Amateur radio is a hobby involving radio communications; it allows to establish contact with radio amateurs worldwide. A radio amateur holding a class A operator’s certificate is also allowed to build his/her own equipment. We can say that it is a technical hobby. BIPT is charged with overseeing amateur radio in Belgium. Amateur radio differs from the CB (Citizen Band) which is not subject to authorisation.
Becoming a radio amateur
You must demonstrate certain knowledge and skills to become a radio amateur. Radio amateur exams are organised at the BIPT premises in Brussels. There is at least one session a month.
The operator’s certificate
The operator’s certificate is similar to a driver’s licence: it allows you to transmit signals as a radio amateur. The certificate is issued by the Institute, is valid for 5 years and includes a call sign. Please note that this certificate alone does not allow you to possess a station, you must also hold a station authorisation.
According to the class of your operator’s certificate, you must also follow a frequency plan.
Station authorisation
In addition to your operator’s certificate, if you possess your own equipment, you must also hold a station authorisation. If the operator’s certificate is comparable to a driver’s licence, the station authorisation is similar to the registration of your equipment.
Consultations and decisions
- Decision of 19 January 2021 concerning the setting of rules and conditions applicable to tests and examinations for radio amateurs
- Consultation regarding the rules on the stations and call signs of radio amateurs
- Consultation regarding the tests and examinations for radio amateurs
- Decision of 24th May 2019 on frequencies, capacities and transmission modes that radio amateurs are allowed to use
- Decision of 26 October 2010 on the possibility for the holders of an ON3 radio amateur licence who passed their exam before 15 September 2005 to apply for an ON2 call sign