Alfred Vail 20-20 Young Keyers Award

Who it honors

Morse code isn’t just a tradition — it’s a skill, a language, and a badge of dedication. The Alfred Vail 20-20 Young Keyers Award celebrates young amateur radio operators under the age of 20 who have taken it upon themselves to learn CW and reach a sending and receiving speed of 20 words per minute or greater.

This award honors not only your proficiency, but your commitment to keeping the spirit of Morse code alive in a modern ham radio world.

Who was Alfred Vail? — his part in the telegraph, the code, and why the award carries his name.

Who should apply?

You’re eligible if:

• You’re under the age of 20.
• You can copy and send CW at 20 wpm or higher.

An amateur license is welcome but not required — the code is what counts.

How the application works

1. Use the link below to fill out the application.
2. Tell us a bit about yourself, your ham journey, and how you got into CW.
3. Submit your application. Once we receive it, you’ll be contacted by an examiner from the Long Island CW Club.
4. The examiner will schedule a Zoom meeting with you to conduct a live CW proficiency test. You’ll be asked to send and receive at 20 words per minute — don’t worry, it’s a friendly and encouraging process.
5. After your session, the examiner sends the result straight to us through a secure link.
6. Once we have that verification your application is reviewed, a numbered certificate is issued in your name, and your award packet is mailed to the address on the application.

Applicants under 18 must include a parent or guardian, who is copied on all correspondence. We publish nothing about a young operator without permission.

Live copy test

Applicants will be contacted to schedule a CW proficiency test. The test consists of two parts: three minutes of sending and three minutes of receiving Morse code. To pass, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in both sections. The test will be administered by a designated and approved examiner.

Start an application