Code of Conduct & Compliance
The standards every Laurel VEC VE must meet — and the consequences when they aren’t met.
Learning objectives
- Identify the key conduct requirements from the LARC VEC Code of Conduct
- Describe the correct way to handle exam results, PII, and applicant privacy
- Know the consequences of non-compliance — for individuals and teams
- Understand the chain of command for raising compliance concerns
What every VE must do P&P App. 2 (Code of Conduct) App. 6 §1
- ✓Maintain a high degree of integrity and professionalism at all times while representing the LARC VEC App. 2
- ✓Comply with FCC rules, LARC VEC policies, RC instructions, and Team/Session Leader instructions P&P §7.4 App. 6 §1.2
- ✓Treat all applicants courteously and respectfully — no disparaging comments to or about any applicant App. 2
- ✓Not discriminate against any applicant based on race, age, gender, religion, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or their answer to the felony question App. 2
- ✓Protect applicants’ Personally Identifiable Information (PII) from unauthorized access App. 2
- ✓Not reveal personal applicant information (email, phone, etc.) to any person without the applicant’s permission App. 2
- ✓Not discuss exam results with anyone not serving as a VE at that session (exception: the applicant, or the applicant’s parent/guardian if the applicant is a minor) App. 2
- ✓Not announce or publish that an applicant earned a new license or upgrade until it appears in ULS — and only then with the applicant’s permission App. 2
- ✓Never announce or publish that an applicant failed an examination under any circumstances App. 2
What to do if you see a compliance problem P&P App. 6 §1.7
VEs must immediately notify the Session Leader of:
- Any VE (including the Session Leader) failing to comply with FCC rules or LARC VEC policies App. 6 §1.7.1
- Applicants not following VE instructions App. 6 §1.7.2
- Suspected or observed cheating App. 6 §1.7.3–1.7.4
The VE should notify the Session Leader again, then leave the session and report the incident to the Team Leader (or if the issue involves the TL, directly to the Regional Coordinator). VEs should refuse to participate in a session where a perceived FCC or VEC policy violation is occurring and is not being addressed.
The chain of command for concerns: VE → Team Leader → Regional Coordinator → VEC Chairman. P&P §13 Do not skip levels except in the situations described above.
What happens when the rules aren’t followed P&P §7.5–7.7
| Violation type | Possible consequence |
|---|---|
| Intentional non-compliance with FCC rules or VEC policies | Disaccreditation as a VE |
| Repeated unintentional non-compliance | Disaccreditation as a VE |
| Lying | Disaccreditation as a VE |
| Non-responsiveness to LARC VEC management | Disaccreditation as a VE |
| Refusing to cooperate with an investigation | Disaccreditation as a VE |
| Serious team-level violations | Suspension or decertification of the VE Team |
| FCC rule violations | Referral to the FCC for action |
Only the FCC can waive FCC rules. P&P §7.8.1 Only the VEC Chairman may grant waivers to LARC VEC policies — unless that authority has been delegated to Regional Coordinators for specific situations. P&P §7.8.2 Teams request waivers through their RC. P&P §7.8.2.1
A new ham who passed their exam asks if you can post on the club’s Facebook page that they earned their Technician license. What is the correct response?
A VE believes the Session Leader is violating a Laurel VEC policy and has already notified them — but the Session Leader dismissed the concern. What should the VE do next?
Lesson 7 covers all the specific mandatory requirements that apply to Team Leaders and VE teams — deadlines, minimums, and obligations with direct P&P references. If you are a Team Leader or Deputy Team Leader, this lesson is essential.
Need to check the source document? Full P&P Reference →