Question E1E05:
[97.509(j)] What must the VE team do with the application form if the examinee does not pass the exam?  

Choices:  
A: Maintain the application form with the VEC’s records  
B: Return the application document to the examinee  
C: Send the application form to the FCC and inform the FCC of the grade  
D: Destroy the application form    

Correct Answer is  B: Return the application document to the examinee  

Correct answer: B — Return the application document to the examinee.

Why this is correct:
- Per 97.509(j), if an examinee does not pass the exam element, the administering VE team must return the application form to the examinee. No application is filed when no upgrade/new license is earned.

Why the other choices are incorrect:
- A: Maintain the application with the VEC’s records — Incorrect. The VEC keeps session records sent by the VE team, but the application form is not retained when the examinee fails; it must be returned to the examinee.
- C: Send the application to the FCC and inform the FCC of the grade — Incorrect. VE teams do not send applications directly to the FCC, and nothing is filed for a failed attempt. Only successful applications go from the VEC to the FCC.
- D: Destroy the application form — Incorrect. The rule requires returning it to the examinee, not destroying it.

Rules of thumb:
- If no license/upgrade results from the session, return the application to the examinee; don’t file it.
- If an element is passed, issue a CSCE to the examinee (good for element credit for 365 days), but still return the application if no overall upgrade is achieved.