Just over a decade ago, Richard Bateman KD7BBC saw the need to improve and modernize how amateur radio exams are administered. He and a close-knit team of volunteers began developing web and computer-based software with that goal. The result was two tools:
- HamStudy — A study platform for exam candidates. Uses intelligent flashcard study and practice tests. Available free on the web and as a mobile app. Covers US amateur radio exams, several FCC commercial elements, and amateur radio exams in other countries.
- ExamTools — A platform for volunteer examiners. Supports administering and grading exams by computer or paper, and digital signing of all forms including NCVEC Form 605 and Certificates of Successful Completion.
Both projects are funded primarily through proceeds from SignalStuff, Richard’s antenna design company, with additional support from Icom America.
Remote exams and COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person amateur radio license testing in spring 2020. In response, a Fully-Remote Working Group representing several VECs was formed to determine how to implement remote proctoring while remaining in full compliance with Part 97 requirements and VEC-specific policies.
The first fully-remote exam session was held on March 26, 2020 as a proof of concept. The session was successful but the process was cumbersome, requiring remote access to the candidate’s computer and third-party digital signature tools. ExamTools Tier 2 — with a fully integrated remote exam and digital signature workflow — was released on May 26, 2020.
From March 26 through December 1, 2020, ExamTools administered exams for over 1,100 in-person candidates and 9,000 fully-remote candidates.
Today
Several VEC organizations actively use ExamTools for both in-person and fully-remote exam sessions. ExamTools continues to be developed and improved based on input from active VEs and a team of volunteers who assist with design, development, testing, documentation, and training.
Contributing to the docs
The documentation source is on GitHub at github.com/HamStudy/examtools-docs. Corrections and improvements are welcome via pull request — see maintainer.md for instructions.