The Foundation Level

The Foundation amateur radio licence was introduced in Australia in 2003 with a view to making amateur radio more accessible to a wider range of people.

The Foundation licence provides an easy entry to amateur radio so you can try it out for yourself with only a weekends study and passing a written and practical assessment.

If you like what you experience, you can upgrade at any time to the higher Standard and Advanced grades by passing higher-level assessments.

Another big shift came in 2019, when Foundation operators were allowed to build their own transmitting equipment. The Foundation level is no longer just for “operators” but also for “makers,” opening the door to a wider range of people with technical and STEM interests.

Then, in early 2024, the licensing system changed to a single Class Licence, held by the Commonwealth, much like a boat radio or CB radio licence.

When you pass your Foundation assessment, you then apply for an ACMA Recognition Certificate (Foundation) which authorises you to use the Class Licence at the Foundation level.

You also apply for your personal radio callsign, and get on-air.

The best part? Once authorised and issued with your callsign, there are no ongoing licence fees - you’re set for life.

Enjoy the journey, and see you on the air!

Phil Wait, VK2ASD – Editor

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 19/20 flight engineer, uses an amateur radio in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station. Photo NASA.