Thinking about getting your Amateur Radio qualification? You’re in the right place.
At the Canberra Region Amateur Radio Club (CRARC), we enjoy helping new people discover the hobby and get on air. Our Foundation Qualification courses are designed to be practical, friendly, and a great introduction to amateur radio.
Courses are run by experienced club volunteers and supported by Volunteer ACMA accredited assessors, so you can complete both your Foundation training and assessments with us.
We typically run Foundation courses up to six times a year — in January (subject to numbers), March, May, July, September, and November. Check our Events page for upcoming dates and availability.
Over the weekend, you’ll learn how to set up a station, operate correctly, and understand the basics of Amateur Radio — all in a relaxed, supportive environment. The focus is on giving you the confidence to get on air and enjoy the hobby, while operating within the Regulations and avoiding interference to other services.
How the weekend works:
- Saturday: Hands-on training and learning
- Sunday: Revision, followed by theory and practical assessments
No prior knowledge is needed — just bring your interest and curiosity.
We use the “Your Entry Into Amateur Radio”, published by the Wireless Institute of Australia, which provides all the essential knowledge for the Foundation qualification.
While we don’t currently run Standard or Advanced courses, we’re always happy to help. If you contact our Education Officer using the form below, we can offer advice and help you take the next step.
Foundation Course Textbook
Your entry into Amateur Radio textbook will be available on the day of the course following payment of $30.
If you require the textbook “your entry into amateur radio” prior to the course, we can post it for an extra cost of $15. Unfortunately this will take up to 10 working days.
Payment for the manual can be made via PayPal by clicking on one of the following buttons. PayPal purchases have a $1 fee to cover PayPal overheads.
Collect textbook at course – $31
Have textbook posted – $46
(Up to 10 working days)
Payment can also be made via EFT to
| Acct Name : Canberra Region Amateur Radio Club Inc. BSB : 082980 A/C : 515032212 As a payment reference please use Foundation Text or FT |
Foundation Qualification Course Registration
The cost of the course is $40.00 (plus Eventbrite charges).
Upcoming courses
QUALIFICATION
Radiocommunications (Amateur Stations) Class Licence 2023 (As of 19th February 2024)
The amateur class licence will authorise the operation of amateur stations in Australia by persons who hold a recognised qualification at the Foundation, Standard or Advanced level. (Certificate of Attainment) By obtaining the qualification you are authorised to operate an amateur station under the amateur class licence as long as you comply with the conditions within it.
You obtain that qualification by sitting the appropriate level (Foundation, Standard or Advanced) assessment with an ACMA registered assessor.
If you are successful you then apply to ACMA for the issue of a “Certificate of Attainment” and issue of a callsign.
Once granted a Certificate of Attainment and Callsign you are authorised to operate under the class licence that covers all Amateur Radio Operators in Australia. (There are no longer individual licences issued for Amateur Radio Operators.)
The Certificate of Attainment and callsign are issued to you for life. If you move interstate there is no requirement to change your callsign.
ACMA Fees
(As of 9th August 2025)
There are NO FEES to sit for the assessments conducted by ACMA accredited assessors.
Application for Certificate and Callsign
| Application for ACMA qualification recognition certificate | $48.00 |
| Application for next available callsign | $32.00 |
Application for Preferential Callsigns
| 2-letter callsign with the prefix VK1, VK5, VK6, VK7 or VK8 | $44.00 |
| 2-letter callsign with the prefix VK2, VK3, VK4 | $56.00 |
| 3-letter callsign with the prefix VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, VK6, VK7 or VK8 | $44.00 |
| Special event, contest or VK0 or VK9 callsign | $56.00 |
Application for Reassignment of Callsign
| Special event callsign | $36.00 |
| Contest callsign | $16.00 |
| VK0 and VK9 callsign | $36.00 |
Other Fees
| Transfer of callsign to another amateur operator | $16.00 |
| Reconfirmation of ongoing use of callsign | No Charge |
| Replacement callsign | No Charge |
| Recognition of prior learning assessment application | $199.00 |
AMATEUR RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION
If you require further information or have questions about the Amateur radio service
Feel free to contact the CRARC Education Officer via the form below.
There are three grades of amateur radio qualifications in Australia.Foundation, Standard and Advanced.
At the present time CRARC only provide training for the Foundation qualification however we can provide assessment for all grades of qualifications.
Further information about amateur radio can be obtained if you visit
Australian Media and Communications Authority (ACMA)
https://www.acma.gov.au/amateur-radio-operating-procedures#call-and-reply or
The Wireless Institute of Australia
https://www.wia.org.au/