The longest “normal” callsign in Amateur Radio consists of 6 characters. My callsign of KA5WSS is such an example. But there are special event stations that often utilize longer callsigns that include a word or acronym indicating the event or place being highlighted.
You can obtain the Long Call Award by working at least 10 different stations using a callsign longer than 6 characters. The award is sponsored by Paolo Corsetti, IK3GER.
Endorsements on the award are available for both band and mode. In addition, you can qualify for upgrades of the award for every additional 25 callsigns worked (25, 50, 75, etc.).
Some example long calls from my own application include 4A100IARU (for the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union), OM22WRTC (celebration of the World Radiosport Team Championship) and HS60RAST (60th anniversary of the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand). Note that the callsign cannot include prefixes or suffixes that make the callsign longer. For example, OH0/KA5WSS would not qualify.
There is no cost for the Long Call Award. It’s delivered as a PDF file although a JPG version is also available upon request. You need only provide a list of contact information in a spreadsheet form and email it to Paolo at the email address in the award rules.