Getting an Amateur Station Licence

No licence is needed to listen to amateur radio transmissions, however, you need an Amateur Station Licence in order to transmit.  Transmitting licences are issued by The Communications Regulator (ComReg).

To get an Amateur Station Licence you need to show that you . . .

• have a basic understanding of the technical side of radio
• have a clear grasp of the relevant national and international regulations
• know the accepted operational procedures used in radio transmissions

. . . by sitting an examination based on the Europe-wide Harmonised Amateur Radio Examination Certificate (HAREC).

IRTS administers the HAREC examination in Ireland.  It consists of a question paper of 60 multiple-choice questions.

For information about the content of the examination, when and where it takes place, and lots more, go to the Amateur Station Licence Examination page.

The best way to learn about all aspects of amateur radio is to join your local Radio Club.  Also, you can find out more about the hobby by listening to radio amateurs talking to each other.  This can be done with relatively simple equipment and, of course, no licence or radio theory knowledge is required to get started as a listener.

You can keep up to date with amateur radio by becoming a member of IRTS.  The Society's newsletter Echo Ireland, which is posted regularly to all members, includes a full roundup of activities locally and internationally.

Attending one of the many Rallies that take place around the country provides an opportunity to meet radio amateurs, see what they do and view the type of equipment used to set up an amateur radio station.  Rallies also provide a good opportunity to buy new or secondhand equipment.

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