Discover the UNB Amateur Radio Club

UNB and STU students interested in amateur radio are invited to explore membership opportunities with the UNB Amateur Radio Club.

Membership overview

  • Contact Brent Petersen: Brent.Petersen@UNB.ca to express your interest or get more information.
  • Visit us: Drop by the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Head Hall, Room HD36, near the Head Rest Cafeteria.
  • Phone: (506) 453-4561. Speak with one of the administrative assistants about membership cards and loan keys.

Note: Loan of a key requires that you first be briefed on the safety procedures.


  • Students: $5
  • Faculty and staff: $20

An amateur radio certificate is not required to join. One of our club’s goals is to help members obtain their amateur radio certificate by preparing for the required exam.


  • A membership card.
  • Access to room H305, including a key loan.
  • Shared use of three tables and one shared Windows computer with UNB’s active directory and web-based student services.
  • Wireless@UNB access from room H305.
  • Assistance in obtaining an amateur radio certificate of proficiency.

Note: Membership does not include free printing or Ethernet hardware ports in room H305.


We offer joint membership in the following clubs:

When you join one of the services, your name and email address will be included in both, making them visible to all members. You can also email the group directly.

These platforms allow you to stay updated, participate in discussions and access daily summaries of group activities.

Feedback is welcome, email Brent at Brent.Petersen@UNB.ca with any suggestions.


Certificate overview

The certificate is valid for life and free of charge. It’s available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students.

  • Examinations: Contact Brent at Brent.Petersen@UNB.ca if you wish to take an exam at UNB. The Fredericton Amateur Radio Club also offers courses and exams. Alternatively, you can take the exam directly through Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED)in Saint John, which may involve a fee and travel.

  • Exam attempts: There is no limit on the number of attempts or time between them, though practical arrangements for exam scheduling may apply.

  • Morse code: No longer required for certification.

  • Emergency communication: Amateur radio operators play a crucial role during emergencies when conventional systems fail, as seen during Hurricane Katrina and the Christchurch earthquake.

  • Career benefits: An amateur radio certificate may enhance job prospects in fields related to electromagnetics, antennas and transmission lines.

  • Address privacy: Notify Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED) if you move; initially, your home address might be public. With ISED’s online system, you can choose to keep your address private when claiming your call sign.

  • The Canadian Power and Sail Squadron offers the Restricted Operators Certificate Maritime (ROC-M) with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Endorsement.

  • ISED provides marine operator and radio operator certificates, but the amateur radio certificate offers a more technical focus.

Connect with us

Brent.Petersen@UNB.ca | (506) 447-3328