The lowest speed for which the Certificate will be issued is 5 wpm. This has been chosen as the threshold to encourage learning the Code, and as a step towards inspiring and achieving confidence and moving forward to higher speeds. It is specifically designed for those who are most comfortable with this rate of progress.
There will, however, be no barrier to those who wish to enter the scheme at a higher level of (say) 12 wpm.
The initial Certificate of Competency Morse test will therefore:
be at a speed of 5 wpm
require receiving and sending text, including some punctuation, for 3 minutes with no more than three uncorrected errors; and
include some figure groups (receiving and sending).
Success in this test will merit issuing the Certificate of Competency, after which endorsements (or a further certificate) can be obtained at 12, 15, 20, 25, and 30 wpm. To obtain an endorsement (or new certificate) further tests will additionally include:
Showing receiving and sending proficiency in a basic rubber-stamp type QSO.
For those who wish to commence at a higher speed the initial test will:
require receiving and sending text, including some punctuation, for 3 minutes with no more than three uncorrected errors
include some figure groups (receiving and sending); and
showing receiving and sending proficiency in a basic rubber-stamp type QSO.
A requirement of every test taken (regardless of speed) will be that all sending must be pre-recorded at guaranteed speeds to ensure integrity of the testing process and thus prevent appeals in this regard.
Any test may be taken using equipment chosen by the candidate and appropriate for the speed being examined including straight keys, paddles, bugs and semi automatic keys, etc.
