How to Become an Aeronautical and Maritime Radio Operator in Canada (federal)
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to work as an aeronautical and maritime radio operator in Canada or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“A person may operate radio apparatus in the aeronautical service, maritime service or amateur radio service only where the person holds an appropriate radio operator certificate as set out in column I of any of items 1 and 3 to 15 of Schedule II.”
From laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-484/FullText.html, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 3 steps
- Trained outside Canada: 2 steps
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 3 done
- 3 steps without a listed fee
-
Consult the ROC-A study guide for details on the scope of the examination, including requirements and regulations.
Source
“Consult RIC-21 — Study Guide for the Restricted Operator Certificate With Aeronautical Qualification (ROC-A) for details on the scope of the ROC-A examination.”
ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/... -
Find and contact an accredited examiner, using the online examiner search or a downloadable list, and take the exam; the certificate is mailed after you pass.
Source
“Once you feel ready to take the exam, find and contact an accredited examiner.”
ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/... -
Optionally create an account, using your certificate serial number, so you can request a reprint of your certificate.
Source
“An account allows you to request a reprint of your certificate. To create your account, you will need your certificate serial number.”
ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Trained outside Canada
0 of 2 done
- 2 steps without a listed fee
-
Be the holder of an authorization issued by the responsible administration of your country that corresponds with the applicable Canadian radio operator certificate.
Source
“the individual is the holder of an authorization that is issued by the responsible administration of that country and that corresponds with the applicable radio operator certificate set out in subsection 26(1)”
laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-484/FullText.html -
A reciprocal arrangement establishing correspondence between radio operator certificates must be in effect between Canada and that country.
Source
“a reciprocal arrangement that establishes correspondence between radio operator certificates is in effect between the responsible administrations of Canada and that country.”
laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-484/FullText.html
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
2 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Requirements
Experience
For reissuance of an expired certificate or issuance of an equivalent certificate, the holder must have accumulated at least one year of service as a radio operator or radio technician during the preceding five years, or pass the examinations set by the Minister.
Source
“has accumulated, during the preceding five years, at least one year of service as (i) a radio operator holding a radio operator certificate, and is engaged in radiocommunications at the level commensurate with that certificate, or (ii) a radio technician engaged in the maintenance of modern radio apparatus; or (b) has passed the examinations set by the Minister in respect of the certificate being applied for.”
laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-484/FullText.html
Other
Applicants must have passed the examinations set by the Minister in respect of the radio operator certificate being applied for.
Source
“an individual who has passed the examinations set by the Minister in respect of the radio operator certificate being applied for;”
laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-484/FullText.html
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The pages do not state how someone already licensed in another Canadian province or territory can register. Source
“The following persons are eligible to be issued a radio operator certificate set out in subsection 26(1):”
laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-484/FullText.html
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Exams
-
Examinations set by the Minister
Source
“an individual who has passed the examinations set by the Minister in respect of the radio operator certificate being applied for;”
laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-484/FullText.html
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $20.00 | $28.00 | $41.76 | — |
Aeronauticals and maritime radio operators in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Not confirmed yet
- Alberta Not confirmed yet
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- Ontario Not confirmed yet
- Quebec Not confirmed yet
- New Brunswick Not confirmed yet
- Nova Scotia Not confirmed yet
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Newfoundland and Labrador Not confirmed yet
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Compare aeronautical and maritime radio operator licensing across Canada
Sources checked
- Radiocommunication Regulations laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-484/FullText.html · fetched October 10, 2026
- Restricted Operator Certificate - Aeronautical (ROC-A) ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/... · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as an aeronautical and maritime radio operator in Canada?
Yes. A licence or certificate from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is required to work in Canada.
Which exams are required?
Examinations set by the Minister.
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