China CRAC License
Overview
In mainland China, amateur radio is governed by the "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Radio Management" and the "Administrative Measures for Amateur Radio Stations" published by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in 2012 (MIIT Order No. 43). Before you can set up an amateur radio station and obtain a callsign, you must pass the Amateur Radio Station Operating Technical Competency Verification (commonly referred to as the "operating certificate" exam).
Examinations are organized and administered by the Chinese Radio Association (CRAC).
- CRAC official website: https://www.crac.org.cn
- Exam registration: Available through the CRAC online examination platform
A / B / C Class Certificates
China's amateur radio operating certificates are divided into three classes, with privileges increasing at each level:
A Class (Entry Level)
- Intended for: Complete beginners with no prior experience
- Permitted frequencies: VHF/UHF segments only (e.g., 144-146 MHz, 430-440 MHz)
- Maximum transmit power: 25 W
- Available modes: Primarily FM
- Typical uses: Local communication with handheld radios (HTs), accessing repeaters
- Exam difficulty: Low -- the question pool contains approximately 374 questions; the exam randomly selects 30, and you need 25 correct answers to pass
B Class (Intermediate)
- Intended for: Operators who want access to HF (shortwave) bands
- Permitted frequencies: A class frequencies plus HF bands (e.g., 7 MHz, 14 MHz, 21 MHz, 28 MHz)
- Maximum transmit power: 100 W
- Available modes: FM, SSB, CW, digital modes, and more
- Typical uses: Long-distance HF communication (DX), contests, digital modes (FT8, etc.)
- Exam difficulty: Moderate -- the question pool contains approximately 687 questions (including all A class questions); the exam selects 50, and you need 40 correct to pass
- Prerequisite: Must hold an A class certificate for at least 6 months before applying (verify the current policy on the CRAC website)
C Class (Advanced)
- Intended for: Advanced enthusiasts and technical researchers
- Permitted frequencies: All amateur bands
- Maximum transmit power: 1000 W
- Available modes: All legal modes
- Typical uses: Satellite communication, EME (moonbounce), microwave experiments
- Exam difficulty: High -- requires deeper knowledge of electronics and electromagnetic theory
- Prerequisite: Must hold a B class certificate
Comparison Table
| Item | A Class | B Class | C Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permitted bands | VHF/UHF (partial) | HF + VHF/UHF | All amateur bands |
| Maximum power | 25 W | 100 W | 1000 W |
| Question pool | ~374 questions | ~687 questions | TBD |
| Exam questions | 30 | 50 | TBD |
| Passing score | 25/30 | 40/50 | TBD |
| Prerequisite | None | Hold A class | Hold B class |
Note
The C class exam schedule and detailed format are subject to updates. Check the CRAC official website for the latest announcements.
Exam Content
A Class Exam Topics
- Radio regulations: Radio management regulations, amateur station administrative measures, frequency usage rules
- Basic electrical knowledge: Ohm's law, power calculations, fundamentals of resistance/capacitance/inductance
- Radio communication basics: Frequency-wavelength relationship, modulation types (AM/FM/SSB), antenna fundamentals
- Operating procedures: Calling procedures, Q-codes, on-air etiquette, emergency communication rules
- Safety: RF safety, electrical safety, lightning protection
B Class Additional Topics
- Circuit theory: Filters, oscillators, mixer principles
- HF propagation: Ionospheric propagation, effects of solar activity, propagation prediction
- Antenna theory: Characteristics and installation of various antennas (dipole, Yagi, vertical)
- Transmitter and receiver principles: Superheterodyne receiver architecture, automatic gain control, frequency stability
- Electromagnetic compatibility: Sources of interference and suppression techniques, filtering
Application Process
Step 1: Register an Account
- Visit the CRAC website at https://www.crac.org.cn
- Navigate to the "Amateur Radio Station Operating Technical Competency Verification" section
- Register a personal account with your real name, national ID number, and contact information
- Upload a passport-style photo (white background, no hat)
Step 2: Select an Exam Session
- After logging in, browse available exam sessions (provincial and municipal radio associations organize them periodically)
- Choose an exam time and location in your region
- Some regions offer computer-based online exams -- check the announcements for details
- Pay the exam fee (typically a few tens of RMB)
Step 3: Take the Exam
- Bring your original national ID card to the exam venue
- The exam is closed-book, computer-based, with all multiple-choice questions
- Exam duration: approximately 30 minutes for A class, 50 minutes for B class
- Results are displayed immediately upon completion
Step 4: Receive Your Certificate
- After passing, CRAC records your qualification in their system
- You can download an electronic certificate from the CRAC website
- This certificate is the prerequisite for applying to set up a station and obtain a callsign
Station Setup Approval
After obtaining your operating certificate, you must apply to your local radio management authority for permission to set up an amateur radio station.
Requirements
- Hold the appropriate class of CRAC operating certificate
- Be at least 18 years old (minors under 18 need parental consent and may only apply for an A class station)
- Have a fixed station address
Required Materials
- Amateur radio station setup application form
- CRAC operating certificate (certificate number)
- Copy of national ID card
- Equipment model approval information (equipment must have national radio equipment type approval)
Approval Process
- Submit the application to the provincial (or municipal) radio management authority where your station will be located
- The authority reviews the materials (typically within 20 working days)
- Upon approval, you receive your Amateur Radio Station License
TIP
Many provinces have enabled online processing. You can submit applications through the local radio management authority's website or government services platform.
Callsign Assignment
Callsign Structure
Mainland China amateur radio callsigns follow the format prefix + numeral + suffix, for example:
- Personal callsigns: e.g.,
BG5ABC,BH1XYZ - The letter after "B" indicates the license class and category
- The numeral represents the radio management region (0-9 correspond to different provincial areas)
Common personal callsign prefixes:
- BA/BD: A class personal station
- BG/BH: B class personal station
- BV: C class personal station
- BY: Club stations / special event stations
INFO
Callsign prefix allocation rules may change with policy updates. Different eras may use different prefixes. Always refer to the current official assignments.
Callsign Application Process
- After your station setup is approved, the management authority assigns you a callsign
- Callsigns are assigned according to allocation rules -- individuals generally cannot choose their own
- The callsign is bound to your station license, which is typically valid for 5 years
- You must renew before expiration; otherwise, your callsign may be reclaimed
Callsign Usage Rules
- You must announce your callsign at the beginning and end of every contact
- During extended contacts, announce your callsign at least every 10 minutes
- Never use another person's callsign or a fictitious callsign
- Never transmit without a valid license
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I buy equipment before getting my license?
A: You may purchase and own amateur radio equipment, but you must not transmit until you hold both an operating certificate and a station license. It is recommended to get licensed first.
Q: Can I use HF equipment with an A class certificate?
A: No. The A class certificate only authorizes operation on designated VHF/UHF frequencies. To use HF bands, you must obtain a B class certificate.
Q: How difficult is the exam? How long should I prepare?
A: The A class exam is not difficult -- diligent study of the question pool for one to two weeks is usually sufficient. The B class exam requires more theoretical understanding -- plan for one to two months of preparation. See Exam Preparation Tips for detailed study advice.
Q: Can foreign nationals take the exam in China?
A: Yes. Foreign nationals may register for the CRAC exam with a valid passport. Upon passing, they can apply for a station setup and callsign.
Q: Does the operating certificate expire?
A: The operating certificate (competency verification) itself is valid indefinitely. However, the amateur radio station license has an expiration period (typically 5 years) and must be renewed on time.
Contributors
IUU6