How to Become a Radio Amateur
To become a radio amateur requires a license authorized by the
appropriate governing body in your country. On this page we will look
briefly at licensing in the U.S. and Canada and point you to web sites
that contain more licensing information.
 In
Canada and the U.S. you will need to prepare for and take an examination
to get your license. The exam material depends on the license level or
class that you are applying for. For most budding hams it is a good idea
to connect with a local Amateur Radio Club (ARC) where classes are given
in theory and/or Morse code as needed to prepare you for the exam.
Although you can get the study material to learn on your own it is
generally much easier and faster to take a course. In the process you
will meet other hams or hams to be and begin creating your own network
of contacts.
Getting Licensed in Canada
 Licensing
of Amateur Radio in Canada is regulated by
Industry Canada.
It is illegal to operate on the amateur bands without an Amateur Radio
Operator Certificate which has three levels of qualification as follows:
Basic Qualification: an examination of 100 questions.
- access all amateur bands above 30 MHz
- use a maximum of 250 watts DC transmitter input power
- build and operate all station equipment, except for "home-made"
transmitters
- Basic with honours (80% or above score) - access to all amateur
bands below 30 MHz
- There is no Morse code requirement on this test.
Advanced Qualification: an examination of 50 questions.
- access all amateur bands below 30 MHz
- use maximum transmitter power of 1000 watts DC input
- build and operate transmitting equipment
- establish repeaters and club stations
- remotely control fixed stations, including the use of radio
links
- There is no Morse code requirement on this test.
Morse Code (5 wpm with Basic or Basic and Advanced Certificate):
- access to all amateur bands below 30 MHz
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