CQ WW WPX SSB
A quick guide for operators — what to expect, what to say, and how it's scored.
This guide is a draft and hasn't been checked yet. Contest rules change from year to year — the sponsor's official rules are the final word.
What it is
The prefix contest: every different callsign prefix is a multiplier, so rare and special-event prefixes are prizes. 48 hours, worldwide.
The exchange
Signal report and a serial number that counts up with each contact: "59 001", "59 002" …
A typical contact
Scoring
Multipliers are callsign prefixes (VE7, W6, JA1, 4X4, …), each counted once for the whole contest, so unusual prefixes are gold. Contacts with other continents are worth more points than those on our own continent, and contacts on 40, 80 and 160 m count double.
Bands
160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 m.
Tips for first-timers
The software keeps track of our serial number; just read out what's on the screen. Copy their number carefully, since it's checked against their log.
Official rules
The club in this contest
Last updated 2026-10-29 by draft (Claude).