The Foundation licence is the basic level of knowledge and skills to assemble and operate an Amateur Radio Station within the Foundation Licence Radio Spectrum.
Process
- Study basic theory, regulations and safety practical subjects. Free Club support and instruction.
- Sit theory exam organised by Australian Maritime College (AMC) assessors.
- Sit practical exam organised by Australian Maritime College (AMC) assessors.
- On passing the exams, the Australian Maritime College (AMC) will issue a pass certificate.
- You then apply for a licence which is managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
- Get on air.
Fees and Charges
Our Club will provide free support and mentoring associated with gaining you Foundation Licence.
Several training manuals are available. The recommended manual is the one provided by the WIA.
The current AMC charge for a Foundation Licence assessment, which includes the written and practical tests, can be found here.
The Foundation Licence is issued by ACMA and currently costs $78 for an initial licence and a renewal fee of $53 per annum after that. (The ACMA usually revises its fees each year on June 30).
Study Subjects.
Theory is based on the Foundation Manual and includes the following subjects. No prior knowledge of electricity, electronics or radios is needed to study for the Foundation licence. Proficiency in Morse code is no longer required for amateur licences.
- Nature of Amateur Radio
- Licence Conditions based on the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Determination 2015
- Technical Basics
- Transmitters and Receivers
- Transmission Lines and Antennas
- Propagation
- Interference
- Safety
- Operating Practices and Procedures
Please use this link to access further Foundation Licence study material.
Passed Your Exam
ACMA will issue you with a call sign and you can get on the air and surf the world by radio.
