GAVEX

Registration Procedure

Gavex is currently administering Amatuer Radio Exams by appointment only.
Please follow these steps to schedule your personal apointment date and time:

1. A Federal Registration Number (FRN) or a valid unexpired Amateur Radio callsign is required to take an exam.
2. Click HERE to quickly register for and receive an FRN number if you do not already have an FRN.
3. Email us at register@gavex,org, or text or call (717)-74GAVEX (717-744-2839). Give us your name, phone number, e-mail address, and a range of available dates and times that you would be available to test.
4. We will contact you to work out an exact date and time that also suits our Volunteer Examiner Team Members.
5. You will receive an e-mail with a registration link and a payment link. Click on the provided registration link to register for the exam and click on the payment link to pay the required $15.00 examination fee.
6. You will receive an email confirming your registration and an email confirming your payment.
7. Approximately 15 to 30 minutes before your exam session you will receive an email containing a link to your exam session.
8. Using your computer or primary device that you intend to use for the exam (windows or apple based computer, phone, or tablet) join us by clicking the provided session link.
9. When advised by the exam team join the session on the second device (phone or tablet) using the same session link. When joining the session on the second device (phone or tablet) please click the microphone icon to disconnect the audio when joining the session.

Testing Requirements

• A Federal Registration Number (FRN) or a valid unexpired Amateur Radio callsign is required to take an exam. Click HERE to quickly register for and receive an FRN number if you do not already have an FRN.
• Exam Session registration is required to take an exam. You will receive an e-mail with a registration link when your session date and time have been confirmed.
• We are required by law to obtain a completed COPPA parental consent form before collecting any personally identifiable information from children under the age of 13. The COPPA form and instructions are given when registering for the exam.
• A $15.00 examination fee is required. A payment link will be provided with the registration confirmation e-mail. We accept Paypal and most major credit cards.
• Two devices are required for the exam session. The primary device that you intend to use for the exam, (windows or apple based computer, phone, or tablet), and a second device, (phone or tablet), used for a 360-degree scan around the room and viewing the monitor and keyboard during the exam.
• A government issued photo ID is required. If no photo ID is available two other forms of identification may be accepted at the VE Teams option. Students/minors without a photo ID need only one of the above items if a legal guardian presents their photo ID.
• Notepads, papers, notes, pens or pencils, calculators, or ham related items are not permitted in the testing area. Some items may be covered if not easily removed. An on-screen calculator is integrated into the exam session.
• Polarizing glasses, sunglasses, smart glasses, smart watches, ear buds, earpods, ear wigs, headphones, calculators, bluetooth devices, or other electronic devices are not permitted. Hearing aids can be used if necessary but must be removed during the actual exam and can be reinserted after the exam is completed.
• Only one monitor or screen device can be visible during the exam. Additional monitors or screens must be out of view, covered, or unplugged.
• Visitors are not permitted in the exam room.
• You must complete the test without any interruptions.
• You may not leave your seat during the exam session.
• You must keep your attention on your computer screen at all times. Your eyes may not wander to other parts of the room.
• You must keep both of your hands in the area of the computer keyboard and in view of the second device camera at all times.
• You must agree to share your entire screen with the exam team.
• You must consent to a 360-degree scan around the testing room. Any sensitive items may be covered.
• You must agree that if the Exam Team suspects the possibility of cheating, the exam may be terminated and the exam fee forfeited.

About GAVEX

The Great Appalachian Valley Examiners (GAVEX) are a team of skilled and experienced FCC licensed amateur radio enthusiasts who are accredited by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) as Volunteer Examiners (VE’s). The ARRL is the National Association for Amateur Radio and the largest Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) in the Nation.

Our mission is to provide friendly, relaxed, and rewarding remote online amateur radio examinations for all license classes.

Although our testing area is not limited to any specific region, our primary focus is to augment and support the numerous amateur radio clubs and organizations that are centrally located in the Great Appalachian Valley, primarily in the Quad State Area of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

As a community of local amateur radio operators, we strive to equip and inspire the next generation of radio enthusiasts in the Great Appalachian Valley. We bridge the gap between new hams and their local clubs, fostering mentorship and support for every new radio adventure.