Support -- ARRL serves as one of three primary members of the National Conference of VECs Question Pool Committee. ARRL's working group has included participants from the VEC, Technical Department/Book Team and Field and Educational Services Group (the question pools are online).

• The VEC Department can be reached by:
  • Email: vec@arrl.org
  • Phone: 860-594-0300
  • Fax: 860-594-0339