Overview

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.

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.

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.

Amateur Radio is an inclusive hobby that has no physical, gender or age barriers and open to all who are willing to learn, experiment, and communicate. However, we do ask that you contact us before the course if you have physical challenges or if you need assistance or have special requirements.

Unlike other types of radio licence, the amateur licence allows responsible building, experimentation and modification of equipment. Why experiment and investigate? It leads to genuine understanding, not just repetition of what someone else said will work, or remaining with the features a manufacturer included in their original design. 

What this course covers:

• The basic information required to pass the Practical and Theory assessments for the Australian Amateur Radio Foundation Certificate of Proficiency
  (Please note: Participation in the course does not guarantee a pass)

• The basic practical technical skills needed to operate amateur radio equipment, with a focus on ensuring safe operating practices.

• The operating procedures and regulations governing the use of amateur radio transmitters on air and ensuring efficient, polite and legal use of the amateur radio spectrum

• The basics of electricity, transmitters, receivers, feedlines, antennas, propagation and electromagnetic radiation.

The Course operates across both Saturday and Sunday:

1. Saturday 8:00am sharp and wrapping up around 5.00pm;

2. Sunday 9.00 am sharp with the aim to wrap up approximately 12:30pm/2:30pm (Dependent on candidate numbers and paperwork completion).

No prior learning is assumed or required for this course. However a general interest in technology and basic high school science concepts will assist in comprehending of the material.

The Foundation Course closely follows "Your Entry to Amateur Radio" (Foundation Manual published by the Wireless Institute of Australia). 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 a valuable reference during and after the course.

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.

What does this ticket cover/pay for?

Participation in the weekend education sessions - which aims to prepare you to undertake the Assessment offered at the end of the weekend.

Cancellation/No Show

The CRARC Education 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 want to sit the exams but do not wish to attend the course, please contact us via the Contact Education page 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 midnight, 7 days before the course start date.

Generic Program Saturday
Saturday 08:00 AM - 5:00 PM
08:00-08:15am: Check-in. 08:15-08:30: Welcome and site information. 08:30-09:00: Session 1 09:00-09:15: Practical, 09:15-09:45 Session 2 09:45-10:00: Break 10:00-10:30 Session 3 10:30-11:00: Session 4 11:00-11:30: Session 5 11:30-12:00: Session 6 12:00-01:00pm: Lunch 01:00-01:30pm: Practical 01:30-02:00pm: Session 7. 02:00-02:30pm: Session 8 02:30-02:45pm: Break 02:45-03:15pm: Session 9 03:15-03:30pm; Practical, 03:30-05:00pm; Session 10

Generic Program Sunday
08:45 AM - 02:00 PM
08:45-09:15: Session 11 09:15-09:45: Practical, 09:45-10:15: Session 12 10:15-10:30: Demonstration 10:30-11:00 Practical. 11:00-11:15: Break 11:15-11:45: Questions/review. 11:45-12:00: Prepare for written assessments (Admin: checking ID’s, signing forms, Fees, etc.). 12:00-12:30pm: Foundation Theory Assessment begins (30 Min.). 12:30- Practical Assessments 1:1 – each participant will have a 1:1 session and may be able to leave once assessment and paperwork is completed.

 

Frequently asked questions

Are there any Age requirements?
No - however the ability to understand basic electrical theory, navigate the legislation 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?
For the assessment you will need to show a Photographic ID.

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.

When is the next course?
We typically run Foundation courses on the third weekend of January, 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