Voice communication
Talk to radio amateurs locally, across Europe or on the other side of the world.
๐๏ธ How to Become a Radio Amateur
Amateur radio is a worldwide technical and social hobby that brings together communication, electronics, antennas, computers, satellites, image transmission and experimentation.
You can begin as a listener without a transmitting registration. To transmit on amateur radio frequencies in the Netherlands, you must pass a Novice or Full examination and then register with the Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur.
Learn
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Practise
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Take the exam
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Register
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Get on the air
More than talking on a radio
What is amateur radio?
Amateur radio is a licensed radio service for personal communication, technical investigation, self-training and experimentation.
Radio amateurs use allocated frequency bands to communicate locally and internationally. They may use speech, Morse code, pictures, data, television, satellites and many specialised digital modes.
You do not need to be an engineer.
Curiosity and a willingness to learn are more important. Many radio clubs and experienced operators are happy to help beginners take their first steps.
Explore the hobby
What can you do as a radio amateur?
Amateur radio contains many different activities. You can specialise in one subject or continue discovering new parts of the hobby for many years.
SSTV
Receive and transmit pictures using Slow Scan Television on HF, VHF and satellites.
Digital modes
Experiment with FT8, RTTY, PSK, JS8Call, packet radio and many other digital modes.
Satellites and the ISS
Receive satellites, contact other stations through amateur satellites and follow ISS SSTV events.
Amateur television
Experiment with analog ATV and modern digital amateur television on the higher radio bands.
Build and experiment
Construct antennas, interfaces, receivers, transmitters and other electronic projects.
Portable operation
Take your station outdoors for field days, islands, parks, summits and emergency exercises.
Contests and awards
Participate in friendly radio competitions and collect contacts, countries and operating awards.
Choose your examination
Novice or Full registration?
The Netherlands has two examination levels. Both allow you to become a registered radio amateur, but the technical depth and operating privileges differ.
N
Novice
Accessible starting pointThe Novice examination is designed as an accessible way to enter amateur radio. It covers essential radio theory, operating practice, safety and regulations.
- Digital theory examination
- 40 multiple-choice questions
- 75 minutes examination time
- Suitable for newcomers
- Limited selection of bands and privileges
F
Full
Complete operating privilegesThe Full examination contains more extensive technical material and gives access to broader operating privileges after registration.
- Digital theory examination
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- 105 minutes examination time
- More extensive technical knowledge
- Broader frequency and operating privileges
Which level should you choose?
Novice is a good starting point if radio technology is new to you. You may also study directly for Full when you already have technical knowledge or want the broadest possibilities. You are not required to obtain Novice before taking Full.
From listener to licensed operator
Your route to a callsign
1
Discover Amateur Radio
Start by listening, visiting a local radio club and discovering which parts of amateur radio interest you most.
2
Choose Novice or Full
Choose the Novice examination as an accessible starting point, or study directly for the more extensive Full examination.
3
Study and Practise
Learn radio technology, operating procedures, safety, interference prevention, antennas and national regulations.
4
Take the Examination
Book the digital Radio Amateur Novice or Full theory examination through the CBR.
5
Register with the RDI
After passing the examination, register as a radio amateur with the Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur.
6
Receive Your Callsign
Select an available Dutch callsign and begin operating within the permissions of your registration.
What you will learn
Examination subjects
The exact depth depends on whether you choose Novice or Full, but your study generally includes the following subjects.
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Electricity and electronics
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Radio signals and modulation
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Antennas and propagation
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Transmitters and receivers
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Safety and interference
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Regulations and band plans
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Operating procedures
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Good operating behaviour
Preparing for the examination
How can you study?
Self-study
Study at your own pace with online course material, technical explanations and practice questions.
Local radio course
Some VERON and VRZA departments organise courses with experienced amateur radio instructors.
Practice examinations
Use practice questions to become familiar with the examination style and discover subjects requiring additional study.
Getting on the air
Your first amateur radio station
A first station does not need to be large or expensive. Start simply, gain experience and expand your equipment as your interests develop.
Transceiver
A radio suitable for the bands and modes you want to use.
Antenna
A suitable antenna is often more important than an expensive radio.
Power supply
Most fixed amateur radio transceivers require a stable 13.8-volt power supply.
Coax and connectors
Use suitable low-loss coaxial cable and correctly fitted connectors.
Computer interface
Useful for SSTV, FT8, logging, radio control and other digital modes.
SWR measurement
Check that the antenna is correctly adjusted before transmitting.
Never transmit before you are registered.
Everyone may listen to amateur radio transmissions, but transmitting requires a valid registration and callsign. Always operate within the frequency, mode and power limits that apply to your registration.
Official information and support
Organisations and useful websites
RDI
Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur
The Dutch authority responsible for radio amateur registration, callsigns and frequency regulations.
Radio amateur information โ
CBR
Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen
The organisation that administers the digital Novice and Full theory examinations in the Netherlands.
Examination information โ
VERON
Vereniging voor Experimenteel Radio Onderzoek Nederland
A national amateur radio association with local departments, courses, activities and technical support.
Visit VERON โ
VRZA
Vereniging van Radio Zend Amateurs
A national radio amateur association offering activities and freely accessible Novice and Full study material.
Visit VRZA โ