Introduction to Amateur Radio in Australia

ACMA removed the need for individual licences and replaced these with a Licence in February 2024. The Class Licence determines the technical and operating conditions, such as bands of operation, transmitter power levels and modes of operation

There are three levels of qualification:
    Foundation - The Foundation Licence is the simplest entry point into the hobby of amateur radio.
    Standard
    Advanced

Entry into amateur radio can be at any level depending on the competency demonstrated by the candidate. Entry at the foundation level requires two examinations: Radio theory with regulations combined in one exam and Practical.

Entry at either Standard or Advanced, requires three examinations: Theory, Practical and Regulations. If the candidate holds an Australian call sign, the Practical examination is not required. These examinations are developed and administered by the ACMA.

Foundation
1. Theory and Regulations is a multi-choice question paper (25 questions in 30 minutes) covering both theory and regulations. A 70% pass mark required.
2. A practical assessment of operating knowledge and skills and a 100% pass mark is required.
On passing your examinations, the ACMA will issue a Foundation qualification certificate and you can then apply for a call sign. Armed with your call sign, you can then operate on six bands with a power limit of 10 Watts.

Standard
1. Theory exam is a multi-choice question paper (50 questions in 60 minutes). A 70% pass mark required.
2. A practical assessment of operating knowledge and skills and a 100% pass mark is required. If not already completed.
3. Regulations exam is a multi-choice question paper (30 questions in 30 minutes).
On passing your examinations, the ACMA will issue a Standard qualification certificate and you can then apply for a call sign. Armed with your call sign, you can then operate on eleven bands with a power limit of 30 to 100 Watts depending on the emission mode.

Advanced
1. Theory exam is a multi-choice question paper (50 questions in 90 minutes). A 70% pass mark required.
2. A practical assessment of operating knowledge and skills and a 100% pass mark is required. If not already completed.
3. Regulations exam is a multi-choice question paper (30 questions in 30 minutes).
On passing your examinations, the ACMA will issue a Advanced qualification certificate and you can then apply for a call sign. Armed with your call sign, you can then operate on twenty six bands with a power limit of 100 to 400 Watts depending on the emission mode.

The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) is the peak body representing amateur radio operators in Australia, and is the sole Australia body with membership to the International Amateur Radio Union. www.iaru.org

Click on an image below for information and additional resourses can be found at Jules Workshop Tool Box.

Material on amateur radio,

Training material from the WIA.

Alternate introduction to amateur radio.