This is the top level which brings with it full operating privileges. This includes higher transmit power and access to 25 frequency bands. With this also comes portability of qualifications enabling you to operate in many other countries which can be helpful on a holiday or business trip.
Advanced 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 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
- 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.
- 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 qualification the following assessments will be required- The theory and Regulations examinations above
- A practical assessment of operating principles and safety
A pass in all components of this assessment is required.
ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced) Syllabus and examination information - 866K PDF
- Identify transmission lines types, co-axial and balanced, unbalanced and balanced
- Identify common coaxial connectors, PL259, BNC, N Type
- Conduct or describe a Continuity Test on co-axial transmission line
- Identification of common antennas: Beam/yagi, Vertical, Folded Dipole, Centre Fed Dipole, End Fed Long Wire
- Identification of electronic symbols
- Connect (or describe how connect) a Transmitter/Receiver to a power supply, microphone, transmission line and antenna
- Referring to the current LCD, state the band limits of any four requested by the Assessor
- Demonstrate what actions you should take before transmitting on any frequency
- Demonstrate making an on air call on HF, VHF or UHF, Demonstrate knowledge and use of signal reporting R-S-T
- Demonstrate operating through a Repeater including a possible requirement for CTSS or DTMF tones
- State the purpose of Q Codes and the Phonetic Alphabet
- Demonstrate transmission line VSWR measurement and two methods of correction of high VSWR
- 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 13m
- 3.300GHz – 3.600GHz 9cm
- 5.650GHz – 5.850GHz 6cm
- 10.000GHz – 10.500GHz 3cm 3cm
- 24.000GHz – 24.250GHz 12mm 12mm
- 47.000GHz – 47.200GHz 6mm 6mm
- 76.000GHz – 81.000GHz 4mm 4mm
- 122.250GHz – 123.000GHz
- 134.000GHz – 141.000GHz
- 241.000GHz – 250.00GHz
Online tutorial
Amateur Radio Victoria offers an on-line tutorial when there is sufficient demand.
Online assessments
Amateur Radio Victoria offers on line assessments for all levels of amateur radio qualifications, contact Peter Cossins VK3BFG vk3bfg@amateurradioamateurradio.com.auau
Amateur Radio Victoria
Remote Examination Process
ACMA Recognition Certificate
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 necessitates two video sources with Internet access. For instance, you can utilise a single PC equipped with its camera alongside a laptop or mobile phone, the latter providing a clear view of the work area.
Remote assessment
The communication is conducted using Zoom. You'll receive a link via email, and all you need to do is click on it at the scheduled time. There's no requirement for Zoom to be installed on your PC.
A second link will be sent to connect you to view the examination paper on the PC facing you. It's essential to ensure your workspace is visible at all times.
At the end of the allocated time, close the examination paper link. Then, scan or take a photo of the answer sheet and promptly send it to me via email.
We will then undertake the practical by Q and A and simulations if that component has not been undertaken previously.
Your Driver's License or Passport will also need to be viewed for formal identification purposes. 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:
- an ACMA recognition certificate
- 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@amateurradioamateurradio.com.auau
Face to face assessments
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
After successfully acheiving a pass grade you can apply to the ACMA for a callsign.
View the publically available callsigns before making a decision.
All callsigns allocated in Victoria have a VK3 prefix. Eg VK3XYZ.
Any operator with a callsign may keep it when upgrading. The letter R is reserved for Repeaters. eg VK3RML.
