To transmit with an amateur radio on amateur radio frequencies – you need a licence.
To get a licence you need pass a simple assessment.
Assessments
Amateur radio assessments cover a combination of the following areas dependent on the licence grade:
- Electronics & radio communication theory;
- Government radio regulations;
- Practical examination;
Not all assessment elements need to be taken at the same time. You may focus on the theory and do the examination then focus on the regulation, etc
The following table summarises which examinations need to be taken for each licence grade:
| Regulations | Foundation Theory & Regs | Standard Theory | Advanced Theory | Practical Exam | |
| Foundation | X | X | |||
| Standard | X | X | X | ||
| Advanced | X | X | X |
Assessment dates can be found on the Up-coming Events Page of this website.
Foundation License Handbooks are stocked at the REAST Clubrooms and can be purchased on a Wednesday afternoon between 12-2pm or evening from 6-10pm. Credit card payment is available and cost is $35.
Handbooks can also be ordered through the WIA, see the Foundation Manual Page.
Licencing requirements
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for issuing Amateur Radio Licenses, Assessment Services and Callsign Allocation.
Within Southern Tasmania the Training and Assessment Team is:
| Contact | Callsign | Contact | |
| Assessor & Learning Organiser | Reg Emmett | VK7KK | [email protected] |
| Specialist Assessor & Trainer | Justin Giles-Clark | VK7TW | |
| Assessor | Greg Manning | VK7GM | |
| Trainer | Lee Jordan | VK7LEE |
Assessment dates can be found on the Up-coming Events Page of this website.
Please contact us about when the next examination is being held and the form and fee requirements.
Cost (as at March 2024)
| Item | Cost |
| Assessment | Free |
|
Callsign Allocation – next available Callsign Allocation – Choice and available callsign (2 or 3 letter – VK7) |
$30.15 $41.45 |
| Recognition Certificate | $45.20 |
For further details about costs – take a look at the ACMA Fees webpage.
Location
In the South examinations are normally held as required in the clubroom on the Queen’s Domain Hobart. Check out the REAST Up-Coming Events page for regular assessment events. We can also organise ad hoc assessments just let us know through the email: [email protected]
Please note: If you want to sit a Foundation, Standard or Advanced examination you must book at least 7 days before the intended examination date.
Courses available
There are a range of options available to study for amateur radio examinations:
- A Self Study Manual is available for the Foundation Licence
- REAST Foundation Licence Training Videos – 10 REAST YouTube videos
- WIA Foundation Licence practice examinations
- Other self study options – self study – there are many courses of study available through books, the Internet and CD-ROM; or,
- By completing correspondence courses; or,
- Study in a radio class.
Please contact us for more information
We recommend Silvertrain for Advanced and Standard Training material and courses. More information can be found at: https://www.silvertrain.com.au/
An alternative is the Radio and Electronics School courses for Standard and Advanced training material. More information can be found at: www.res.net.au
Glossary
Confused by all that terminology and acronyms – take a look here.
Happy Studying