The current examination process for Amateur Radio licenses relies on volunteer examiners to conduct in-person paper-based exams. The intent is to ensure that the examinee completes the exam fairly, without the use of any aids.

The problem with this antiquated approach is that it unfairly limits those in underserved areas for whom there may not be a testing opportunity nearby. Those who do not have means to travel to remote locations for testing, or who are unable to travel due to physical or environmental restrictions are denied the opportunity to participate in this valuable hobby which serves the emergency response community greatly.

It's 2020, FCC. It's time to take the HAM Exams online.

The recent COVID-19 outbreak has exams across the country being cancelled. The result is that those who need access to communications means like amateur radio are unable to legally operate. This simply cannot continue.

Please join me in encouraging the FCC to update the examination process to serve an increasingly mobile and distributed population. We owe it to the next generation to start giving them access to amateur radio and do it in a way that makes sense in 2020.