Advanced Licence

Peter Cossins, VK3BFG is holding an Advanced licence course (on-line) starting Wednesday 1st March.
Book your place and further information

This licence is the top level which brings with it full operating privileges. This includes higher transmit power and access to 25 frequency bands. With this licence also comes portability of qualifications enabling you to operate in many other countries which can be helpful on a holiday or business trip.

The Advanced licence is formerly recognised as a partial exemption as prior learning and may exempt the holder from completing learning outcomes in some elements of training units in TAFE. Particularly for all this licence helps to expand an interest in communications, electronics or science. For young people considering a technical career, being a radio amateur can certainly be of benefit.

Text References

The following texts are recommended. Radio Theory Handbook - Ronald Bertrand and Radio Theory Handbook for Amateurs - Fred Swainston, available from the Wireless Institute of Australia

If you are a Foundation Licence holder the following assessments are required
  1. A theory examination consisting of 50 multi-choice questions to be completed within one and a half hours. The pass grade is a minimum of 35 correct answers.
  2. A Regulations examination consisting of 30 multi-choice questions to be completed within 30 minutes

The pass grade is a minimum of 21 correct answers

If you have a Standard Licence
  1. A theory examination consisting of 50 multi-choice questions to be completed within one and a half hours. The pass grade is a minimum of 35 correct answers.
  2. A Regulations examination consisting of 30 multi-choice questions to be completed within 30 minutes

The pass grade is a minimum of 21 correct answers

If you have no Amateur Radio Licence the following assessments will be required
  1. The theory and Regulations examinations above
  2. A practical assessment of operating principles and safety
  3. A pass in all components of this assessment is required.

  1. Identify transmission lines types, co-axial and balanced, unbalanced and balanced
  2. Identify common coaxial connectors, PL259, BNC, N Type
  3. Conduct or describe a Continuity Test on co-axial transmission line
  4. Identification of common antennas: Beam/yagi, Vertical, Folded Dipole, Centre Fed Dipole, End Fed Long Wire
  5. Identification of electronic symbols
  6. Connect (or describe how connect) a Transmitter/Receiver to a power supply, microphone, transmission line and antenna
  7. Referring to the current LCD, state the band limits of any four requested by the Assessor
  8. Demonstrate what actions you should take before transmitting on any frequency
  9. a) Demonstrate making an on air call on HF, VHF or UHF
    b) Demonstrate knowledge and use of signal reporting R-S-T
  10. Demonstrate operating through a Repeater including a possible requirement for CTSS or DTMF tones
  11. State the purpose of Q Codes and the Phonetic Alphabet
  12. Demonstrate transmission line VSWR measurement and two methods of correction of high VSWR
  13. Demonstrate the understanding of dangerous voltages and currents
  • 135.7KHz – 137.8KHz 2200m
  • 472KHz – 479KHz 630m
  • 1.800MHz – 1.875MHz 160m
  • 3.500MHz – 3.800MHz 80m
  • 7.000MHz – 7.300MHz 40m
  • 10.100MHz – 10.150MHz 30m
  • 14.000MHz – 14.350MHz 20m
  • 18.068MHz – 18.168MHz 17m
  • 21.000MHz – 21.450MHz 15m
  • 24.890MHz – 24.990MHz 12m
  • 28.000MHZ – 29.700MHz 10m
  • 50.000MHz – 54.000MHz 6m
  • 144.000MHz – 148.000MHz 2m
  • 420.000MHz – 450.000MHz 70cm
  • 1.240GHz – 1.300GHz 23cm
  • 2.300GHz – 2.302GHz 13cm
  • 2.400GHz – 2.450GHz 13cm
  • 3.300GHz – 3.600GHz 9cm
  • 5.650GHz – 5.850GHz 6cm
  • 10.000GHz – 10.500GHz 3cm
  • 24.000GHz – 24.250GHz 12mm
  • 47.000GHz – 47.200GHz 6mm
  • 76.000GHz – 81.000GHz 4mm
  • 122.250GHz – 123.000GHz
  • 134.000GHz – 141.000GHz
  • 241.000GHz – 250.00GHz
Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Determination 2015
Australian band plans

Trial assessment A / Trial assessment B

On Line Tutorial

Amateur Radio Victoria offers an on-line tutorial when there is sufficient demand.

On Line Assessments

Amateur Radio Victoria offers on line assessments for all levels of amateur radio qualifications. Candidates would have first paid the examination fee to the Australian Maritime College (AMC) and have received an Application Form and blank Answer Sheet.

AMC - amc.edu.au/industry/amateur-radio

Contact Peter Cossins VK3BFG at vk3bfg[at]amateurradio.com.au

Amateur Radio Victoria
Remote Examination Process
Amateur Operators Certificate of Proficiency

The Australian Maritime College (AMC) is responsible for amateur radio examinations and the issue of amateur radio callsigns. Their charges can be viewed on their Amateur Radio Website.

Website https://amc.edu.au/industry/amateur-radio
Email Address: amc.ar@utas.edu.au

Your first action is to send an email to the AMC with the following information about yourself.

  • Name
  • Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • Date of birth
  • Type of assessment
  • Name of the assessor (Peter Cossins VK3BFG)

They will then send you a blank answer sheet and an application form. You fill in the details on the application form as far as you can and signand date it but do not return it to the AMC at this time.

When you pay the examination fee include your receipt number at the bottom of the application form. You then contact me to arrange a suitable time for the assessment.

The remote examination process requires two computers with access to the internet with at least one with a camera. Alternatively, a single PC with an external camera can be used. In either case the camera must be orientated so that I can clearly see all of your work area. A laptop has been found to work well for a second computer if a two computer arrangement is used.

The communication is conducted using Zoom. I will send you a link via email and you simply click on it at the agreed time. You do not have to have Zoom loaded on your PC. I will then send you a second link that will connect you to view the examination paper on the PC facing you. Remember I need to see your work space clearly all the time.

At the end of the prescribed time, you close the examination paper link down and then scan the application form and the answer sheet.

You can also fill in and scan a callsign application form, but there is no need to pay for this until you get your assessment results. I will also need to view your Driver’s Licence or Passport to formerly identify you. Finally you will need a head and shoulders passport quality photograph of yourself. You send all the documents to me by email.

If you have already achieved an AOCP and you are upgrading, then you will not need to send a photograph or callsign application form unless you wish a change.

Peter Cossins VK3BFG
AMC Level 3 Assessor
Amateur Radio Victoria

vk3bfg[at]amateurradio.com.au

Face to face assessments

Amateur Radio Victoria conducts exams in Central Victoria for all levels of licences. To arrange an exam contact Ross Pittard VK3CE, at vk3ce[at]amateurradio.com.au

Assessments can also be undertaken in the Amateur Radio Victoria rooms in Ashburton.

These options will be dependent on government regulations for a safe environment.

Callsign allocation

There are three levels for successful candidates to select a Callsign, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 , the process being managed by the Australian Maritime College.

A publically available callsigns list can be viewed on the AMC website before making any decision. Each of the levels carries a different charge.

All callsigns allocated in Victoria have a VK3 prefix. Eg VK3XYZ

  • Level 1 Will take any Callsign allocated. eg VK3XXX (If available from the Public List)
  • Level 2 Can nominate a three letter Callsign eg VK3XYZ (If available from the Public List)
  • Level 3 Can nominate a two letter Callsign eg VK3XY (If available from the Public List

Note

  • Any Licence holder with three letter Callsign may keep their existing Callsign when upgrading.
  • The letter R is reserved for Repeaters. eg VK3RML
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