How to get an Amateur Licence

Start your amateur radio journey with GGREC — the club runs regular exams for every licence level.

Exam information sheet

Amateur Radio Exam

Ian VK3BUF is regularly conducting Amateur Radio Exams for the Foundation, Standard or Advanced License.

Exam Service Information sheet with map v1.pdf · 436 KB

View Download Exam Service Information sheet with map v1.pdf

Getting your amateur licence

An amateur radio licence lets you transmit legally on the amateur bands, operate club and personal radio equipment, and join a worldwide community of operators. In Australia, licences are issued by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), and you earn one by passing a short written exam with a licensed assessor — GGREC's own Ian VK3BUF runs these exams regularly.

The three licence levels

  • Foundation — the entry-level licence. A short course and exam lead to access on the HF, VHF and UHF bands.
  • Standard — more frequency and power privileges for the keen operator.
  • Advanced — the full licence, with the widest range of privileges and power limits.

Most newcomers start with the Foundation licence — it's approachable and gets you on air fast.

How the exam works at GGREC

  • Exams are free and held monthly — 10:00 am on the 3rd Saturday of each month.
  • The venue is the GGREC club rooms at 408 Old Sale Road, Drouin West — wheelchair accessible.
  • Book by email at dwexams@gmail.com or phone 5644 3118, at least 7 days before the exam.
  • Bring suitable photo ID — a driver licence, student card or passport.
  • Pass, and you can apply to the ACMA for a callsign: a one-off $41.45 fee, allocated for life with no annual fees.
  • Unsuccessful? You can re-attempt once the ACMA refreshes your exam documents — typically every 90 days.

Exam bookings & venue

Email bookings dwexams@gmail.com
Phone bookings 5644 3118
Venue 408 Old Sale Road, Drouin West, VIC 3818
When 10:00 am, 3rd Saturday of each month — wheelchair accessible
Booking deadline Book at least 7 days before the exam

Before you book

Recommended reading for Foundation applicants is the free multimedia Foundation Study Guide produced by the Radio Amateur Society of Australia (RASA).

Not sure where to start?

Come along to a club night — general meetings are on the third Friday of each month and visitors are always welcome. The members can point you at study materials, help you choose a licence level, and answer any questions before you book.