BECOME A HAM

Traditionally, amateur radio operators were issued two separate authorizations; an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate and a radio station licence. The Amateur Radio Operator Certificate was issued for life and had no fee associated with it, while the radio station licence was issued on a yearly basis and a licence renewal fee was charged.

As of April 1, 2000, Canadian radio amateurs are no longer issued a station licence on an annual basis nor are they charged an annual renewal fee. The new Amateur Radio Operator Certificate continues to be provided at no charge and now has three qualification levels, each of which has an associated frequency band, operating mode and transmitter power privileges.

The holder of a Canadian Basic Qualification (which requires no Morse Code examination) receives all amateur radio privileges above 30 MHz, except high power transmitter operation. Many Basic Qualification holders enjoy using hand-held VHF radios to stay in touch with other ham friends in their area. In addition they they may operate FM or single-sideband voice, digital packet (computer communication), Morse code, television, or several other interesting modes. They can even make international radio contacts via satellites, or via repeater stations over the internet, using relatively simple equipment. Operating privileges even extend outside Canada, always subject to the regulations of the host country

With the Morse Code Qualification added to your Basic Qualification, you will receive all privileges on all the Amateur Radio bands below 30 MHz , except high power transmitter operation. These include the short wave bands with world-wide communications capability.

With the Advanced Qualification added to your Basic Qualification you can build and operate your own transmitting equipment, sponsor a club station, and operate your own repeater station.

A USA-Canada treaty allows Licensed Canadian radio amateurs to operate within the United States of America, without further US government permission. Operation in many other countries is extended to a Canadian amateur holding an International Amateur Radio Permit or CEPT Permit from RAC.

The call sign will be issued using a prefix based on where the applicant resides. Prefixes currently used for assignment are in accordance with the following table: