AHARS has Amateur Radio trainers, and assessors who are accredited by ACMA to conduct examinations.
From 19 February 2024, aspiring Amateurs who pass the appropriate examinations will be able to apply to ACMA for one of the following:
- ACMA Recognition Certificate – Foundation
- ACMA Recognition Certificate – Standard
- ACMA Recognition Certificate – Advanced
- ACMA – Regulations*
*Passing Regulations is required for Standard and Advanced license levels. It is not required to license for Foundation.
Since 2003 in Australia, it is no longer a requirement to pass a Morse Code (CW) test to obtain your Amateur Radio certificate for any level.
If you are interested in attending a training and examination session please complete the form below and your details will be sent through to our training coordinator Paul VK5PH. One day Foundation training sessions are usually conducted on either a Saturday or Sunday between 08:30 and 16:30. Please check the AHARS Calendar for the date and location as the location can change depending on availability of venues.
For those starting on their Amateur Radio journey, more information on the Foundation qualification can be found at the WIA Foundation page. The Foundation exam consists of 25 multiple choice questions which all will be covered in our one day training course. You need a pass mark of 70%, which is 18 out of 25 questions correct. Have a try at the type of questions you will encounter on the day at the WIA Online Assesment.
We recommend purchasing the WIA Foundation Manual, and reading it thoroughly before attending training. Also available is a free Foundation Study Guide PDF.
Class Licensing
From 19 February 2024, Australian Amateurs operate under a Class Licence system. This means that any person with recognised Amateur Radio qualifications can operate under the Class Licence with conditions such as frequency and power levels varying according to the qualification held.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) now manages all aspects of Amateur Radio qualifications and licensing. Further information on Amateur Radio licensing, including syllabus and examination information, can be found on the Amateur Radio section of the ACMA web site.
Non-assigned Amateur Licences (ie all but beacon and repeater Amateur licences) issued prior to 19 February 2024 will not be renewed, but call signs allocated as at this date will continue to be allocated for use under the Class Licence. The qualifications of Amateurs licensed prior to the introduction of the Class Licence will continue to be recognised.
Key Points
- The class licence itself is free of any yearly fees to operate under it.
- You can operate an amateur station on shared frequencies as long as you:
- Hold a recognised qualification (Foundation, Standard, or Advanced level, via an ACMA recognition certificate or equivalent).
- Have an allocated callsign from the ACMA.
What Initial Costs Are Involved?
While the licence itself has no yearly fee, there are some one-time costs:
| Item | Approximate Fee (as of 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACMA recognition certificate application | ~$48 | Required if obtaining a new qualification (after passing an exam). Exams themselves are low-cost (AHARS $10 fee) via accredited assessors/clubs. |
| Callsign allocation (next-available) | ~$32 | One-time fee for a standard callsign. Higher fees apply for preferential or special callsigns (e.g., $44–$56). |