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How to Get an Amateur Radio License in the Philippines

Amateur radio, also known as "ham radio," requires a license to operate legally in the Philippines. Below is a detailed step-by-step process for obtaining an amateur radio license. Refer to the NTC MC 03-08-2012 or Revised Amateur Radio Regulations and the NTC website for more information on rules and regulations pertaining to amateur radio.

1. Attend a Seminar Hosted by a Local Amateur Radio Club 
A ham orientation seminar is required to enter the amateur radio exam. These seminars are conducted by clubs. You can get in touch with an amateur radio club or organization like DX1ARM to find out their schedule for seminars. 
Some clubs also have webinars or virtual seminars. 
You will need to get a certificate of attendance as part of the requirements for applying for an exam.

2. Submit Application for the Examination 
Application forms for the exam must be submitted to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) before the scheduled date. The exam fee is ₱50. Amateur radio exams are conducted regularly in NTC regional offices, with Metro Manila (NCR) hosting weekly exams. Check the NTC website for the schedules.

3. Take the Licensing Examination 
To obtain a Class C (Technician) license in the Philippines, applicants must pass an exam that covers three elements:

- Element II: Rules and Regulations 
This element tests the candidate's knowledge of the rules and regulations governing amateur radio in the Philippines. Topics include legal requirements, operational responsibilities, and the protocols to ensure compliance with national and international radio laws. 
Note: Passing Element II is mandatory to qualify for any license class, including the entry-level Class D.

- Element III: Fundamentals of Electronics 
Element III covers the technical aspects of amateur radio, including basic electronics, circuit theory, and the principles of radio communication. This element ensures that operators understand the inner workings of radio equipment and can troubleshoot basic technical problems.

- Element IV: Amateur Radio Practices 
This section focuses on practical knowledge, including radio operation, transmission protocols, and best practices for communicating effectively using amateur radio frequencies. It also covers emergency communication and safe operating procedures.

If you pass all three elements, you will be awarded a Class C license, granting you operating privileges on VHF, UHF, and some HF bands. However, if you pass Element II but fail Element III and Element IV, you can still qualify for a Class D license, provided you achieve a minimum passing grade across the exam. This downgrade allows you to operate only on the VHF band, giving you limited but valuable experience as an amateur radio operator.

4. Retrieve Your Exam Results 
After passing the exam, you'll need to collect your certified results from the NTC office. You can also opt to have the results mailed, but this may take time.

5. Apply for a Radio Operator's Certificate (ROC) 
With the certified exam results, you can now apply for an ROC. This costs around ₱65 per year (with a maximum of three years) plus processing fees. The ROC allows you to operate existing amateur radio stations but does not permit you to operate your own equipment yet.

6. Obtain Your ROC and Callsign 
Upon receiving your ROC, you will also be assigned a unique callsign, which identifies you on the air as a licensed amateur radio operator. Callsigns may have different prefixes based on the license class:

- Class A: DU, 4F, or 4E 
- Class B: DV, 4I 
- Class C: DW, 4G 
- Class D: DY, 4H

7. Convert Your ROC to a Radio Station License (RSL) 
To legally operate your own radio station, you need to convert your ROC into a Radio Station License (RSL). This requires registering at least one piece of equipment with the NTC. The RSL costs around ₱165 per year for a maximum of three years. 
You will need to apply for a permit to purchase a radio from a registered dealer or licensed amateur (if you are acquiring pre-owned gear). This can be done at the same time as applying for your RSL. 
After registering the equipment, you will receive the modified RSL, which gives you the privilege to operate your radio station under your own callsign.

8. Power Limits and Frequency Bands 
The NTC allocates specific frequency bands and limits the power output based on license classes:

- Class A (Extra Class): 
  HF: Up to 1 kW for CW and 2 kW PEP for SSB. 
  VHF/UHF: State-of-the-art mobile or portable operations are permitted, with no specific power limits mentioned beyond safety and efficiency standards.

- Class B (General Class): 
  HF: Up to 500W for CW and 1 kW PEP for SSB. 
  VHF/UHF: Operators can use mobile or portable stations with state-of-the-art equipment, similar to Class A, but with reduced power privileges.

- Class C (Technician Class): 
  HF: Up to 100W for CW and 200W PEP for SSB. 
  VHF: Up to 100W for both mobile and portable VHF stations.

- Class D (Foundation Class): 
  VHF: Up to 50W fixed station, 10W mobile/portable.

License Eligibility, Validity, and Lifetime License 
To apply for an amateur radio license in the Philippines, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

- Citizenship: Applicants must be Filipino citizens or foreign nationals from countries that extend reciprocal privileges to Filipino operators.
- Age: 
  - For Class D, the applicant must be at least 9 years old. 
  - For Class C, B, and A, the minimum age is 12 years old.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants should be able to transmit and receive messages in Filipino, English, or any Filipino language/dialect.

Licenses are valid for up to three years. After 15 years of holding a Class A license, an operator aged 60 or older can apply for a Lifetime License.

Certain professionals in the Philippines may be exempt from taking the amateur radio licensing exam if they possess relevant qualifications, including ECE and radiotelephone operator licenses. Check with NTC to confirm.

Temporary Permit for Foreign Amateurs 
Foreign operators can obtain a temporary permit to operate, which can be renewed every year. Fees vary depending on the license class, with additional charges for permits and membership.

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This article was summarized from "How to get an amateur radio license in the Philippines" by J. Angelo Racoma DU2XXR / N2RAC, a DX1ARM member.