These study aids are designed to assist mentors who are helping visually impaired candidates prepare for license exams. If candidates are able to prepare themselves, they should be directed to the self-study programs at the links provided below.
Amateur Extra self-study program (2012-2016)
General self-study program (2011–2015)
Technician self-study program (2010–2014)
Diminished Vision Candidates
Most browsers have “zoom” options that will scale web pages to make them easier to read for viewers with diminished vision. Be sure candidates know how to use available options that will enhance their capability to use exam study material. Don't forget to use “enlarged” presentation material when conducting classes or exam prep sessions that include candidates with diminished vision.
Subelement Audio Files (no diagrams)
Subelement question/answer audio files (MP3 format) are available at the links below. Download and unzip the files into suitably named directories. Make sure candidates are able to access the files as needed for study purposes.
Subelement Question/Answer Lists (no diagrams)
If self-study using audio files is not practical, subelement questions/answers without diagrams (PDF format) can be read to candidates. Use the links below to access question/answer lists suitable for reading to candidates. Use the find feature in Adobe Reader to locate subelements of interest.
Subelement Tests (no diagrams)
Subelement tests suitable for reading can be generated using the link below. The correct answers on the tests are highlighted in green and boxes are provided beside each answer choice to record the candidate's answer.
Sample License Exams (no diagrams)
Sample license exams suitable for reading can be generated using the link below. The correct answers on the tests are highlighted in green and boxes are provided beside each answer choice to record the candidate's answer.
License Exam Preparation
Work with candidates one subelement at a time using either the audio subelement files or the subelement question/answer lists. When candidates are ready to be tested on the subelement, administer the appropriate subelement test. Continue testing until scores of 85 or higher are consistently attained. Repeat the process until all subelements have been completed then administer sample license exams until scores of 85 or higher are consistently attained.
Distance Mentoring
Distance mentoring can be accomplished by telephone. Telephones with speaker options work well for this purpose. Subelement question/answer lists, subelement tests, and sample license exams can be read over the telephone. Grading is accomplished by recording verbal answer choices.
License Exams
Be sure the VE team administering the exam session is aware that a visually impaired candidate is going to take an exam.
VE teams can read exams for vision impaired candidates and grade them based on verbal answers. If the exams are going to be read, care should be taken to provide exams that do not include questions with diagrams. The ARRL VE Exam Maker has an option to generate exams without diagrams. According to ARRL, an option to produce enlarged print exams is being considered for inclusion in a future release of the software.
Courage Center Handiham System
The link below will provide more information on how to help handicapped license candidates and licensed hams.
Please do what you can to help handicapped candidates earn their licenses. Consider becoming a mentor for handicapped hams.
Excellent resource page – featured today in weekly Handiham eletter & podcast.