Amateur radio qualifications

You must be qualified to apply for an amateur radio licence.

There are different levels of qualification. The qualification you need depends on the amateur licence you want to get.

The qualification levels are:

Foundation

• Amateur operator's certificate of proficiency (foundation)

Standard

• Amateur operator's certificate of proficiency (standard)
• Novice amateur operator's certificate of proficiency
• Novice limited amateur operator's certificate of proficiency

Advanced

• Amateur operator's certificate of proficiency (advanced)
• Amateur operator's certificate of proficiency
• Amateur operator's limited certificate of proficiency

Repeater and beacon

• Amateur operator's certificate of proficiency (advanced)
• Amateur operator's certificate of proficiency
• Amateur operator's limited certificate of proficiency
• Amateur operator's certificate of proficiency (standard)
• Novice amateur operator's certificate of proficiency
• Novice limited amateur operator's certificate of proficiency

We may give you a foundation, standard or advanced licence if you have one of these

• Radio general certificate of proficiency (any country)
• First or second class commercial operator's certificate of proficiency (any country)
• Senior coast or coast station operator's certificate of proficiency

We may accept these from another country:

• amateur licences
• qualifications

If you have one of these from another country, you should check if we will accept it. 

See the licences and qualifications we accept. 

To get qualified, you need to pass an exam.

There is a separate exam for:

• Foundation
• Standard
• Advanced

The Australian Maritime College at the University of Tasmania manages these exams in Australia.

If you pass the exam, the AMC will give you a certificate for the appropriate level. They will also recommend a call sign for you.

When you have a certificate of proficiency you can apply for an amateur licence.

Get information about exams and fees from the AMC.

Read more about amateur operating procedures.

Minimum age

There is no minimum age to operate an amateur station.

In special circumstances, we may cancel a certificate of proficiency.

We will tell you in writing if we plan to cancel your certificate. You can ask us to review our decision.