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Training & VEC Information Page Updated for 2009 The 2009 Exam Schedule
All of our tests are walk in only ! ARRL Emergency Communications Certifications Exams are also available at our test sessions. New Amateur Extra Class Question Pool Released
Advisory To Amateur Radio License/Upgrade Applicants
Amateur Radio Enters A New Era
Training & Class Information Each year usually in February or March, the MARC sponsors training classes for the Technician class entry level license. This includes instruction in both Morse Code and theory. If there is sufficient interest we will also assist already licensed hams to upgrade to either General or Extra Class licenses. We usually use the ARRL study guide materials which are readily available at most Radio Shack stores. This is the "Now Your Talking" materials and it is a great way to begin your study.
Continuing for 2008, the Stark County VEC Team will be administering The new ARRL Emergency Communication Certification Examinations. All 3 levels will be offered at each test session. Bring the same identification that you would bring for a license examination. What Should You Bring ? The VEC program has set the following rules in order to take an amateur test. 1.) A check or money order payable to "ARRL/VEC" for the current ARRL test fee. The fee for 2008 will remain at $ 14.00. 2.) Two forms of ID, one a picture ID and one other form of ID. 3.) Any CSEC's from a previous test session. Bring the original and one photocopy. 4.) Your Amateur Radio license, if licensed. Bring both the original and one photocopy. The Volunteer Examiner Program
Click on the ARRL VEC Banner for complete information on the ARRL VEC Program.
The last few years several long time VE's have left the program and need to be replaced. Becoming a VE is free and easy. You simply go the the ARRL website, download and review the Volunteer Examiner's Manual in Adobe Pdf format. Once you have read the manual and completed the required application you are on your way to becoming an ARRL VE. Once accredited, you will receive in the mail a laminated VE Badge and clip to wear at a test session. General, Advance and Extra Class volunteers are needed to help support the program here in Stark County. Contact Gary Kline - WC8W, ARRL VEC Coordinator additional information. You can reach Gary via email at wc8w@sssnet.com or phone to 330-837-2927. Additional Training Information
We continually demonstrate this need by participation in numerous training exercises such as Field Day, SET etc., and by providing communications during public service events - parades, bike-a-thons, races to name but a few. Over the last several years mainly due to reduced licensing requirements we have added many new amateurs to our hobby. While there is strength in numbers, ours is still a technical hobby and we depend on this level of expertise when participating in public service events. As amateur radio emergency communications has continued to evolve, it became apparent that some form of formal certification would soon be necessary in order to assure that we continue to provide trained and professional communicators for public service events. With this in mind, the ARRL has developed through their Certification and Continuing Education Program an Emergency Communications Course. Because the topic of emergency communications is so diversified and so much information is available, the material is broken down into three levels: Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced Emergency Communications (Level I, II, III). Click Here to learn more about these important training programs.
Is It Time To Renew Your License ?
My license was set to expire on November 24th of this year. The last time I renewed my license was back in 1995 and it was done using the old venerable FCC Form 610. All I had to do was fill it out, sign and date it and send it in. A lot has changed since then and while the process is a bit more complicated in some respects, it's also much easier thanks to the ARRL. It started with a letter I received back on May 6, 2005. The letter was the official expiration notification and application form to renew my license from the ARRL. The current rules state that you may file for your Amateur Radio license renewal by mail at 90 days or less before your license will expire or up to two years after expiration. At the beginning of October I completed the ARRL form by providing my social security number, email address, signing and dating the application. I then simply returned it to ARRL headquarters using their provided return envelope. About two weeks later I received a letter from the FCC titled "Manual Registration of CORES". You must register with the FCC's Commission Registration System (CORES) for any license transaction conducted. I was issued an FCC Registration Number (FRN), to be used for any inquiries and transactions with the FCC. The letter indicated that I would receive another letter containing my password that would be needed to update/change my registration data in the FCC's CORES website. Sure enough, about a week later I received my letter containing a rather lengthy password. I haven't had the need as yet to use my FRN number to see my individual record. You can, of course search the FCC's callsign database and also bring up the record of any licensed amateur radio operator. So what's the status of my license renewal ? About one week later I received yet another very formal looking envelope from the FCC. Inside was my renewed amateur radio license. I am glad to report that I am fully legal until November 24, 2015. I sincerely hope I'm still around and enjoying the hobby by then ! Total time from when I initially returned the completed ARRL form until I received my renewed license - about 5 weeks. Not to bad I thought considering the FCC is a government agency. I have to admit, thanks to the ARRL's application processing service, it was very easy. I would highly recommend it rather that doing it the old fashion way ! De Terry - N8ATZ To learn more about the training and VEC testing program in the Massillon Amateur Radio Club, contact our VE Coordinator listed below. Gary Kline - WC8W
This page was last updated on 11/02/08 Site best viewed in 800 x 600 Resolution
2008 MARC |
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(Dec 26, 2007) -- The
National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (
With the advent of the Volunteer Examination Coordinator Program
sponsored by the American Radio Relay League, the MARC in
conjunction with the Canton Amateur Radio Club sponsors VEC
testing four times a year. Tests are given at the EOC office which is
located in the basement of the Stark County Sheriff's office which
is off State Route 62 East in Canton. The exact address is 4500
Atlantic Blvd. NE, Canton, Ohio 44705. Doors open at 8:00 AM for
registration with testing beginning at 9:00 AM. 
Are you ready to upgrade ? Do you know someone who is ready to
take his or her Amateur Radio exam ? No problem. The ARRL has more
than 30,000 volunteer examiners worldwide, ready to help. Let's
take a look at how the ARRL VEC staff helps hams and prospective
hams upgrade or earn a first FCC Amateur Radio License. 
Public Service has and will continue to be a very important
part of the Amateur Radio Service. Our continued existence as a
hobby may be dependent on our ability to demonstrate a continued
need of our very valuable part of the radio spectrum.
