Amateur radio is an absorbing and fun hobby that includes self-training in radiocommunications and intercommunication, technical investigations and transmitting news and information related to the operation of amateur stations. Amateur radio offers opportunities for both long distance communication and local contacts.
The CRARC Foundation Qualification Preparation Course covers the core concepts and skills required to pass the Theory and Practical assessments needed to qualify for an Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) recognition certificate (Foundation). This is the minimum qualification needed to apply for a call sign and operate an amateur radio station in Australia.
Unlike other classes of radio licence, it allows responsible building, experimentation and tinkering. Why experiment and investigate? It leads to genuine understanding, not just repetition of what someone else said will work or sticking to the features a manufacturer included.
Once you are qualified and have a call sign, the hobby can be as simple and inexpensive or as complex and time consuming as your interest and resources allow. The call sign is issued for life and many amateurs change their level of involvement as their stage of life and time allows.
What this course covers:
The Course is conducted on both Saturday and Sunday, starting at 8:00am sharp and wrapping up around 5pm on the Saturday and 2:30pm on the Sunday (dependent on candidate numbers).
No prior learning is assumed or required for this course, however a general interest in technology and a grasp of basic high school science will assist in comprehension of the material.
Please note, the Foundation Course is run by volunteers from the Canberra Region Amateur Radio Club who generously give their time. We reserve the right to cancel/postpone the event if attendance does not reach a minimum of four participants.
The Foundation Course closely follows "Your Entry to Amateur Radio" (Foundation Manual). You can purchase the Manual from CRARC for delivery by post ($46) or at the course ($31) from the CRARC website: https://www.crarc.org.au/education/ This does not need to be studied prior to the course, but can be invaluable during and after the course as a reference.
What does this ticket cover/pay for?
Participation in the weekend education sessions - which aims to prepare you to undertake the assessments offered on Sunday afternoon.
Cancellation/No Show
The CRARC team understands that life happens. If you need to cancel/postpone your participation in the course please get in touch prior to the course commencing via this link: Contact Us. In most cases we will be able to offer an alternative date for you to participate.
Where candidates are a No Show and have not advised prior to course commencement - refund will only be available at the discretion of CRARC.
Assessment
Before commencing an assessment, you are required to show a government issued photographic identification such as a driver’s licence or passport. No details are recorded to protect your privacy.
At the conclusion of the course, accredited assessors will supervise and mark the Theory / Regulation 25 question multiple choice exam which has a pass mark of 70%. A 20 element practical assessment will be conducted one-to-one with each candidate. The pass mark for the practical assessment is 100%. Results will be given to you immediately after the assessment.
If you pass both elements of the assessment, candidates can apply to ACMA for a recognition certificate and call sign at a one-off cost of around $100. You cannot legally transmit on amateur frequencies until ACMA has issued you with your call sign.
If you want to sit the exams but do not wish to attend the course, please contact us via the CRARC website Get Your Qualification! – CRARC to discuss options - this includes options for people requiring specific assistance to complete the assessment. There is no cost for this service.
Course Registration closes at 11:30pm 7 days before the course start date.
Highlights
Refund Policy
Refunds up to 7 days before the event
Location
Scout Hall
17 Astrolabe Street
Red Hill, ACT 2603
Saturday 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Generic Program Saturday
0800-0815: Check-in. 0815-0830: Welcome and site information. 0830-0900: Session 1 0900-0915: Practical, 0915-0945 Session 2 0945-1000: Break 1000-1030 Session 3 1030-1100: Session 4 1100-1130: Session 5 1130-1200: Session 6 1200-1300: Lunch 1300-1330: Practical 1330-1400: Session 7. 1400-1430: Session 8 1430-1445: Break 1445-1515: Session 9 1515-1530; Practical, 1530-1630; Session 10
08:45 AM - 02:00 PM
Generic Program Sunday
0845-0915: Session 11 0915-0945: Practical, 0945-1015: Session 12 1015-1030: Demonstration 1030-1100 Practical. 1100-1115: Break 1115-1145: Questions/review. 1145-1200: Prepare for written assessments (Admin: checking ID’s, signing forms, Fees, etc.). 1200-1230: Foundation Theory Assessment begins (30 Min.). 1230- Practical Assessments 1:1 – each participant will have a 1:1 session and may be able to leave once assessment and paperwork is completed.
Are there any Age requirements?
No - however the ability to understand basic electrical theory and navigate the act and other legal documents and participate actively in the course is required. We Recommend candidates be over the age of 14 however have had successful candidates younger than this.
Are there an ID requirements?
As part of the Radio licence assessment you will need a Photographic ID to identify you.
Is there more information about the licence and ACMA?
Yes - Check out ACMA's website here: https://www.acma.gov.au/amateur-radio-licences
How do I get the Manual?
Manuals are available to be purchased direct from CRARC. They can be collected on the day ($31 each) or posted ($46). More info via this link: https://www.crarc.org.au/education/ . If you wish to avoid the postage cost, you can by prior arrangement, pickup a manual prior to the course at one of our tech nights or general meetings.
Can I sit for a Standard or Advanced licence assessment during the foundation course?
Yes - we will need you to contact us via our website at least 7 days prior to the course so that we can arrange for an assessment paper and an assessor to be available. PLEASE NOTE this course does not cover the Standard or Advanced Assessment material or assessment costs.
When is the next course?
We typically run Foundation courses on the third weekend of February, March, May, July, September and November. Keep an eye on the CRARC website Events Page and Eventbrite for our next one.
Do I need to do the course to do the assessment?
No - while the course will cover what you need to know to pass the assessment you do not need to complete it to do the assessment. Assessments can also be completed at a time that suits you - please contact us via the Website to arrange an alternative option.
If I complete the course will this guarantee I pass the assessments?
No - the completion of the course will not guarantee a pass for the assessments however if you do not pass, the team will offer further assistance to cover the material in further depth and help arrange for a resit at a later date.
Do I need to be a member of CRARC or the WIA to participate in the course?
There is no requirement to be a member of the club or the Wireless Institute of Australia to participate in the course.
Does CRARC run a course for Standard or Advance Licence education?
No - However if you get in touch with the education team - https://www.crarc.org.au/education/ we can provide some recommendations of available training options.
When do tickets close?
Tickets close at midnight 1 calendar week prior to the event
| Ticket Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Course Attendee Foundation Course and Qualification Examination | $45.00 | |
| Bogus Attendee | $0.00 |
Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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