Introduction
While Morse Code is no longer required for amateur radio licensing in the United States, many operators have requested certification to prove proficiency for overseas operating. The Last Frontier Amateur Radio Society offers examinations to demonstrate proficiency at various speeds.
Section A – Morse Code Requirements
- Applicants must pass a sending and receiving exam at 5, 7, 10, or 12 WPM. Check foreign requirements before testing.
- Send a plain-language text correctly for 3 consecutive minutes using a key (manual, semi-auto, or electronic).
- Receive a plain-language text correctly for 3 consecutive minutes, copying by hand, typewriter, or word processor.
- A “word” = 5 characters (PARIS method). Letters = 1, figures/punctuation = 2.
- Exam includes letters A-Z, numbers 0-9, period, comma, question mark, slant bar, common Q-signals and prosigns (BT, AR, SK, EE).
- Copying exam may be administered by hand, cassette, or computer; timing must be observed.
- Farnsworth method used for copying: character speed 12 WPM, word speed 5/7/10/12 WPM as appropriate.
- Sending exam: necessary number of characters must be sent in 3 minutes (5 WPM = 75 chars, 7 WPM = 105, 10 WPM = 150, 12 WPM = 180).
- Operators seeking international certification must hold a valid home country license.
Section B – Grading Structure
- Three minutes at end of receiving test allowed for review.
- Each character missed reduces final score: 5 WPM = 1.33%, 7 WPM = 0.95%, 10 WPM = 0.67%, 12 WPM = 0.56%
- Max characters missed: 5 WPM = 15, 7 WPM = 21, 10 WPM = 30, 12 WPM = 36
- Sending errors can be corrected by sending eight dits in rapid sequence.
- Passing: 80% on copying and 80% on sending.
Section C – Certification
- Certification follows home country amateur radio license structure.
- One examiner must be proficient in international Morse code to administer exams.
- Examiner proficiency: capable of sending and copying at least 15 WPM. If not, LFARS can administer a proficiency exam.
- Results valid for 5 years if the bearer does not hold a valid amateur license. Licensed US operators’ certification expiration aligns with FCC license.
Contact / Sign-Up
If you are interested in taking a Morse Code proficiency examination, please send an email to testing|[at]|lfars.net. Currently, there is no fee to take the examination.