Exam Subjects for the Amateur Radio Examination
Becoming an amateur radio operator requires knowledge in several fields: electricity, electronics, radio wave propagation, antennas, regulations and operating procedures. The BIPT organises the examinations and issues the operator certificates corresponding to three licence classes (C, B and A), each granting access to a different range of frequencies, power levels and authorised activities.
This page provides an overview of the examination programme, the main subjects of the HAREC syllabus and the differences between the three classes. For study resources (handbooks, online platform, simulators), see the Resources page.
The three operator certificate classes
The BIPT organises the examinations corresponding to three operator certificate classes. Each class has its own programme and grants different operating privileges.
Class C operator certificate
Accessible programme, mainly focused on procedures and legislation, with some basic technical concepts. It is the fastest route to becoming an active amateur radio operator. Once the C certificate is obtained, it is possible to keep studying to progress towards classes B or A.
Class B operator certificate
Intermediate programme that adds deeper technical knowledge to the procedures already covered in class C. Provides access to additional bands and power levels.
Class A operator certificate
Full HAREC programme, with a significantly broader technical scope. The procedures and legislation content is very close to that of class B. The class A certificate is the only one that allows building or modifying transmitting equipment.
Overview of the HAREC syllabus subjects
Below are the main subjects covered by the HAREC programme. The required level of detail varies depending on the class: class C covers the basics, class A requires in-depth mastery.
Electricity and electromagnetism
Concepts of voltage, current, resistance, power; Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's laws; direct and alternating current; electric and magnetic fields.
Electronic components
Resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, diodes, transistors, tubes, integrated circuits: characteristics and applications.
Circuits
Series and parallel combinations, low-pass, high-pass and band-pass filters, oscillators, amplifiers, mixers, demodulators, power supplies.
Receivers and transmitters
Architecture of receivers and transmitters, modulations (AM, FM, SSB, CW, digital modes), selectivity, sensitivity, intermodulation.
Antennas and transmission lines
Antenna types (dipole, Yagi, vertical, loop), gain, directivity, impedance, coaxial lines, SWR, matching units and baluns.
Radio wave propagation
Ground wave, space wave and ionospheric propagation according to bands, influence of the solar cycle, propagation forecasts.
Measurements
Multimeter, oscilloscope, spectrum analyser, wattmeter, SWR meter: principles, measurement methods and precautions for use.
Electromagnetic compatibility and safety
Interferences (EMI/EMC), filtering, shielding, earthing, electrical safety, exposure to RF fields, applicable standards.
Legislation and regulations
Belgian and international legal framework, role of the BIPT, call signs, band allocation, certificate classes, operator obligations.
Operating procedures
Q code, abbreviations, traffic procedures, international phonetic alphabet, signal reports (RST), keeping the logbook.
Official details on the UBA website
The UBA provides detailed pages for each certificate class. These pages describe precisely the content of the programme and the organisation of the training courses.
Study resources
To prepare concretely for the examination, see the Resources page which gathers handbooks, online learning platform, exam simulators and useful links.