1. A theory examination consisting of 50 multi-choice questions to be completed within one hour. 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

1. The theory and regulations examinations above
2. A practical assessment of operating principles and safety

1. Identify transmission lines types, co-axial and balanced, unbalanced and balanced
2. Identify common coaxial connectors, PL259, BNC and 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 and end fed long wire
5. Identification of electronic symbols
6. Connect (or describe how to 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. Demonstrate making an on air call on HF, VHF or UHF
   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

• 3.500MHz – 3.700MHz 80m
• 7.000MHz – 7.300MHz 40m
• 14.000MHz – 14.350MHz 20m
• 21.000MHz – 21.450MHz 15m
• 28.000MHz – 29.700MHz 10m
• 52.000MHz – 54.000MHz 6m
• 144.000MHz – 148.000MHz 2m
• 430.000MHz – 450.000MHz 70cm
• 1240.000MHz – 1300.000MHz 23cm
• 2400.000MHz – 2450.000MHz 13cm
• 5.650GHz – 5.850GHz 6cm

Australian Communicatons and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for managing all the radio spectrum in Australia and also the administration of Amateur Radio assessments.

Your first action is to send an email to your selected Assessor with the following information.

• Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address

Clearly indicate which assessments are required.

If you are already have a Foundation level then you will not need to repeat the practical.

• Foundation or
• Standard Theory or
• Standard Theory and Regulations or
• Standard Theory, Regulations and Practical or
• Advanced Theory or
• Advanced Theory and Regulations or
• Advanced Theory, Regulations and Practical

The remote examination process requires two video sources with access to the internet. For example a single PC with its camera can be used together with a Laptop or Mobile Phone the latter clearly showing the work area.

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, scan or take a photo of the answer sheet and send it to me straight away by email.

We will then undertake the practical by Q and A and simulations if that component has not been undertaken previously.

I will also need to view your Drivers Licence or Passport to formerly identify you. If you have already achieved a Recognition Level and you are upgrading, then you will not need apply for a callsign unless you wish a change.

After the assessment the assessor will mark your paper, advise you of the result and upload it to the ACMA.

Before being able to operate, the candidate has to apply to the ACMA and receive:

1. an ACMA recognition certificate
2. a valid callsign

Visit Qualifications to operate amateur radio

ACMA Fees and Charges: to 30 June 2024

• ACMA recognition certificate application: $45.20
• Call sign applications:
• Next-available call sign: $30.15
• Preferential call signs:
• 2-letter call sign with the prefix VK1, VK5, VK6, VK7 or VK8 $41.45
• 2-letter call sign with the prefix VK2, VK3, VK4 $52.75
• 3-letter call sign with the prefix VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, VK6, VK7 or VK8 $41.45
• Special event, contest or VK0 or VK9 call sign $52.75
• Replacement call sign: no charge
• Recognition of prior learning assessment application $188.35

Peter Cossins VK3BFG

ACMA Specialist Assessor

Amateur Radio Victoria

vk3bfg[at]amateurradio.com.au