RSSThe FCC released a notice saying that remote tests for the amateur radio service are not prohibited, and prior FCC approval is not required to conduct remote tests.
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The amateur radio service provides opportunities for self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations for qualified persons. To operate an amateur radio service station, an operator must have an FCC license. The commission issues three classes of operator licenses, and the class for which each licensee is qualified is determined during an examination by volunteer examiners, who conduct the testing on behalf of FCC-certified volunteer examiner coordinators.
Many potential amateur radio test takers and volunteer examiners have contacted the FCC to request that the commission allow remote testing in light of current public health guidelines regarding social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The commission provides flexibility to volunteer examiners and coordinators who wish to develop remote testing methods or to increase remote testing programs already in place,” the notice said. “We recognize that some volunteer examiner coordinators may not have the immediate capacity for widespread remote testing. We expect those volunteer examiner coordinators with limited remote testing capacity to work closely with those requesting such testing to prioritize any available remote testing slots.”
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