Become a Volunteer Examiner (VE)
Volunteer Examiners (VEs) are licensed amateur radio operators who help administer examinations for people seeking an amateur radio license in the United States.
Becoming a VE is a way to support amateur radio education, encourage new operators, and contribute to the amateur radio community.
This page is an educational guide. The official Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) determines accreditation and examination procedures. Always consult the current official requirements before applying.
1. Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as an ARRL Volunteer Examiner, applicants must meet the applicable FCC and ARRL/VEC requirements.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold a current, valid amateur radio operator license.
- Hold a license class appropriate for the examinations they will administer.
- Complete the ARRL/VEC application and required accreditation review.
Consult ARRL for the complete eligibility rules and any additional restrictions.
Official ARRL VE Application and Requirements →2. License Class Requirements
The VE's own license class determines which license examinations they may administer.
- Technician examination: General, Advanced, or Amateur Extra license.
- General examination: Advanced or Amateur Extra license.
- Amateur Extra examination: Amateur Extra license.
These are the standard license-class requirements. The examiner must also be accredited by the coordinating VEC and follow its procedures.
3. How to Become an ARRL VE
Step 1 — Read the VE Manual
Study the official manual to understand examiner duties, examination rules, documentation, and session procedures.
Read the ARRL VE Manual →Step 2 — Complete the Application and Review
Follow the current ARRL instructions to complete the VE application and required open-book knowledge review. Use the official instructions to confirm how to submit the completed materials.
Application and Accreditation Instructions →Step 3 — Submit Your Application
Submit the required materials to ARRL/VEC using the method specified in its current instructions. Wait for confirmation of accreditation before serving as an ARRL VE.
Step 4 — Join an Examination Team
Once accredited, coordinate with an established VE team or work with other accredited examiners to arrange a session under the VEC's procedures.
4. How VE Examination Sessions Work
Under the standard FCC framework, at least three appropriately accredited VEs must participate in a session to administer amateur radio license examinations.
The team follows the coordinating VEC's instructions for candidate registration, examination administration, grading, records, and submission of results.
A club interested in supporting examination sessions should first identify qualified volunteers and contact its chosen VEC for instructions on team coordination and session approval.
ARRL Resources for Volunteer Examiners →5. Official Resources
Use these official ARRL resources for current forms, requirements, manuals, and examination information.
- Become an ARRL Volunteer Examiner
- ARRL VE Manual
- Resources for Volunteer Examiners
- ARRL Licensing, Education and Training
Requirements and procedures may change. Verify all details with ARRL/VEC before applying or scheduling an examination.