A: We will try to contact you and ask you to complete a current form. You can return this to DXCC in one of three ways:

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1 DXCC Frequently Asked Questions DX Century Club program DXCC FAQs The Application Process Q: Do I need an application form with each submission? A: Yes, (See Rule 1). DXCC handles 7,000 to 8,000 applications annually. Completing the application form with each submission tells us all of the information that applies to each transaction: Who you are What you are applying for Current mailing address for your return Contact information if we have questions Method of payment Method of return shipping Signature acknowledging that the DXCC rules apply. The application form is available from the DXCC web site at: Q: If I don't send the application form will this cause delays? A: Yes Q: If I forget to complete an application form, what happens? A: We will try to contact you and ask you to complete a current form. You can return this to DXCC in one of three ways: 1: Direct mail 2: to dxcc@arrl.org (with attachment) 3: Fax to (860) Q: What sections of the application form are required to be filled in? A: Complete all applicable sections including what you are applying for (endorsements, new certificates, etc.) your personal information, the return mail section, the fees section, telephone number and , the number of cards and QSOs included. Finally, sign and date the form including your ARRL membership expiration date. Q: There is a large box in the upper left portion of the application with bands and modes and a series of smaller boxes shown by each. What is this for? A: This is the part of the application form that tells the DXCC staff what an applicant is applying for.

2 NEW is checked when an applicant is expecting to receive a certificate for the submission. More than one NEW award can be applied for on a single application. ENDORSEMENT is checked for noting that an applicant is building credits on an existing award(s). DO NOT use this block if you do not have an award on the bands or modes. If you are building totals towards future awards, leave these blank. If you qualify for an award, but do not want a certificate, DO NOT check off NEW. If you check this box, a certificate will be issued and you will be charged. Do not leave this block blank. It may cause us to make an incorrect selection (although we will not check off a NEW award for an applicant without their authorization). Q: Is the DXCC record sheet listing all my QSL cards required if I send my cards to HQ? A: When submitting cards directly to ARRL, the record sheet is not required. All that is required is that the cards be in proper order. However, if you plan to take cards to a convention or an approved DXCC card checker, a record sheet is required. This is because the card checker will verify your cards against the record sheet and return the cards to you. The card checker then forwards the completed paperwork to DXCC. Q: I want my cards and paperwork to go to an address that is not my normal mailing address. How should I handle this? A: The ONLY address we use is that which is noted on the application form. This is the address from which the computer produces the mailing label. If you want us to mail your package to a specific address, it must be entered on the application form. Addresses noted on letters or other forms other than the DXCC application form will not be used. Q: How should I arrange my cards? A: This is an important part of the application process. Your cards must be arranged first by band, then by mode. Cards with more than one QSO should be placed at the end. Cards must not be sorted alpha-numerically. Q: Why do I have to sort cards by band then mode instead of just alphabetically by prefix? A: The most labor intensive and costly part of the program is the manual data entry of the QSO information. In the data-entry process, we have to change the callsign and date with almost every entry. When bands and modes are properly sorted these fields will not have to be entered with each card as they are

3 retained from the previous entry. If the cards are properly arranged, we can process an application in less than half the time. Q: What happens if I send cards to DXCC not properly sorted? A: If you do not sort your cards properly, you risk having the application rejected and the cards sent back to you unprocessed. Q: How can I verify that my application has been received at HQ? A: Applications logged into the DXCC computer system are listed on the DXCC Web site. Go to Wait a few seconds to allow the entire list to load then search for your callsign using your browser utilities. Callsigns are listed alpha-numerically. Next to the callsign is the date the application was mail-logged into the DXCC computer (This date can be as much as 4-7 days after actual receipt from the post office). Q: I am a DXCC participant outside of the United States. On my records I see a DXCC member ID number. Does this mean I am automatically an ARRL member, too? A: No. This is a number automatically assigned by the computer to each applicant. Membership in the ARRL is different from membership in the DXCC program. If you would like to join ARRL to take advantage of the lower DXCC fees, see the ARRL web site at Q: How should I send my cards to ARRL? A: When sending cards to ARRL, we strongly recommend using a traceable method of delivery. If cards do not reach ARRL, the carrier can trace their route. Regular first-class mail is not traceable. Applicants can determine the latest fees by checking with a local post office, or by visiting the US Postal Service web site at: Non-US hams should check with their local post office for shipping charges from their respective country and with the US Post Office for return postage. FedEx and DHL and other special carriers are excellent. Although these carriers are more expensive, they offer traceable service. We will not be responsible for applications that do not reach us or for lost applications that have been returned using the delivery service specified by the applicant. Q: If I forgot to note on my application the method by which I want my cards returned to me. What happens? A: We will return your cards by registered mail at your expense. Q: Can I provide DXCC with a prepaid bill for special mail handling? A: Yes Q: I have not submitted an application in more than 20 years. Is there anything new I need to know in order to submit? A: Except for new fees (see rule 15), the application procedure is similar. You should use a current application form. Complete the required fields on the application form. Some things have changed: You do not need to list your cards on the record sheet if you send them directly to ARRL. We enter the QSO

4 information directly from the cards. Be sure to arrange your cards as required (band, then mode order, multiple QSO cards at the end of the stack). Q: I have not submitted an application in 20 years. I have no idea what I am already credited with. How can I obtain a copy of my old record? A: You may obtain a photocopy of your old records by sending a note along with $2 (US) /$4 (non-us) to the DXCC Desk at ARRL HQ. Be sure to include a list of all previous callsigns held in the country your DXCC was obtained. In most cases records prior to 1991 are not computerized and are only on paper. If you have submitted since DXCC computerization, your DXCC records are now accessible online via the LogBook of the World web site. See to get started. Once you register follow the instructions for linking to your DXCC record. Please see the LoTW section below for more information. Q: I want credit for my cards, but I do not want my cards back. How does DXCC handle this? A: If you do not want your cards returned, you must make a no-return request, in writing along with your DXCC application. Q: I have 95 countries confirmed but have never applied for a DXCC award. Can I send these in to be checked now and then submit the rest when they arrive? A: No. For your first time ever submission (Initiation) you must have at least 100 different entities. After that, you can submit any number of cards in order to build towards future awards. (See Rule 2.) Q: I know I have dupes but I have not identified them. Should I just send my submission and let DXCC figure it out? A: You can submit them, but it may be costly. If your application exceeds the card number limit, we will charge for every QSO data line that we enter whether or not it is a dupe. Where you have multiple-qso cards, you should mark the desired Qs. Q: If I send cards with multiple QSOs do I just enter the ones I need on the record sheet? A: Emphatically No! We do not require a filled-out card record sheet. We use ONLY the cards as a source of information. You should check your cards against the report from your previous submission and remove all dupes before making your submission. Q: How should dupes be marked? A: The best way to mark dupes is to use post-it-type notes on each card in question along with a simple instruction. For example "enter only 10 CW and 40 Phone".

5 Q: Can I make a note directly on the card instead of a post-it note? A: You should never write directly on a QSL card. Q: I had a 5 Band DXCC prior to DXCC computerization. How does this affect me? Since DXCC was not computerized until late 1991, entity credits for old 5-band DXCC awards are not in the computer. For those early awards, only the fact that cards were submitted for 100 or more entities was recorded. The DXCC system has a notation that a 5-Band award has been issued. In addition, we know if cards for endorsements were submitted, but we don't have detailed records of the data. If you plan to apply for any of the single band awards and/or the DXCC Challenge, and you need credits for cards that you submitted for your 5-Band DXCC and/or endorsements, you will need to submit those cards again. We will allow applicants monetary credit for the balance up to 100 credits on 15 and 20 meters. That is, you have 56 credits on a particular band (15 or 20-meters) in the DXCC system and wish to obtain a single band award for that band, we will give you 44 free credits. Applicants MUST apply for the single band awards in order to get this credit. (Monetary credit is not available on the other bands since there was an opportunity to apply for single band awards prior to computerization.) Award Information Q: For what bands can I get a DXCC award (See Rule 1)? A: Certificates are available for: 160M 80M 40M 30M 20M 17M 15M 12M 10M 6M 2M

6 Q: For what modes can I get a DXCC award (See Rule 1)? A: Certificates are available for: Mixed Phone CW RTTY Satellite Q: I hear many different stories. What are the facts regarding awards for 12, 17 and 30 meters? A: Single band DXCC awards are available for 12, 17 and 30 meters. There are also endorsements for the 5-Band DXCC for these bands. These bands can also be used towards the various mode awards. Awards for 12, 15, 17, 20 and 30 meters are dated only. There are no sequential awards numbers for these awards. These awards are all endorseable. Q: What is, and how do I qualify for, the DXCC Honor Roll? A: There are two Honor Roll categories. The Honor Roll is achieved by working a number of entities equal to the top ten of the overall current country count. For example, if there are 336 current entities on the DXCC list, the number needed for Honor Roll is 327. Deleted entities do not count towards the Honor Roll. There is no certificate for the Honor Roll. An Honor Roll sticker is provided for the mode for which Honor Roll was achieved, Mixed, Phone, CW and/or RTTY only. A plaque is available for the DXCC Honor Roll and #1 Honor Roll. (See for samples of the Honor Roll plaques). See Section I rule 1(t) for more information about the Honor Roll. The DXCC Honor Roll standings are published annually (usually) in the August issue of QST. The standings can also be found on the DXCC web site. Q: What is 5-Band DXCC and how do I apply for it? A: 5-Band DXCC is earned by confirming 100 current entities on each of the bands of 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10-Meters. Deleted entities do not count towards this award. Once you have the initial 5-Band award, you can endorse it for 160, 30, 17, 12, 6 and 2-Meters. A certificate and a plaque are available for this award. See Section I rule 1(q). For sample certificates and plaques, see: Note: Endorsement plates for plaques are available for each of the endorsable bands listed above. If you wish to order (an) endorsement plate(s), be sure to

7 include the special order form with your order. Q: What is the DXCC Challenge and how do I apply for it? A: The DXCC Challenge award is available to applicants who reach 1,000 band points on the bands of 160 through 6-Meters. This includes only current entities. Deleted entities do not count towards this award. Once you reach the 1,000-entity level, you are entered into the Challenge listing automatically. An application to request the DXCC Challenge listing is not required. This award is endorseable in levels of 500. There is no certificate for this award. A special plaque has been designed for the DXCC Challenge. (See The highest scorer as of December 31 each year qualifies for the DeSoto Cup. The DeSoto Cup can only be issued once to a single person. For more information see Section I rule 1, (r), (s) or visit: The DXCC Challenge and DeSoto Cup standings can be found on the DXCC web site. Q: Do Satellite QSOs count towards the Mixed DXCC award? A: No. The Satellite DXCC is a separate award, and no credits are given towards Mixed, Phone, CW or RTTY awards. No single band credits can be claimed. (See Rule 6). Q: All my credits are CW and 40 meters. Can I get a combined certificate for 40 CW? A: No. For each band and mode there is a separate certificate. You can get a 40- meter certificate and/or a CW certificate as well as a Mixed certificate. "Combination" certificates are not available. Q: I have a Mixed DXCC award and want to start building my credits towards other awards. Can I build totals on these along the way? A: Yes. However, when completing an application please do not check off endorsements for awards you do not have. You can only endorse awards that you have received. Q: I received stickers with numbers on them with my return. What are these for? A: When an applicant reaches a new endorsement level for an active award, stickers indicating the level achieved will be included with the returned materials. One sticker is given for each subsequent level achieved. Two stickers are given for the highest level achieved. One sticker can be placed on the appropriate certificate, and the second can be trimmed down to the number only and placed on the DXCC lapel pin. (See rule 5).

8 Q: There are other modes not recognized by DXCC. How do they apply? A: Modes such as PSK-31, G-Tor, Pactor, JT44 etc are digital and count for DXCC as RTTY. SSTV and other voice modes count as Phone for DXCC. Endorsements Q: I already have a DXCC. How do I build on it? A: Building on existing awards is done with endorsements using the basic application form as with the other DXCC awards. Simply complete the latest form and arrange your cards by band then mode and keep multiples together at the end. Q: I have a Mixed award, can I endorse this on 15 and 10 Meters? A: No. There is an award (certificate) for each band and each mode. Once you qualify, you can activate these individually (for a fee of $10 per certificate). Once these are activated they can each be endorsed as noted in rule 5. Q: I have an old application form. Is it OK to use? A: Application using forms more than 2 years old cannot be accepted. See below about obtaining the latest version of the form. Q: I already completed an application when I joined DXCC. Do I need to fill out the application form again? A: Yes. An application form is required for each submission (See rule 1). The application tells us what you want us to do and provides all of the necessary information to do it. Signing the form affirms that you have complied with the program rules. Q: How can I get the latest forms? A: The forms can be found on the DXCC web site at: If you do not have Internet access, send a SASE with 2 stamps to: ARRL/DXCC 225 Main Street Newington, CT USA Q: How can I get a copy of my DXCC record after I make my submission? A: A complete report of your DXCC record is returned to you after your submission is processed. Certificates are sent separately. Q: How long will it take to process my application?

9 A: Application processing normally takes between 3-5 weeks. You can check the status of your application by going to the DXCC List of Applications Received page at: Where you will see the date your callsign was logged into the system. At the top of the page you'll also see the week DXCC is currently mailing. (The date noted is normally the Friday of the current week for which applications are being mailed). The difference between the date mailed and the date your application was received yields a rough estimate of the current processing time. Remember, applications received will not show on this page until they are logged into the DXCC computer system, not as soon as they are received in the building by our mail room. Field Checking Since the early 1990's, field checking has become an important resource for checking applications without sending QSL cards to HQ. Under this program, cards are checked by persons specifically approved by ARRL HQ. On March , the "old" card-checking program was eliminated. Under the current rules, only one Card Checker is required. In addition, cards for all DXCC entities are eligible for checking. Only a few categories of cards may not be checked by Card Checkers. Complete information on the card checking program can be found at: Q: What is field checking? A: Field checking is having cards checked outside of the DXCC office. This is done by appointment with an approved DXCC Card Checker. The card checker will verify the applicant's cards against a paper application. The applicant's cards are then returned to the applicant. The card checker then forwards the paperwork and fees to HQ for processing. Q: Are there any restrictions on card checking in the field? A: Yes. Card Checkers cannot check: Cards for 160-Meters, Cards for deleted entities In 2007 DXCC removed the 10 year card checking rule. Card checkers can now check all cards dating back to November 15, 1945 except as noted above. (See section IV rule 1(a)) Q: Do I need to make an appointment to have my cards checked by a Card Checker? A: Yes, regardless of whether you plan to meet with a card checker or send cards to him/her via mail. You do not need an appointment with Card Checkers at a convention, provided you do not have more than the allotted number of cards (120).

10 Q: If I take cards to a convention or card checker, do I still need to fill out the record sheet(s)? A: Yes. Card Checkers verify your cards against your application record sheet and then return cards to you. The Card Checker will then send the paperwork to DXCC. Q: Is there a limit to the number of cards that a card checker can check? A: If you take cards to a card checker by appointment there is no limit on the number of cards they can check. They only have the restrictions noted above. Q: Is there a limit to the number of cards that can be checked at a convention? Yes, but, only if DXCC staff is present. If DXCC staff is present there is a limit of 120 cards, per applicant. DXCC staff normally attends conventions that have higher attendance levels. The 120 card limit is to assure that no one is turned away due larger numbers of DXCC applications to be checked. Q: Since I have to complete the record sheet for field checked applications, can I use a file generated by my computer or special logging program? A: If your record sheet format matches the DXCC version of the record sheet form EXACTLY across the page, AND the listing is sorted as required above, you may use an alternative form. Q: I just had my cards checked by an approved Checker. He gave me the application to mail to DXCC. Is this OK? A: No. The Checker must send all applications personally. If this happens, your application cannot be processed and will be returned unprocessed. You must provide the checker with a SASE or sufficient postage to cover all costs including mailing applications to ARRL HQ. Q: If I have cards that are not eligible for field checking, can I include these cards with a field-checked application? A: No. Cards cannot accompany a field-checked application under any circumstances. Q: How do I handle non-checkable cards? A: You may submit non-checkable cards in a separate application, or you may simply send all of your cards in one application directly to HQ. If you send non-checkable cards separately, they will constitute a separate application, subject to the appropriate fees.

11 Q: If I give a card checker non-checkable cards to send in anyway, will I be charged a second submission fee? A: Yes. Q: Since I am not sending cards direct to DXCC, do I still need to sort them by band? A: Yes. We still need to manually enter your data from the record sheets into the computer, and the sort order is just as important as it is with seeing cards. Q: What is the difference between cards checked by appointment with a card checker and going to a convention to have them checked? A: There is little difference in procedure. If a DXCC staff person attends the convention, all QSL cards, including those not normally checkable by Card Checkers may be checked. There is a "convention fee" of $5 to help cover the cost of travel if an ARRL staff person comes to the convention. You can check the hamfest calendar section on the ARRL web site at: to see if Q: Is card checking any different if DXCC staff attends a convention? A: Yes, slightly. In instances where DXCC staff is attending a convention, the normal restrictions on card checking don't apply since the staff person can check all cards. At conventions where DXCC staff is present there is an additional $5 fee charged in addition to the application fees. The $5 is not charged if DXCC staff is not in attendance. Q: Can I come to ARRL HQ direct and have cards checked? A: Yes. As noted in rule 15(b) applicants can have cards checked at ARRL HQ. Applicants are allowed a maximum of 120 QSO's. Application with more than 120 QSO's can be brought to ARRL, but the application may not be completed the same day. Applicants can choose to come back and pick up their cards at a later date, or ask to have us mail them back. Cards must be arranged in the proper order as noted on the record sheet. DXCC staff will enter up to 120 QSO's per applicant while you wait. Certificates and endorsement stickers will be issued upon completion of the application. Processing time while you wait may be anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. Q: If I cannot make it to have my cards checked at a convention or with a card checker, can a friend hand-carry them in for me? A. Yes, but all paperwork must be properly prepared and all fees must accompany the application. Q: Other awards programs allow local radio society awards managers to check their ham radio awards. Can DXCC cards be checked in this way? A: No. This is often referred to as the "General Certification Rules" among IARU member societies. DXCC is not part of this program.

12 Q: How does someone become a card checker? A: See the details of the Section IV rule at: QSL Card Checkers must: Have a DXCC award endorsed to at least 150 entities Be nominated by a Section Manager, DX club or their Division Director. (Each Director is allowed one nomination) Be personally known to the person making the nominating Be an ARRL member Complete an open book test Have Internet and capability Be willing to serve as reasonable times and places, i.e. conventions. DXCC Program Fee Schedule Complete information on fees can be found in DXCC rule 15 in the basic rules located on the DXCC web site at: General Discussion: In 1990 fees (other than postage) were added to the DXCC program. The basic application fee of USD $10 was established at this time. This fee was not charged to ARRL members until A surcharge of USD $10 was charged for non- ARRL members. In the US, only ARRL members may participate in the DXCC program. In addition, a surcharge of USD $10 was charged for subsequent applications in a calendar year. Q: What is the period that applies to fees? A: DXCC fees are assessed according to the calendar year of January 1 to December 31. Q: How are fees determined? A: As mentioned above, fees are assessed by the calendar year. Fees are based on membership and in order to participate in the DXCC program, hams in the US and its possessions MUST be ARRL members. Foreign non-arrl members may participate

13 in DXCC, but they must pay a surcharge. Fees are charged according to submission(s) as follows: Types of Submissions Initiation This is an applicant's first-ever submission to the DXCC program. For ARRL members the first-ever submission fee is $12. For Non-ARRL members this fee is $22. This fee covers the cost of processing up to 120 QSO's, one certificate and lapel pin. After an applicant has an initial DXCC award, fees are assessed as follows: First Submission In A Calendar Year The fee for the first submission in a calendar year is $12 for ARRL members and $22 for Non-ARRL members. This fee includes the first 120 QSO's. If an applicant submits more than 120 QSOs, each additional QSO is 15 cents. There is no limit on the number of cards submitted. There is a 120 QSO limit per applicant at conventions and when cards are presented in person at ARRL HQ. Subsequent Submissions In A Calendar Year Applicants are allowed to make more than one submission in a calendar year. Each subsequent submission is $22 for ARRL members and $32 for non-arrl members. This fee covers the first 120 QSO's. If an applicant submits more than 120 QSO's in a submission, each additional QSO is 15 cents. Again, there is no limit on the number of cards that may be submitted when submitting cards by mail to HQ or to approved card checkers. Q: Are there any limitations on what can be submitted? A: There is a 120 QSO per application limit at conventions and when cards are presented at ARRL HQ. There are no limits when mailing cards to ARRL HQ. There are also no limits on the number of cards that can be checked when bringing cards to an approved card checker. Q: When I submit after my initiation submission, do the submission fees cover additional certificates? A: No. Each additional certificate is USD $12. Q: When is the USD $7 fee charged? A: The USD $7 fee is charged when cards are brought to a convention, but ONLY when DXCC staff is present.

14 Q: When is the USD $9 fee charged? A: A fee of $9 is charged when applications are presented, in person, at ARRL HQ and processed "while you wait." Q: What methods of payment can I use? A. ARRL accepts most major credit cards for payment. Cash, check, money order and bank checks are also OK. Cash payment is strongly discouraged. ARRL is NOT responsible for the loss of cash. Note: DXCC cannot accept IRC's for payment. Q: I really cannot understand all the fees, can DXCC just bill me? A: No. If you are not sure of the exact fee, review rule 15 and send an amount based on your understanding of the rule. DXCC also accepts most major credit cards. This is recommended if you are not able to determine the fees for your submission. Q: I just received my paperwork and the credit slip shows I owe money to DXCC. How do I handle this? A: If you have a small amount due to DXCC, it is best to settle this right away. When sending in additional payment, be sure to add a note in the envelope explaining the reason for your payment. If there is no note with your payment you may not receive proper credit because we cannot identify you. We generally do not allow a large balance. If you have a large balance, however, it is best that you take care of this right away. Such a balance may cause delays with future submissions. We may choose to hold an application for payment. If this happens, we will send a letter or to explain the situation. If you have a question or complaint regarding your credit slip, call or the DXCC desk at dxcc@arrl.org or Q: What happens if a credit card charge is declined? A: If this happens you will receive either an or a letter describing the problem. Applications are normally held for credit card problems, so it is important that you respond to us as soon as possible. During times of increased turnaround, credit cards may expire before the application is processed. You can help avoid delays if you notify us of any changes before your DXCC application is processed. Q: How can I avoid problems with credit card rejections?

15 A: When you are ready to send your application, check your application to be sure that you copied the card number and the expiration date correctly. Make sure that your name is on the application form at the top EXACTLY as it shows on your credit card. If the expiration date is within 8 weeks, it would be wise not to use the card. If you forget to check, and expiration is imminent, contact DXCC as soon as you receive your updated card. Q: Can I send money to keep a positive balance in my DXCC account against which to draw? A: Yes. This can be useful where a credit card account is not available. Q: Can I use a direct deposit into the bank to ARRL, Pay Pal or Western Union? A: No. The cost is often prohibitive as there are additional fees to pay for these services. If you want to use a non-standard form of payment contact DXCC, in advance, to see if it is practical. Q: Why are the DXCC fees so high? A: Actually, the fees are lower than you think. Most companies adjust their fees in order to make profits. DXCC fees are not like that. The current fees were not designed to make money or break even. It might be more realistic to say that DXCC fees help to minimize losses. Processing DXCC applications actually costs considerably more than the revenue that is generated. Important Note Regarding Postage Previously, except for card and plaque mailings, postage was generally included in fees. The included returns for non-card applications, applications presented to field checkers, applications checked at conventions, certificates etc. This has changed and effective with the July 1, 2006 fee changes the applicant is now responsible for all postage fees in addition to the fees as shown in Rule 15. Applications that do not contain sufficient funds will be billed to the applicant. Special Note: Fees are subject to change. You should check Rule 15 before submitting to be sure that your remittance is based on the latest fees. Understanding your Credit Slip and Printout You will receive a two-part report with the return of your submission. The two parts are: Part 1: THE CREDIT SLIP:

16 This is the single page report that contains an applicant's account information, credit received for each submission, totals by band and mode and a report of cards rejected, if any. A: Accounting Information: This section contains information related to charges and payments. Funds received by ARRL (paid by an applicant) are recorded without parenthesis. Amounts charged by ARRL are recorded in parenthesis. If an ending balance if it is shown in parenthesis it means that amount is DUE to ARRL. B: Credits Added Section: This next section is the number of credits per band and mode granted from the current submission only. It is not the applicant's final total. C: Entity Counts: This section shows the applicant's total numbers after the current submission. Two numbers are shown here. Current and Total. The Current number indicates current (active) entities on the DXCC List. The Total number indicates the alltime entity count, including deleted entities. The current number is also the applicant's credit towards the Honor Roll, since deleted entities do not count for Honor Roll. Endorsement levels are based on the Total number. D: QSO Rejection Section: If any of the submitted credits are rejected for any reason they will show in this section. Some of the more common rejections are: No Documentation -- means an operator has not sent DXCC supporting documentation and credit cannot be given. (See Section I rule 7 and Section III rules 3 (a through e) and 4). Unauthorized Operation -- Indicates that for some reason an operation has been rejected for DXCC credit. This is usually a final determination and rarely changes. Shipboard or Maritime Mobile Operation -- Indicates that an operation was not land-based and cannot count. (See section I Rule 8) Resubmit To clarify - This usually occurs with applications checked by card checkers. It means something was not clear and we need to see the card in order to make a final determination. Short-wave Listener - SWL cards are not good for DXCC credit. Your confirmation

17 must come directly from the person you worked or their authorized representative. Not Eligible for Field Check -- Certain cards are not eligible to be checked, even by approved DXCC Card Checkers. These are 160-Meter cards, cards for deleted entities and cards more than ten calendar years old. (See Section IV rule 1-4) Documentation Pending -- We have made contact with the operator and we are expecting to receive documentation. Duplicate -- Indicates that the band and mode for the entity have already been credited to your award. Prefix/Country Mismatch -- Often, DXCC sees applications (mostly field checks) where the country name and prefix do not match. Care should be given when preparing applications to insure accuracy. There are many more reasons used to describe rejections. Most are selfexplanatory. If you are not sure what a reject reason means contact us. Part 2: LIST OF CREDITS BY ENTITY (Credit matrix): The second and largest part of your report is your record of countries worked, with the X's, indicating credits received. When you receive this report it is very important that you check it against your personal records for accuracy. Before reporting problems you should also verify the results against your personal log. Note: Prior to late 1991 most program tracking was done on paper, and band information was not recorded. If you notice blanks where you feel there should be Xs, check your submissions. If you did submit prior to late 1991, it is likely that some bands may not be filled in. If you need band credit for cards submitted prior to 1991, we will need to see the cards again. Remember that DXCC is a tracking and reporting program, not a log keeper. We will track your DXCC record and report your DXCC status. We cannot keep your station log. In the end, your DXCC records are kept in your personal records. Special Note: With submissions that include an LoTW element, the paper copy of the credit matrix is no longer included with the return. This can be downloaded directly from the LoTW page. See the LoTW section below on how to do this.

18 Part 3: How to contact DXCC for corrections: If you find that your record is not correct after checking your entire submission, you may contact DXCC in one of these ways: a: to b: Telephone to (860) c: Fax to (860) List all problems you find. We will review your record and contact you as soon as possible. Do not return cards for corrections without authorization. If we need to see anything again we will let you know. If we are able to correct the problems you will be notified, and a replacement report will be sent to you either by or direct mail. If additional problems exist, we will contact you and how to resolve them. Most problems are easily corrected, and it is rare that we need to see cards again. * Special note on contacting DXCC by If you are on you are familiar with SPAM. Since, like other addresses, DXCC has a published address the volume of SPAM received is extremely high. Here are some tips on how to avoid having your message blocked or missed: Don't send attachments unless we request them. Don't use those "cute" colored or designer backgrounds. These show up as if there were an attachment, and may be filtered at some point. Don't leave the subject field blank. This will almost always insure your message will be blocked. Do use subject titles that directly apply to your question. In your account set up, please use a recognizable "from" address. If you do not receive a reply within 2 working days, something may be wrong. Send one back up . If this does not work it may be best to make a quick phone call. Q: I just received the report from my latest submission and noted several other

19 categories where I have 100 credits, or more. Do I have these awards automatically? A: No. While you have these credits on record, you must apply for the award and pay the certificate fee in order to receive the award. Each additional certificate is USD 10. On your next submission, you can check off "New" under these awards on the application form and include the appropriate fee(s) to activate them. Activated awards are indicated with an asterisk (*) next to listing. Bands and/or modes that show 100 or more credits, but have no asterisk are not active. DXCC listings in the Yearbook and on the web site only show those awards that are active. IMPORTANT: KEEP THIS REPORT IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!!! General Program Information Questions Q: I have general program and rule questions. Where can I get this information on the web? A: The URL for the Official DXCC web site is: A number of routine program questions are received daily at DXCC. Most of this information can be found within these FAQs and in the rules section on the DXCC web site. It is recommended that applicants check the web site, download the rules and DXCC list to their computer and read everything thoroughly. Most questions we received can be easily answered by going to this site and reading what is posted. If some points need further clarification they can then be resolved with a message to DXCC. This process will most likely answer your questions in the quickest manner. After having checked all of the information on the web site, you still do not have an answer to your question, you can contact us in one of these ways: 1: dxcc@arrl.org 2: Voice: (860) : Fax: (860) Q: Is there a resource for finding DXCC program related information other than on the web?

20 A: ARRL offers a valuable resource for anyone who plans participation in the DXCC program. It is called The ARRL DXCC List This publication contains: All program Rules A current entities list along with applicable reference notes A Deleted entities list along with applicable reference notes A prefix cross reference (A valuable resource for non-standard prefixes) A list of DX Advisory Committee Members Information about the ARRL Incoming and Outgoing QSL Bureau Services An international call sign allocation table A list of approved DXCC card checkers and their contact information The latest application form and country-worked record sheet. Your Internet search engine is a valuable tool for looking for DXCC information is. You should be able to find almost anything if it has published online. In the search criteria box just type in a word or two on the subject you are researching. Most search engines offer simple and advanced search methods, so you should learn to use both. When looking for information on the main ARRL page, use the "Site Index". This will give you an alphabetical list of everything on the ARRL site and this section should help you find anything you need that is provided by ARRL. Q: I don't have access to the World Wide Web, how can I get DXCC program information? A: You can contact DXCC for program information by sending a note to DXCC at: ARRL/DXCC 225 Main Street

21 Newington, CT USA Please be sure to include a SASE with sufficient postage to cover the response and any additional information you are requesting. Q: I recently changed my callsign. Will this affect my DXCC? A: No, as long as your new callsign if for the same DXCC entity as your existing DXCC award. (eg: If you move from Connecticut to Alaska, you are moving to a different DXCC entity. Here, your Connecticut contacts will NOT count towards your Alaska callsign. In this case you would start a new DXCC record from Alaska. But, if you ever travel back to the mainland USA you can still feed the USA award). With your next submission simply place your new callsign on the line on the application form where it asks for your callsign. Below this line there is a line for ex-calls. Place your old callsign(s) there. When we receive your application with the new callsign, your records will be updated. You can order a certificate with your new callsign on it for a fee of USD $10 per certificate. The number on the certificate will remain the same. Q: What is the DXCC Yearbook? A: The DXCC yearbook was first published in It is published each year in the Spring. It contains articles of interest to DX'ers is quite a popular publication among DXers. The DXCC Yearbook is usually mailed by the end of May each year. Back copies from 1993 are available for USD 5 each plus postage. See below to see if you qualify for this publication. Q: Why didn't I receive a DXCC Yearbook? In order to receive a free copy of the DXCC yearbook you must be a current ARRL member and Submit a DXCC application between January 1 and December 31 of the prior year or Be CURRENT on the DXCC Honor Roll. (In this case, if you did not submit during the period ONLY the Honor Roll mode(s) will be shown. (Remember, there are no Honor Rolls for the bands and Satellite). DXCC listings can be found on the DXCC web site. The listings are updated nightly and reflect everyone with an "active" award that is in the DXCC computer system. (If you have not submitted since late 1991, when DXCC computerized, your record may still only be on paper and you will need to make a submission in order for your award(s) to show. If you have not submitted since DXCC computerized please see: Q: I have not submitted for DXCC since the computerization. What do I need to do to get back in the game?

22 To access the new lists go to the listings section on the DXCC web site. Once there, click on the award category you wish to view. The file is presented in Adobe PDF format and can be saved in your computer. The lists are available in US Letter or ISO A4 paper formats. There is no list for 5BDXCC since we do not record individual standings for these awards. You will note that some callsigns are grayed out. These listings represent those who are non-arrl members and who have not submitted in the 10-year period. Old DXCC records, which have not been computerized cannot be posted until they are entered into the system. Examples #1: In the previous yearbook you were shown at 156 on 20 meters. Your total remained at 156 the next year. Even though you have a certificate your 20-Meter award will not show because you did not increment it by at least one credit. Example #2: In the previous year you did not make a submission. You have certificates for Mixed, Phone, RTTY, 80, 40 and 10 meters. On Mixed, you have 326 current but on Phone you have 255, RTTY 245, 80 meters 126, 40 meters 255 and 10 meters 201. Since you did not make a submission in the period BUT you are current on the Honor Roll, but only for Mixed, you do receive the free copy BUT only your Mixed total will be shown. Note: DXCC mails approximately 5,000 copies of the Yearbooks each year and some are either lost or damaged in the postal system. If you do not receive your Yearbook by the first week in July, or if it arrives damaged, contact us for a replacement. Copies of past issues are available for $5 each (plus shipping) while supplies last. Q: I don't see the DXCC Monthly List anymore in QST. Is it still published and, if so, where can I find it? A: The DXCC Monthly list is now part of the current format on the DXCC web site. Q: Occasionally, I hear of people being disqualified from the DXCC program. How and why does this happen?

23 A: Each year, we disqualify a few DXCC participants from the DXCC program. In addition, we sends letters to a number of DXCC participants regarding discrepancies related to cards they have submitted. Disqualifications and warnings are usually for violations under DXCC Rule 11. Rule 11 states "All confirmations must be submitted exactly as received by the applicant. The submission of altered, forged, or otherwise invalid confirmations for DXCC credit may result in disqualification of the applicant and forfeiture of any right to DXCC membership. Determinations by the ARRL Awards Committee concerning submissions or disqualification shall be final. The ARRL Awards Committee shall also determine the future eligibility of any DXCC applicant who has ever been barred from DXCC." Occasionally, we find that applicants have made alterations on cards or, add QSOs not originally written on the card by the DX station in order to receive credits not earned. During the DXCC data entry and editing process, close scrutiny is given to the cards in order to find discrepancies. We see thousands of cards each day and many are the same, so things out of the ordinary become quite obvious. If you receive a card and some of the information is not correct, it is best to send the card back to the DX station and obtain a new one, rather than risk action under Rule 11. We note that the originating operator often makes change, but it is always best not to submit a card that has been altered in any way for DXCC credit. By rejecting a card that appeared altered, we are in no way accusing anyone of cheating. It just means that an alteration was noted, and credit was not issued. Q: What is disqualification and how does it affect someone? A: Disqualification is the suspension of participation in the DXCC program. The disqualification period is usually 5 years, at the discretion of the ARRL Awards Committee. During this time the disqualified applicant may not participate in the DXCC program. The applicant's record is usually nullified, and all awards are removed from his/her record. Q: Can someone who has been disqualified be reinstated? A: Yes. Once the disqualification period has ended, the applicant may apply in writing to the ARRL Awards Committee for reinstatement. The applicant will receive a letter from the Awards Committee indicating that the request has been approved with certain conditions. These conditions are that No QSOs prior to the date of reinstatement will count for DXCC. In effect, they must start over from that date. Reinstated members may not have cards checked by card checkers. All applications must be sent to HQ.

24 Q: Can someone who has been disqualified challenge the decision? A: A DXCC member will be notified of a pending action by the Awards Committee. This will provide the member with an opportunity to comment on the case. The action of the Awards Committee is final. Q: I have a card on which the originator made a change using whiteout. Can I use this for credit? A: It is best NOT to use this card and risk action under Rule 11. We do not accuse anyone of alterations, but we will almost certainly reject the card on the basis of the alteration. Q: I need this contact represented by this altered card. How should I handle it? A: Usually, if you send the operator the altered card with a brief note explaining that it was not accepted for DXCC credit, he/she will send you a replacement. Just be sure to include funds to cover the return postage. Q: I am planning a project and want to use the term "DXCC". Is this OK? A: "DXCC" is copyright by ARRL. You must contact DXCC to obtain permission to use this logo. Send your request to "permission@arrl.org" Q: I made a contact under my club's callsign. How is that handled in DXCC? A: As stated in DXCC Rule 10, "All contacts must be made using callsigns issued to the same station licensee..." In short, if you make a contact under the callsign of a club, the club will receive the DXCC credit. For DXCC purposes, you as the trustee of a club call are not "the licensee." Q: Speaking of clubs, where do they fall in when applying for DXCC? A: Clubs within the USA and its possessions may apply for DXCC awards as long as they have an active affiliation with ARRL. Affiliation is to a club like membership is to an individual. As with individuals, foreign clubs do not need to be affiliated, but they must pay higher fees like non-arrl member, non-us hams. (You can find information on becoming an affiliated club by visiting: Q: I have not submitted for DXCC since the computerization. What do I need to do to get back in the game? If you have not submitted since DXCC computerization (around 1991) chances are your records have not been entered into the DXCC computer system. These records do still exist on paper, however. In order to become an active DXCC member, you need only submit a current application. You need contact DXCC only if you need a copy of your old record in order to make a determination for your next submission. This can be done in one of 3 ways: 1: dxcc@arrl.org

25 2: Voice: (860) : Fax: (860) Please be sure to include this information: Current callsign Past Callsign(s) A list all of the awards you have Your last submission date (month and/or year) If your record is not in the computer, we can send you a copy by regular mail. We cannot scan and send you copies by . There is a $2 (per record) fee for copies sent to the USA and $4 (per record) fee for all non-usa records. (Per record means one record for each mode.) Send your request to the DXCC Branch at ARRL/DXCC 225 Main Street Newington, CT USA If you have previous payment credit from your last submission this will be noted on the paper copy. It is OK to use this fee to pay for your record, if it is sufficient. Q: I have not submitted in a while. Is it better for me to start over? A: No. There is no restart in DXCC. DXCC Members continue with their existing awards. If you submitted prior to computerization and do not have all band credits shown on the cards, all you need to do is resubmit credits to update your DXCC. Q: I lost the report from my last submission. My records are in the computer. How can I get a replacement copy? A: Electronic copies of DXCC records are now available via Logbook of the World (LoTW). In order to access them you need to visit this site and register (all free) Once you have registered you can link to your existing DXCC computerized record. To do this sign on and go to the users home page. Once registered, go to LoTW then: Click on Awards