Getting in the hobby is a straightforward process – all you need is to get a Ham Radio License.

To get a license you write the RAE – Radio Amateur’s Examination.  This Is administered by the SARL on behalf of ICASA and is offered twice a year, in May and October.

Many clubs offer RAE classes – weekly classes where volunteers help you through the syllabus and offer practical guidance to get you through the exam.  These clubs will also offer the exam center (you might want to write at a different venue, or perhaps you club offer classes but not an exam venue).  While it is possible to self-study, we suggest joining a club as a first point.

Some RAE classes are offered online.  The course material for both Class A and B exams is freely available for download from the RAE portal.

Adults over the age of 20 must write the Class A exam which results in a ZS/ZR callsign.  While children under the age of 20 can write the class A exam, there is an additional option to write a simpler Class B exam.  This results in a limited ZU license and the candidate must write the Class A exam before they turn 25.

In addition to writing the exam, you also need to do a HF assessment – basically a practical where you setup the station.  This needs to be done by a registered HF assessor and submitted before your callsign can be released.  This is usually done prior to the exam.

When you register to write the exam, you choose three callsigns and while we can’t guarantee anything, we will try and get one of them for you.  In addition to selecting some potential callsigns, you will need to upload some documents, pay the prescribed fee, and complete your HF assessment.  Then you write your exam – Good Luck!

Assuming a positive outcome, when the results are published, you can start using your allocated callsign immediately!  See if your club has a G-O-T-A party so that you can Get On The Air!

For more information, including registering, costs, and the course material, go to the SARL RAE portal.