What's a ROC-A? How to Get Your ROC-A in Canada

ROC-A Basics
May 03, 2026•5 min read

By Lesley Pinto, ISED-accredited delegate ROC-A examiner · Last reviewed 18 Oct 2026

Quick answer: The ROC-A (Restricted Operator Certificate – Aeronautical) is the certificate you need to operate aviation radios in Canada. ISED issues it after you pass one exam with an accredited examiner. It is valid for life. With ROCALicence.com you take the exam one-on-one over Google Meet in about 30 minutes, for CA$113.

Book CA$113 · Study free first

At a glance

Full name

Restricted Operator Certificate – Aeronautical (ROC-A)

Issued by

ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada)

Who it's for

Pilots, drone operators, airport radio operators, ground staff

Exam

25 multiple-choice questions, closed book, plus a practical radio call

Pass mark

70% or more

Validity

For life, no renewal

ISED fee

None

Our exam

CA$113, one-on-one on Google Meet, about 30 minutes

Result

Pass/fail at the end of your session

Steps

  1. Read ISED's study guide, RIC-21, or use the free Study Hub.

  2. Take the free practice quizzes until you score 70% or more.

  3. Pick a live time in the online calendar at rocalicence.com/roca and pay CA$113.

  4. Join the Google Meet link with your photo ID.

  5. Take the exam one-on-one with the examiner. You get pass/fail at the end.

  6. If you pass, your application goes to ISED. ISED processes it in 24–48 hours and mails your certificate.

Who needs a ROC-A?

Canadian law (the Radiocommunication Act and its Regulations) requires anyone operating a radio on board an aircraft, or a land or mobile station that talks to aircraft on aeronautical frequencies, to hold a valid ROC-A. ISED says the certificate is intended for:

  • aircraft pilots, including student pilots

  • drone operators (see Do drone pilots need a ROC-A?)

  • airport radio operators

  • ground staff who work on or near runways, such as airline ground dispatchers, snow-removal crews, fuel truck staff and airport firefighters

There is no age or nationality limit on who can take the exam, and you don't need a pilot licence. You do have to confirm you have no disability that would stop you from operating a radio safely. (ISED sets no age limit; bookings with ROCALicence.com are for adults 18 and over, per our Terms.)

What does the exam cover?

The exam is based on RIC-21. It checks that you can use a radio correctly, know the operating procedures and safety rules (distress and urgency calls), and know the basics of the Radiocommunication Act. Details are in ROC-A exam format: what to expect.

How much does it cost?

ISED charges nothing to issue the ROC-A. Examiners may charge a fee to cover their costs. With us the exam is CA$113. See ROC-A exam cost and booking.

How long does it take to get it?

There's no waiting list: open times show live in the online calendar. The exam takes about 30 minutes, you get pass/fail at the end, ISED processes your application in 24–48 hours, then mails the certificate.

Does it expire?

No. RIC-21 states Restricted Operator Certificates are issued for life with no revalidation. If you lose it, you can request a reprint through an ISED online account (you need your certificate serial number).

Your next step

  1. Take Practice Quiz 1 (free, 25 questions).

  2. Review weak topics in the free Study Hub.

  3. Pick a live time in the calendar and Book CA$113: one-on-one on Google Meet, about 30 minutes.

FAQ

What does ROC-A stand for?
ROC-A stands for Restricted Operator Certificate – Aeronautical. It is the radio operator certificate ISED issues for using aviation radios in Canada.

Who issues the ROC-A?
ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) issues the ROC-A after you pass the exam with an accredited examiner.

Does the ROC-A expire?
No. ISED's study guide, RIC-21, says Restricted Operator Certificates are issued for life and no revalidation is required.

Do I need a pilot licence to get a ROC-A?
No. ISED sets no nationality or age limit, and a pilot licence is not required. You confirm you have no disability that would stop you from operating a radio safely.

How fast can I get my ROC-A?
There is no wait time. Book a live time in the online calendar, take the exam in about 30 minutes, and get pass/fail at the end. ISED processes your application in 24–48 hours and then mails the certificate.

What if I lose my certificate?
You can request a reprint from ISED. Create an ISED online account using your certificate serial number, then ask for the reprint there.

Can I get a temporary certificate after I pass?
No. ISED says examiners cannot issue temporary certificates. If you have a genuine urgent need, the examiner can ask ISED's Radio Operator Certificate Service Centre to expedite it. Normally ISED processes your application in 24–48 hours, then mails the certificate.

Where can I take the exam?
With ROCALicence.com you take it virtually on Google Meet from anywhere in Canada. You must be physically in Canada during the exam. Book at rocalicence.com/roca.

Is a ROC-A the same as a radio station licence?
No. The ROC-A is a certificate for you, the operator. A radio station licence is a separate ISED authorization for the radio station itself; RIC-21 covers it in Appendix D.

Can I swear on the radio?
No. The Radiocommunication Regulations ban profane and obscene language and unnecessary transmissions. RIC-21 notes fines of up to $5,000 for an individual.

Related guides

Sources

Lesley Pinto, ISED-accredited delegate ROC-A examiner · Last reviewed 18 Oct 2026

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