Organization, Mission & Core Values
How the LARC VEC is structured, what it exists to do, and the values that govern everything VEs do.
Content version: 20 July 2026
Learning objectives
- Describe the LARC VEC organizational structure from Chairman to VE
- State the LARC VEC mission accurately
- List the nine core values and explain why each matters
- Apply the non-partisan and fee policies correctly
How the LARC VEC is organized
The Laurel Amateur Radio Club, Inc. was designated as a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) by the FCC on 16 May 1984. P&P §2.1 The LARC VEC has never charged a fee for its services P&P §2.5 and currently has over 200 VE teams in almost every state, Puerto Rico, and several countries, with more than 6,500 accredited VEs since 1984. P&P §2.6
LARC Board
Appoints the VEC Chairman. Ultimate governance authority.
VEC Chairman
Manages all VEC operations; accredits VEs; appoints Regional Coordinators. Accountable to LARC and the FCC.
Regional Coordinators (RC)
Appointed by the Chairman. Represent the VEC; train Team Leaders; review and submit session files to the FCC.
Team Leaders & Deputy TLs
Must be Amateur Extra class. Lead teams; conduct exam sessions; upload session files.
Volunteer Examiners (VEs)
Accredited by the VEC Chairman. Administer, grade, and certify exams.
Each team must have a Team Leader and at least one Deputy Team Leader, all of whom must be Amateur Extra class licensees. P&P §12.4.2 Only Team Leaders and Deputy Team Leaders may serve as Session Leader or create exams. P&P §12.4.2.1–12.4.2.2 The minimum team size recommended is four VEs. App. 4 §2.2.1.2
The LARC VEC does not discriminate in accrediting VEs based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or national origin — or based on membership (or lack thereof) in any amateur service organization (e.g., amateur radio clubs, the ARRL, etc.). P&P §12.2.4.1 This means a Laurel VE cannot be required to belong to a specific club, and it also means a Laurel VE cannot be required to hold accreditation as a VE with any other VEC.
The LARC VEC only accredits qualified licensed amateur radio licensees as VEs. The VEC Chairman may decline to accredit a licensee if: they do not meet minimum VE statutory qualifications, they are not competent to perform VE functions, or there are questions about their integrity or honesty that could compromise examinations. P&P §12.2.4.2–12.2.4.2.3
A Team Leader wants to make it a requirement that, in order to be a VE with his team, a person must already be accredited as a VE with another VEC organization. Is this permitted?
Under what circumstances may the VEC Chairman decline to accredit a licensed amateur radio operator as a VE?
Before the Chairman can accredit anyone, a Team Leader must first nominate them through the VE Portal. A Team Leader is not obligated to nominate every applicant — they may decline to put someone forward using the same kind of standard the Chairman applies (qualifications, competence, integrity or honesty concerns), while still following the same non-discrimination rules covered above. VEC-02 covers this Team Leader responsibility in more depth.
Before a person can be accredited as a VE, who must first nominate them?
The LARC VEC mission
The LARC VEC has two mission components: P&P §3.1
- ✓Coordinate amateur radio license exam sessions conducted by teams of Volunteer Examiners accredited by the LARC VEC P&P §3.1
- ✓Provide policies, procedures, and instructions to ensure all licensing activities comply with FCC rules and maintain the integrity of the Volunteer Examiner program P&P §3.2
The LARC VEC only coordinates in-person exam sessions. P&P §3.1.1 Remote or online-only sessions are not coordinated by the LARC VEC. Computer-based testing using ExamTools is permitted but must be administered in-person at a facility where VEs and applicants are together.
The nine core values
Every LARC VEC-accredited VE is expected to embody these values in every aspect of their service: P&P §4.1–4.9
| Value | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Compliance | Follow FCC rules and VEC policies — not just when it’s convenient |
| Communications | Open, two-way, and responsive communication up and down the chain |
| Service | Service to others before self — this is a volunteer program |
| Respect | Respect everyone — applicants, fellow VEs, and the public — at all times |
| Accountability | Own your actions; report up the chain within required timeframes |
| Honesty/Integrity | Be honest with each other and with everyone you serve |
| Knowledge | Know and understand the current rules and policies governing your duties |
| Trust | Trust others to perform their duties according to FCC rules and VEC policies |
| Excellence | Commitment to excellence in everything you do |
Non-partisan rules
The LARC VEC is a non-partisan, non-political organization. P&P §5 VEs may not participate in any LARC VEC exam session while wearing attire that supports any political party or candidate — including hats, shirts, jackets, badges, pins, or stickers. P&P §5.2 Team websites used for applicant registration may not display political content. P&P §5.3
You cannot prevent applicants from wearing political attire P&P §5.5, and you cannot prevent a facility owner from displaying political content on their property. P&P §5.6 If a facility has persistent political displays, the team should consider finding an alternative venue.
Fee and donation policy
- ✓VEs may never charge a fee for any amateur radio licensing services P&P §8.1.1
- ✓Teams may not hold sessions at events where applicants must pay an entrance fee to access the exam area — unless arrangements are made for free entry for exam-only attendees P&P §8.1.2–8.1.3
- ✓VEs may not solicit donations from applicants. Unsolicited donations must be turned over to the sponsoring organization; if none, may offset direct session expenses P&P §8.2.1–8.2.2
- ✓Applicants and VEs are not exempt from parking fees at event venues P&P §8.1.3.2
Knowledge check
What is the minimum license class required to serve as a Team Leader or Deputy Team Leader in the LARC VEC?
An applicant arrives wearing a campaign T-shirt for a political candidate. What should the VE do?
A team receives an unsolicited $20 donation at the end of a session. The team has a sponsoring radio club. What must they do?
Which of the following best describes the role of the LARC VEC P&P in relation to FCC rules?
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