Ham Exams are now Online

[El-Dracho]

Where do they do the tests in Germany?

The Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railway - that´s the name of the federal authority in charge of this or at least this was the name, I am not sure at the moment - has different locations in Germany where they do the exams as a kind of classroom event.

 

[LostWoods]

Really don't like that one of the workspace check methods is the security clusterf*ck that is Zoom.

 

[J.W.]

Really don't like that one of the workspace check methods is the security clusterf*ck that is Zoom.

Are you worried someone might hack into your feed and start giving you the correct answers? I jest but the zoom vulnerabilities aren't a big conceren for this type of use. Zoom is definitely a security problem for companies sharing proprietary info during conference meetings. Not so much for a Ham exam where all the questions are posted in advance. And if the Russians want to spend some man-hours so they can see my kitchen table for 10 minutes, I'm going to let Ivan have at it.

Or you can simply wait for regular in-person exams to start back up. Should happen soon enough.

 

[LostWoods]

Are you worried someone might hack into your feed and start giving you the correct answers? I jest but the zoom vulnerabilities aren't a big conceren for this type of use. Zoom is definitely a security problem for companies sharing proprietary info during conference meetings. Not so much for a Ham exam where all the questions are posted in advance. And if the Russians want to spend some man-hours so they can see my kitchen table for 10 minutes, I'm going to let Ivan have at it.

Or you can simply wait for regular in-person exams to start back up. Should happen soon enough.

As someone who works in cyber, it's more that with the kinds of security holes we've already seen, there's definitely going to be some we haven't and those scare me more. I'm not the type to want that kind of software in use on my system even if it is a web client.

I really just don't like when software is selected because it's cheap and easy (and/or the latest buzz) which I suspect is the case here. There are tons of platforms out there that have done secure, online-based testing for years but they're not necessarily cheap.

 

[J.W.]

As someone who works in cyber, it's more that with the kinds of security holes we've already seen, there's definitely going to be some we haven't and those scare me more. I'm not the type to want that kind of software in use on my system even if it is a web client.

I really just don't like when software is selected because it's cheap and easy (and/or the latest buzz) which I suspect is the case here. There are tons of platforms out there that have done secure, online-based testing for years but they're not necessarily cheap.

Yeah, I understand but sometimes you have to work with what you've got. They are working on a more permanent software solution for long term use. This was just to get people tested while stuck at home. I refuse to use zoom for anything important but I agreed to use it for this exam because of the low risk to my kitchen security and didn't want to have to study the new questions when they change in July. Then, I deleted it.

You do what's right for you.

 

[Boort]

Yeah, I understand but sometimes you have to work with what you've got. They are working on a more permanent software solution for long term use. This was just to get people tested while stuck at home. I refuse to use zoom for anything important but I agreed to use it for this exam because of the low risk to my kitchen security and didn't want to have to study the new questions when they change in July. Then, I deleted it.

You do what's right for you.

@J.W. @LostWoods

Looking at the GLAARG FAQ has the applicant showing their Drivers License and another Gov issued ID (passport mentioned) via the Zoom session to verify your identity. Possibly in a group session, with known and unknown platform vulnerabilities. Couple this with ongoing reports that some Zoom session data is being sent to China for reasons unknown. To some passing this level of personal info via an insecure means of transmission is an unwelcome risk. Many others do not realise the risk. (I know some at the more secure end of the spectrum, who don't have their HAM ticket due to the open nature of the FCC license database and the personal info required to be exposed.)

I'd be much more comfortable if these sessions were being done on a properly secured self hosted video platform, with ID verification and forms signatures being done via encrypted channels ahead of time. Looks like the GLAARG team (as well as other VE's giving remote exams) are progressing in this direction. I can't wait to see how where the Remote VE teams take this process. Each revision of the process is getting better and better as they learn what works and what does not. I hope that increased personal information security is high on their list of features to be added. (I know many of these teams are aware of the dangers and that is why the registration requires you to get an FRN as they do not even want to be holding on to applicant's SSNs.)

Boort

 

[J.W.]

@J.W. @LostWoods

Looking at the GLAARG FAQ has the applicant showing their Drivers License and another Gov issued ID (passport mentioned) via the Zoom session to verify your identity. Possibly in a group session, with known and unknown platform vulnerabilities. Couple this with ongoing reports that some Zoom session data is being sent to China for reasons unknown. To some passing this level of personal info via an insecure means of transmission is an unwelcome risk. Many others do not realise the risk. (I know some at the more secure end of the spectrum, who don't have their HAM ticket due to the open nature of the FCC license database and the personal info required to be exposed.)

I'd be much more comfortable if these sessions were being done on a properly secured self hosted video platform, with ID verification and forms signatures being done via encrypted channels ahead of time. Looks like the GLAARG team (as well as other VE's giving remote exams) are progressing in this direction. I can't wait to see how where the Remote VE teams take this process. Each revision of the process is getting better and better as they learn what works and what does not. I hope that increased personal information security is high on their list of features to be added. (I know many of these teams are aware of the dangers and that is why the registration requires you to get an FRN as they do not even want to be holding on to applicant's SSNs.)

Boort

I agree with most all of this. Again, you have to go with what YOU are comfortable with. If you choose to show your id on camera, the GLAARG team pauses the recording when you show your ID. It does not have to be driver's license but it has to be some sort of govt. issued picture ID. As an interesting aside, the newer anti-forging coatings on most state IDs make the image blurry over video and GLAARG has acknowledged that they cannot actually read all the text. I'm sure they will find a better system moving forward.

You cannot use your SSN anymore. You have to have an FRN before you apply for a license. It's been that way for a couple of years now. This is a HUGE improvement from the earlier system where you had to fill out your SSN on a piece of paper and hand it to total strangers who then MAILED IT to even more strangers!!! That was awful!

I felt comfortable enough to go on with the process. Luckily, there will continue to be in-person testing for anyone who does not. It is a fluid process and is changing as we speak. In talking with some of the VEs, yes, security of personal info is at the top of their concerns list. I'm looking forward to seeing the evolution.

 

[TundraChad]

I took the online Technician exam this afternoon with W5YI-VEC. Test took about 10 minutes and scored 100%. Very easy process using Zoom. I already got my form 605 in my email.

 

[J.W.]

I took the online Technician exam this afternoon with W5YI-VEC. Test took about 10 minutes and scored 100%. Very easy process using Zoom. I already got my form 605 in my email.

Congrats!

 

[El-Dracho]

I took the online Technician exam this afternoon with W5YI-VEC. Test took about 10 minutes and scored 100%. Very easy process using Zoom. I already got my form 605 in my email.

Congrats! Seems to me that this online testing works very well!

 

[TundraChad]

Wow that was fast!!!

 

[El-Dracho]

So, HAM license tests in Germany are starting again. Hopefully, I can do the test soon!

 

[El-Dracho]

So, HAM license tests in Germany are starting again. Hopefully, I can do the test soon!

Yessss, got an invitation for the test for end of July

 

[MPLMNT]

Yessss, got an invitation for the test for end of July

Viel Glück!

 

[El-Dracho]

Viel Glück!

Danke!

 

[DaPyrate]

The process is still a little wonky but it is possible to take the exams digitally. Josh (KI6NAZ) has done some great work and explained the process in a Google Doc. PLEASE read it carefully in its entirety before signing up.

Then read all of the Online Instructions for the exam (again, PLEASE read everything carefully before signing up)

[edit] I forgot to add: the cost is a $5 administrative fee via paypal to take an exam.

Good luck everyone!

Thank you for this information. I have been studying and looking to get my license. I now got a schedule for the exam.

 

[El-Dracho]

Passed the exam today. Was very well organized with a proper hygiene concept due to Covid-19.

 

[Shokgoblr]

im scheduling my online test ASAP. They are filling up. Probably will get it done early next week.

 

[RoarinRow]

Passed the exam today. Was very well organized with a proper hygiene concept due to Covid-19.

Congrats!

 

[El-Dracho]

Congrats!

Thank you!