The DXCC Challenge Award is given for working and confirming at least 1,000 DXCC band-Entities on any Amateur bands, 160 through 6 meters (except 60 meters). Plaques can be endorsed in increments of 500. entities for each band are totaled to give the Challenge standing. Deleted entities do not count for this award. All contacts must be made after November 15, 1945. QSOs for the 160, 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 and 6 meter bands qualify for this award. Bands with less than 100 contacts are acceptable for credit for this award. Certificates are not available for this award.

The DeSoto Cup is presented to the DXCC Challenge leader as of the 31st of December each year. The DeSoto Cup is named for Clinton B. DeSoto, whose definitive article, "How to Count Countries Worked, A New DX Scoring System," in the October, 1935 QST, forms the basis of the DXCC award. Only one cup will be awarded to any single individual. A medal will be presented to a repeat winner in subsequent years. Medals will also be awarded to the second and third place winners each year.

The unique Challenge plaque is endorsable in increments of 500 and comes with the first endorsement "medallion." A distinctive lapel pin indicating your Challenge level is also available.