Commonwealth Contest (CW)
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 RSGB's Commonwealth Contest (formerly BERU): 24 hours of CW in which only stations in the British Commonwealth may take part and score. Canada is one of the busiest call areas.
The exchange
RST and a serial number: "5NN 001".
A typical contact
VK6ABC: CQ BERU VK6ABC
You: VE7SAR
VK6ABC: VE7SAR 5NN 123
You: TU 5NN 45
Scoring
Contacts count only with other Commonwealth stations, with bonus points for each new Commonwealth call area on each band.
Bands
80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 m.
Tips for first-timers
Only Commonwealth stations count — the log will tell you. Australia and New Zealand are strong on 20 and 40 m in our evening.
The club in this contest
Last updated 2026-10-29 by draft (Claude).