Since the internet is a fairly vast place and most ham radio content is USA-focused; I've aggregated most of the popular study resources for my fellow aspiring Canadian amateurs! If you have any feedback or concerns, please shoot me an email! ben [{at}] lid.radio
Examinations:
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Amateur Radio Service Center has allowed accredited examiners to offer online exams proctored via Zoom or other teleconferencing software. In-person exams are also available too. If you require any accommodations that might otherwise hinder your performance on the exam(s), please let your examiner know!
The author of this list is also an accredited examiner, but you can find a list of accredited examiners here: ISED Accredited Examiner Search
Video-on-Demand Courses, Notes, & Slides:
- Video-On-Demand:
- VOD - YLab Amateur Radio Class - Free, only offering the Basic course at the time
- VOD - Cold Lake Amateur Radio Society - Free (Basic & Advanced available)
- Slideshows & PDFs:
- Halifax Amateur Radio Club - Free, Basic course only
- Annapolis Valley Amateur Radio Club - Free (Basic & Advanced available)
- Notes & Misc. Resources:
- ISED Canada - Amateur Radio Publications
- Notes - U of Waterloo Amateur Radio Club - Basic Essentials PDF
- PDF Textbook - Toronto Emergency Communication Group Archive - "Basic Amateur Radio Course" - NOTE: It's slightly out of date but it's still an excellent resource!
Flashcards & Practice Exams:
- HamStudy - Flashcards are offered in English and French - Also hosts practice exams
- ISED Canada - Official Exam Generator
- ISED Canada - Downloads for Question Banks
- Note: There is a plethora of flashcard apps out in the wild, but some might be out of date! I recommend HamStudy.org as their setup has included feedback as well as tips and tricks to help you on your exam!
Full Fat Textbooks (PAID)
- Coax Publications - Basic and Advanced Study Guides
- Also available on RadioWorld.ca
- HamStudy.com - I can’t vouch for the quality, but these do exist
- Note: Try the free stuff first!
Live & In-person Courses:
- Always check with your local amateur radio club to see if they're planning to run a course in the near future!
- Note: Local courses are usually spread out over 6 to 8 weeks. Your mileage may vary.
- Radio Amateurs of Canada sponsors an online course that runs weekly. Upcoming courses are usually announced on their main website
- Radio Amateurs of Canada also hosts a list of upcoming courses (assuming the clubs update the list) - You can find the link over HERE!
Online Communities:
This post is partially inspired by Vince, VE6LK's Getting your amateur radio license in Canada - I highly recommend checking it out!
73, Ben