On April 18, 2026, W4OVH conducted our second exam session this year using the new ExamTools online system. Everything went smoothly and we added two new ham radio operators to our hobby! We also had our first opportunity to offer an exam to a 12-year-old and submit an “ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program” application. This ARRL program reimburses the $35 FCC application fee, encouraging those under 18 years of age to become newly licensed hams. The 12-year-old earned his Technician class license.
Four applicants were present at the exam session. Two new Technician Class licenses were earned and two hams qualified for an upgrade to General Class.
Holding VE sessions in-person provides valuable face-to-face engagement with prospective members, allowing them to learn more about the club and its activities. All the applicants were interested in finding out more about our upcoming Field Day and Hamfest activities. We also had an opportunity to talk with a previous ham (former callsign VU2ADC) who was interested in getting back into ham radio and getting licensed here in the United States.
Thanks go out to Byron (AK4XR), John (KG4NXT), Bruce (KN4GDX) and Lynn (KX4HR) for serving as Volunteer Examiners. This was also Lynn’s first VE session! Theresa (KG4TVM) also helped with the exam session.
The next VE session will be held at our Hamfest on June 20, 2026. Since OVH club members will be busy running the event, the Arlington Amateur Radio Club will support the VE session.
73,
Mark Braunstein WA4KFZ