DXCC awards guide
What DXCC is, how to pursue it, and how to confirm contacts for the DX Century Club award.
The DX Century Club — amateur radio's most prestigious award.
What is DXCC
The DX Century Club (DXCC) is amateur radio's most prestigious award. To earn basic DXCC, you must confirm contacts with at least 100 DXCC entities (roughly equivalent to countries, though some entities are territories, islands, or other designations). DXCC is administered by the ARRL.
As of 2024, there are approximately 340 current DXCC entities. The complete list is maintained at arrl.org/dxcc.
How to pursue DXCC
Step 1: Work DX stations
Monitor the DX bands (20m is the most productive) for stations in countries you have not contacted. DX cluster (dxheat.com, dxwatch.com) alerts you when rare stations are active. FT8 has made DX contacts much easier — many operators earn DXCC entirely on FT8.
Step 2: Confirm contacts
Every contact must be confirmed to count. Confirmation methods accepted for DXCC:
- Logbook of the World (LoTW): The primary method. Upload your log, the DX station uploads their log, and LoTW automatically matches confirmed contacts. Free.
- QSL cards: Physical cards verified through ARRL card checking events or the DXCC Card Checker program.
eQSL and QRZ logbook confirmations are NOT accepted for DXCC.
Step 3: Apply
When you have 100 confirmed entities on LoTW, apply for DXCC through the ARRL website. The processing fee is $16 for ARRL members, $25 for non-members.
DXCC endorsements
Beyond the basic 100-entity DXCC, endorsements recognize additional achievements:
| Endorsement | Requirement |
|---|---|
| DXCC stickers | 150, 200, 250, 300+ entities |
| DXCC Challenge | Total entities across all bands |
| 5BDXCC | 100+ entities on 5 different bands |
| DXCC Phone, CW, Digital | 100+ entities on a single mode |
The Honor Roll
The DXCC Honor Roll recognizes operators who have confirmed contacts with all but 9 or fewer of the current DXCC entity list. The #1 Honor Roll position means you have confirmed every current DXCC entity. This requires decades of operating, significant station capability, and considerable luck with rare entities.
Practical tips
- 20m is your primary DXCC band. More entities are workable on 20m than any other band.
- FT8 is the fastest path. FT8's weak-signal capability allows contacts with stations you could never hear on SSB or CW. Many operators earn DXCC in under a year using FT8.
- Upload to LoTW after every session. Prompt uploads mean faster confirmations.
- Work DXpeditions. DXpeditions activate rare entities for a limited time. When a rare entity is active, make the contact — you may not get another chance for years.
- Use the ARRL DXCC standings page to track your progress.