What this class licence lets you do
From 19 February 2024, you can operate an amateur station under the Radiocommunications (Amateur Stations) Class Licence 2023.
The amateur class licence allows you to operate a station on shared frequencies. You don't need to apply for it or pay any fees as it is a class licence, not an individual licence.
If you want to operate an amateur repeater or amateur beacon station, you will need an amateur assigned apparatus licence instead of a class licence.
Licence conditions
Class licence conditions help you communicate safely and without interfering with other services. They include:
- having the correct qualifications to operate
- using the right frequencies
- using call signs correctly
- complying with electromagnetic energy (EME) rules
- meeting device standards.
You will need to follow the rules for operation in the:
Qualifications
You cannot operate an amateur radio without being qualified.
From 19 February 2024, ACMA recognition certificates (or equivalent) will be a required qualification for amateur radio operators.
There are 3 levels of qualification:
- ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation)
- ACMA recognition certificate (Standard)
- ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced).
Qualification levels reflect the difficulty of the subject matter. Higher levels allow more operating privileges, such as access to more frequency bands and higher transmission power.
Candidates will need to pass an exam or have their prior learning recognised by us to be awarded a qualification.
Find out how to get qualified.
Existing equivalent qualifications
You may hold a previous or different qualification that is considered equivalent to an ACMA recognition certificate. Find out whether your qualification is considered equivalent.
Frequencies for amateur use
The frequencies you can use depend on your qualification.
| Qualification | Frequencies available |
|---|---|
| Foundation | Use the frequencies in Table A in Schedule 2 of the class licence. |
| Standard | Use the frequencies in Table B in Schedule 2 of the class licence. |
| Advanced | Use the frequencies in Table C in Schedule 2 of the class licence. |
Station identification
You must identify your amateur station using your call sign – a unique series of letters and numbers that identify an amateur station.
Find out the rules and how to apply for and use a call sign.
International arrangements
There are reciprocal arrangements for operating a radio overseas.
Find out about the arrangements for overseas visiting amateurs and Australians going overseas.
Device rules and standards
The device or equipment you operate under the class licence must comply with our technical standards.
These include:
- some general standards – see Schedule 5 to the General Equipment Rules
- the Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standard 2017
- the Electromagnetic Energy (EME) Standard – see Schedule 4 to the General Equipment Rules.
Read more about our technical standards including our general radiocommunications standards, the EMC standard and the EME standard.
If your device or equipment does not meet the rules in our technical standards, you will need a permit to supply, use or have it. This is separate from a licence. Find out about permits and fees under the General Equipment Rules.