Frequently asked questions

Getting licensed

What is an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate? The certificate ISED issues when you pass the exam. It is yours for life, has no renewal fee, and comes with a callsign.

Do I need a licence to operate? Yes. Transmitting on amateur frequencies without a certificate is an offence under the Radiocommunication Act. Listening needs nothing.

How long is the certificate valid? For life. There is no renewal and no fee.

The exam

How many questions are on the exam? Basic is 100 questions, one from each subsection of ISED's bank. Advanced is 50.

What is the pass mark? 70%. Score 80% or more on Basic and you get Basic with Honours, which adds HF privileges.

Where do the practice questions come from? ISED publishes the full question banks. Every question on SignalPrep is from those banks, checked word for word.

After you pass

What can I use once I pass? Basic gives you all amateur bands above 30 MHz — VHF, UHF, the local repeaters. Basic with Honours or Advanced adds HF. Advanced adds higher power and the right to build your own transmitter and run a repeater.

What radio should I buy first? A dual-band handheld and a better antenna. See Get on the air.