In recognition of the 250th Anniversary of the United States, QRZ.com has introduced a special, time-limited operating award known as the QRZ 250 Award. This award is designed to commemorate a historic national milestone while encouraging amateur radio operators to stay active on the air throughout the 2026 calendar year.
The QRZ 250 Award is earned by completing 250 confirmed QSOs with U.S. amateur radio stations between January 1 and December 31, 2026. All qualifying contacts must be logged and confirmed using the QRZ Logbook, which serves as the sole verification method for this award. Paper QSL cards are not accepted, making participation straightforward and accessible for operators who already use electronic logging.
One of the strengths of the QRZ 250 Award is its flexibility. Contacts may be made on any band and any mode, including HF, VHF, voice, CW, and digital modes such as FT8. This allows operators with a wide range of station capabilities to participate and progress toward the award at their own pace.
Once the 250 confirmed contacts requirement is met, eligible operators can claim the award directly through their QRZ account. The award is then displayed as a badge on the operator’s QRZ profile, showcasing their participation in this nationwide on-air celebration. Optional printed certificates are also available through QRZ for those who want a physical keepsake.