Latest Exam Results: January 17th, 2026
2025 is in the rear view mirror and 2026 is upon us. Five volunteer examiners arrived on site for an anticipated session of three candidates and we weren’t disappointed.
We had advance warning to expect three test candidates and each one arrived as expected. Each was there to start his Ham radio adventure with the Technician class test and were eager to get started. We waited until the appointed time in case an unexpected walk-in candidate should show up. After our usual instructions to the candidates on how the testing would proceed, they anxiously dug in and plowed forward to completion.
Our candidates were from Elmira, Albany and Eugene. Our Eugene candidate was back again to try and pass the Tech which he, unfortunately, did not pass a few months ago. I am happy to report that all the candidates passed the Technician test and then moved on to attempt the General test.
Two of the testing candidates were not successful in passing the General but were glad that they made the attempt. The fellow from Albany said he would be back to get the General after doing some more studying. The gentleman from Elmira, who did not expect to pass the General because he had not really studied for it, passed with flying colors and was ecstatic at the news. He actually had tears of joy in his eyes.
So, two Technicians and a General (even though he did not expect to be one), left with grins all around. The joy that was expressed by all is the reward that we get in volunteering to conduct the tests for those who want to join in the Ham community. You should come by some time and experience that elation and satisfaction the permeates a successful test session. It is worth it.
As I mentioned last month, we are considering taking only reservations for testing because of all the times we thought someone was coming in only to find that no one showed up. In addition, the upcoming requirements that all candidates register with the “Examtools” web site before taking any exams would basically mean we would have to require pre-registration for any future tests. This doesn’t have to be done until we get closer to the end of the year. More on this later.
Our next test session will be on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, at 1pm. This is also the day for the Rickreal hamfest so I am not sure we will see many candidates or examiners, and I don’t blame them. We may cancel this session just for that reason. More on that later.
Again, I want to personally thank each of our examiners for taking time out of their weekend to help administer the examinations. Volunteering your time and experience to help new applicants and those upgrading their current license is one of the great things I have seen Hams doing for our hobby. Again my thanks to each of you. We couldn’t do it without you!
If you are upgrading or coming for your first license we welcome you and look forward to being of service. Please call Peter, N7IY. His phone number is on the ARRL web site under “exam sessions”, if you are planning on testing.
If you are a General class, Advanced, or Extra class license holder you can become a Volunteer Examiner and receive accreditation from the ARRL by passing an open book exam. The service of providing examinations for aspiring Hams is very rewarding and well worth the effort. Nothing feels as good as seeing someone grinning as they are told they PASSED the test.
If you want to get your VE accreditation you can find out all about it here:https://www.arrl.org/become-an-arrl-ve , it is well worth it.
That’s it for this month. Thank you for checking in to see how “your” VE team is doing. I hope you will join us at a meeting or exam. Be well. See you on the air.
73, Bob AD7Z
Last Updated on January 18, 2026 by Bob, AD7Z
