A session in ExamTools is a scheduled exam event where one or more applicants test for an amateur radio license.
Session lifecycle
- Create session — Schedule the event, set the team, VEC, team lead, and registration options
- Configure settings — Add location, set visibility, finalize notes
- Add VEs — Assign the VEs who will be working the session
- Start session — On exam day, click Start Session to open for applicants
- Check in applicants — Authorize applicants to join and begin testing
- Administer exams — VEs proctor and sign; applicants complete their element(s)
- Finalize session — Review all results, then click Finalize Session (requires team lead password)
- Submit to VEC — Export session documents and deliver to your VEC
Session types
ExamTools uses the same session structure for both in-person and remote (online-supervised) exams. The mechanics are identical — what changes is where the applicant sits and how VEs verify their identity. Steps that differ are called out in the relevant guides.
Key session settings
| Setting | What it controls |
|---|---|
| Session date and time | When the session is scheduled |
| Location | Physical address (in-person) or video platform link (remote) |
| Elements offered | Which license exams will be available (Tech, General, Extra) |
| Public registration | Whether applicants can pre-register via a public link |
| VE assignments | Which VEs from your roster are assigned to this session |
Session status
Sessions move through the following states:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Created and configured, not yet started |
| In progress | Actively running — VEs and applicants can join |
| Closed | Session finalized; results ready to submit to the VEC |