How to become an Amateur Radio Operator in Canada.

There are two basic ways to study for your certificate.  The first is through a club that offers courses, and the second is by studying on your own.  You have to balance the pros and cons of each and decide what method is best for you.

Club lessons benefits: (recommended)

• Provide an easy way to answer your questions as they arise.
• All the course material is assembled and laid out in an organized fashion.  This can vary between clubs.
• You benefit from classmate support and from instructors that can see your weak areas.
• Instantly provides you with an extra-curricular activity, and you get introduced to the new language of ham speak.
• Cost of lessons usually include the testing at the club site.

Self study benefits:

• You don't have to set aside time for the club meeting.
• You can study at your own pace.
• It doesn't cost anything.  Cost is the major reason to do it on your own.  The club course in my area is $150.  However this does include the paper course material, a set of Morse code practice tapes, and the testing.
• You can get a head start on a course if that is the route you are planning on.

Resources:

• Resources on becoming a Ham on my site  Includes questions and answers for written test in PDF format, and morse code study program and material. (note the pdf material is now outdated but still useful)
• Radio Amateurs of Canada  (R.A.C.)  Links to clubs and study material.  This should be one of your first stops.  If you plan on taking a club course, contact the club first and ask about their study material before purchasing from here.  The club may supply different material.
• Industry Canada   How to Obtain an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate and info in PDF format.
• www.ve2dm.net   Excellent on-line resources for the aspiring ham.
• West Coast Amateur Radio Association   They hold classes on becoming a ham in the Victoria area.