LICENCES IN AUSTRALIA.
THE ACMA.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the regulator administering spectrum use through the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
LEVELS OF QUALIFICATION IN AUSTRALIA.
You must be qualified to operate an amateur radio and operate under a licence.
There are three levels of qualification in Australia:-
There are three levels of qualification in Australia:-
- Foundation
- Standard
- Advanced
An ACMA recognition certificate will now be issued for those qualifying for any of the above levels.
If you wish to operate an amateur radio in Australia, you must have a licence. See below.
If you wish to operate an amateur radio in Australia, you must have a licence. See below.
RADIOCOMMUNCATIONS ACT - 3 DIFFERENT LICENCE TYPES.
- Spectrum licencing
- Apparatus licencing
- Class Licencing
Radio amateurs in Australia now fall under the Class licence. They were previously under the Apparatus licence.
CLASS LICENCE SYSTEM.
On the 19th February 2024, the Radiocommunications (Amateur Stations) Class Licence 2023 (class licence) commenced in Australia.
On this date, the Australian Maritime College (AMC) handed back callsign and assessment services to the Australian Media Communications Authority (ACMA).
On this date, the Australian Maritime College (AMC) handed back callsign and assessment services to the Australian Media Communications Authority (ACMA).
You still need a licence if you with to operate via amateur radio in Australia. There are 2 types of licence:
- a class licence licence
- assigned apparatus licences: a/ to operate a repeater; b/ to operate a beacon.
You do not need to apply to the ACMA or pay any annual fees under the amateur radio class licence system.
Every five years, amateurs will be contacted by the ACMA to establish if they still require their callsign.
Certain callsigns are issued for 12 months e.g. special event callsigns, contest callsigns, VK9 & VK0 callsigns.
Certain callsigns are issued for 12 months e.g. special event callsigns, contest callsigns, VK9 & VK0 callsigns.
DOCUMENTATION.
| amateur_radio_qualification_framework_april_2024.pdf |
| radiocommunications__amateur_stations__class_licence_2023.pdf |
| amateur_class_licence_-_explanatory_statement.pdf |
FOUNDATION QUALIFICATION.
The entry level to amateur radio in Australia is the Foundation licence. However, you do not have to start off with the Foundation licence. If you choose, you can go direct to the Advanced licence or the Standard licence.
There are 25 questions in the theory examination for the Foundation licence, You have 30 minutes to complete the examination and you require a 70% passmark.
You will also need to complete a practical assessment. To pass the practical component, you must satisfy the assessor of your competency in the areas in the syllabus.
You will be advised on the day if you have passed and failed.
There are no exam fees.
If you pass the exams you will be required to pay some fees to obtain your callsign.
If you pass the exams you will be required to pay some fees to obtain your callsign.
Foundation Manual.
If you are going to start with the Foundation licence, a great resource is the Foundation Manual entitled 'Your Entry Into Amateur Radio'. Everything you need to know to pass the Foundation examination can be found in the manual.
It can be ordered from the Wireless Institute of Australia. A link to the WIA page can be found below.....
It can be ordered from the Wireless Institute of Australia. A link to the WIA page can be found below.....
Foundation syllabus.
The Foundation syllabus outlines the topics you need to learn and will be examined on. They also contain exam information.
| acma_recognition_certificate__foundation__syllabus_and_examination_information.pdf |
Test your knowledge.
If you would like to check your knowledge and see how you are going with your study for the Foundation licence, you can try answering questions on the 'Foundation Level Online Assessment' page on the WIA website.
A link to that page can be found below.....
A link to that page can be found below.....
STANDARD QUALIFICATION.
The Standard Licence offers more privileges than the Foundation licence including increased power, more bands, more modes, and the ability to build or modify transmitting equipment.
The Standard syllabus outlines the topics you need to learn and will be examined on. They also contain exam information.
| acma_recognition_certificate__standard__syllabus_and_examination_information.pdf |
ADVANCED QUALIFICATION.
The Advanced Licence is the highest level of the three available amateur radio licences in Australia. It offers all bands, all modes and maximum power.
| acma_recognition_certificate__advanced__syllabus_and_examination_information.pdf |
The Advanced syllabus outlines the topics you need to learn and will be examined on. They also contain exam information.
WHEN YOU ARE READY TO SIT FOR YOUR EXAM.
When you are ready to sit for your exam, you can go to the ACMA website and click on 'Amateur radio accredited assessors' and choose an assessor in your area.
A link to that page can be found below.....
A link to that page can be found below.....
Or you can find a local amateur radio club.
Try looking at the WIA website for your nearest club. Here is a link....
Try looking at the WIA website for your nearest club. Here is a link....
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION.
More detailed information can be found on the ACMA website at.......
https://www.acma.gov.au/amateur-radio
https://www.acma.gov.au/amateur-radio
References.
- and, C. (2024). Australian Communications and Media Authority. [online] Acma.gov.au. Available at: https://www.acma.gov.au/amateur-radio.
- Radiocommunications Act 1992
- Wia.org.au. (2024). About Australian Amateur Licensing. [online] Available at: https://www.wia.org.au/licenses/licensing/about/ [Accessed 30 May 2025].
- Wia.org.au. (2025). The Wireless Institute of Australia. [online] Available at: https://www.wia.org.au/licenses/advanced/about/ [Accessed 30 May 2025].
- Wia.org.au. (2019). The Wireless Institute of Australia. [online] Available at: https://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/about/ [Accessed 30 May 2025].
- Wia.org.au. (2025). The Wireless Institute of Australia. [online] Available at: https://www.wia.org.au/licenses/standard/about/ [Accessed 30 May 2025].