GETTING YOUR LICENSE

Unlike CB Radio, gaining access to Amateur Radio frequencies and bands requires licensing with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). There are three levels of licence that all require some study and, an exam.

Foundation Licence

The Foundation License is an excellent entry into the hobby and the easiest licence to initially obtain. Once licensed, you will have access to six bands between HF and UHF enabling radio communications across our region, around Australia, and around the World.

To obtain your Foundation license we recommend you purchase the ‘Your Entry into Amateur Radio’ Foundation manual either from the club for $29 (or direct from the WIA) and have a good read of the manual. You should also download and familiarise yourself with the Amateur Radio Operating Procedures (Licence Conditions Determination) which you can download here and document the operating regulations we are bound by.

The Foundation Licence Assessment consists of a 25-question multiple-choice paper exam and a hands-on practical assessment.  A pass is 70% correct answers. The Club is willing to assist you with further information and revision to help you sit for your exam.

Amateur Radio Foundation Licence by Bruce VK2DEQ

This is a small soft-covered book written to assist newcomers to gain an amateur radio licence.  It provides the reader with a concise summary of the “need-to-know” theory, regulations, and practical skills required to successfully complete the assessments and qualify for the Amateur Radio Foundation Licence.

The author, an experienced teacher, and trainer is very aware that people learn the material much more easily when it is presented in a short and concise format.  For this reason, the contents of the book are largely restricted to the topics specific to the Foundation Licence syllabus.

• Nature of Amateur Radio
• Licence Conditions
• Technical Basics
• Transmitters and Receivers
• Transmission Lines and Antennas
• Propagation
• Interference
• Operating Practices and Procedures
• Safety
• Practical Assessment
• Appendix
• Notes on the Foundation Assessment

Amateur Radio Foundation Licence is an invaluable aid for anyone who is preparing for the Foundation Licence assessment either by attending a weekend group training session or by completing a self-study course. Copies of the book can be obtained from the author (email bpcarroll@hotmail.com) for $10 plus $2 for postage.

Standard and Advanced Licence

Standard and Advanced licences require three separate assessments:

In practice, some people skip the Standard license and opt to go straight to Advanced by completing the Advanced Theory as there is a great deal of overlap in the standard to advanced theory questions. A very good learning source is an online course offered by the Radio & Electronics School (RES). You can find out more about RES here https://www.res.net.au/

The Standard or Advanced Radio Theory Licence Assessment each consists of a 50 question multiple choice paper exam.  The Regulations Assessment is a 30 question multiple-choice paper consisting of questions relating to the ACMA LCDs.    A pass is 70% correct answers.  The hands-on Practical Assessment is not needed if you have already completed it as part of your Foundation Licence.

AMC Amateur Radio at the Australian Maritime College is responsible for the management of all functions associated with amateur radio examination services in Australia and you can find out more information about the costs involved in sitting for your Amateur Radio Licence here: https://www.amc.edu.au/industry/amateur-radio

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about licensing.