"Dee D. Flint" wrote in message
...
I agree that the fee just barely covers all the costs. Also keep in mind
that the FCC sets an upper limit on that fee to prevent abuse. The limit
is
periodically reviewed and adjusted.



If one were to consider what "labor" costs are, even at minimum wage, it
isn't worth the thought when it comes to VE testing. A handful of examinees
couldn't possibly produce enough income for someone to be suspicious about -
someone "making" anything. As has been stated, you're not permitted to
charge over what the FCC has allowed. Given the VEC gets most of the fee,
there is little left. Out of that, is copying fees which range from 5 cents
per page to 25 cents per page if you're not able to get it done free. Add to
that the postage, and we're not even counting "man hours" for the team or
the VE Coordinator who does a final check to make sure all is ok before
submission. There is very little chance for "money" or let's call it a
"profit" as some seem to suggest - to be made. IF we did have any funds left
over, it went towards any supplies needed. Pens, pencils - since many forget
to bring them and usually walk off with them, paperclips, coffee for the
test sessions (to help calm the jitters) - whatever. And most of the time,
most of that was donated by one of us as well. This misconception that
someone is making a buck, cracks me up. That is a statement made by Wayne
Green years ago and that is exactly what got me to never read his magazine
again. If you're not involved, then you have no clue. As down in the numbers
as testing is today, you're lucky to clear enough to cover the copies and
postage. IF anything, it barely supports itself. The VEC who gets most of
the fees, are the ones "making" anything if you really want to see where the
cash is going. The FCC doesn't get any of it either, at least they're not
"supposed" to be according to the systems set up.

The ONLY testing where you're allowed to "make" money as a profit - is
Commercial testing. And I highly doubt there is much of that going on since
they've taken the bite out of the license anyway. Unless you plan to work
onboard a ship or aircraft, you don't really need one. I don't know many who
want to pay $35 or more for a license which means hardly anything. I'd love
to see the stats on recent licensing both amateur and commercial. I bet the
numbers are way down...... Even at the cost of doing commercial exams, you
have to do a room full to make a tickling of money in your hand. One or two,
or even a half dozen, just doesn't cut it.

Make a profit on exams? GET REAL. It's more a labor of love. There's no
"pay" there. I am/was the VE team leader for a few years. Had exams every
month. Walk-ins were accepted. When VE testing first started, we were
packed - then it died. We've stopped. Same for Commercial. It just isn't
worth it.
Yeah, I'm getting real rich off of this... NOT. As I said, it was a labor of
love. You couldn't pay me for all the hours I put into taking care of the
advertising, paper checking, printing exams (as the VEC only gives you one
copy of each), answer sheets (they give you a sample), signs, etc. ALL was
either donated or done out of pocket. Testing couldn't begin to reimburse
for those expenses. Then you got to print or buy more CSCEs. ALL of this
costs MONEY.
It isn't given to us. And the VEs who traveled no less than 5 miles one way
to come help with the exams - with the cost of gas now days - get paid
enough of out that money? OK, let's divide left over money after copies,
postage and such. 3 guys minimum.... gas at 37 cents a mile, an hour of
labor. What does that come to? $11.10 for gas. It just doesn't work. It
boils down to someone wants something for nothing - or pure jealousy. Afraid
someone else is making out. But I bet, those who bitch about the $12 would
be the last to want to take an hour of their time - FOR FREE to help others.
Nothing worth having is ever without a cost. Free lunches are a thing of the
past. I'm a born volunteer. I volunteer about 100 or more hours a month. Am
I bitching? NO. But it kicks me in the ass when others do - about those who
do, for which the whiners are getting help from. If you're not willing to do
the same, quit your bitching.
Be glad some one found it within them to offer you a service.

Lou