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So You Want To Be A Ham?
Why A License?
Because "No Radio station in the Philippine Amateur Radio Service shall be operated, except and in accordance with a valid permit or license issued by the National Telecommunications Commission." (Section II-1, Revised Amateur Radio Service Regulations) Although the main purpose of Amateur Radio is fun, it is called the "Amateur Radio Service" because it also has a serious face.
Like any other similar agency in other countries, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) regulates the use or operation of amateur radio in order to maintain high standard of service, technique, and procedures in the Amateur Radio Service.
What Are The Qualifications?
1.1 A citizen of the Philippines or citizens of other countries that provide the same privilege extended to Filipino nationals in their country as far as examination is concerned.
1.2 At least 12 years old.
1.3 Good Moral Character, and
1.4 Ability to transmit and receive message either in Filipino, or any of the Philippine dialects, English, Spanish or Arabic.
What's The Right License For Me?
There are four classes of amateur radio license. The higher the class license you have, the more privileges and modes of operation you get. But each higher class license requires progressively more knowledge of technology, rules and regulations, as well as higher Morse code proficiency. So, you can learn the basics or you can become an expert and still enjoy the hobby.
The "entry level" license for radio amateurs is the easy-to-learn easy-to-earn "code free" or Novice class license (Class D), which requires passing examinations on Element II - Rules and Regulations; Element III - Fundamentals of Electroncis and Electricity; and Element IV - Amateur Radio Practice.
An applicant may also take the Morse Code (Element I) to qualify for the Technician class (Class C) license. The code test for this class of amateur is to receive/copy at the speed of 7 words per minute for 5 minutes.
The General class (Class B) requires the applicant to pass Element I - Morse Code (10 wpm); Element V - Signals, Frequencies and Emission; Element VI - Circuit Components; and Element VII - Operating Procedures.
The Advanced class (Class A) which is the highest class requires the applicant to pass Element I - Morse Code (13 wpm); Element VIII - Practical Circuits; Element IX - Antenna and Transmission Lines; and Element X - Radio Wave Propagation.
Before an applicant can take the NTC exam, however, he is required to attend an Amateur Radio Seminar of an accredited amateur radio club which will issue a certificate of attendance or endorsement. For more information, you may send email to the Philippine Amateur Radio Association. Or contact any local amateur radio club in your area. You can also send me your email.
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