Qualification Recognition: ACMA Recognition Certificates
Since 19 February 2024, Australia has transitioned to a class licence system. Instead of applying for individual amateur radio licences, you now operate under the Radiocommunications (Amateur Stations) Class Licence 2023.
- After passing your Foundation‑level exam (theory, regulatory, and practical components), the accredited assessor lodges your result.
- You are then invited to apply for an ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation) via the ACMA Assist portal, including payment of a nominal administrative fee.
Under the new class licence system, apparatus licence are no longer required, so there are no ongoing licence fees.
Call Sign Allocation
Once you hold a recognised qualification (e.g., Foundation), you can apply for a new call sign via ACMA Assist (online) or with a paper form/email/post submission. Fees apply where relevant.
Types of call signs available:
- 3‑letter call signs (VK + 3 letters)
- 2‑letter call signs (VK + 2 letters) Only available to amateur radio operators with an Advanced Level Qualification
- Special‑event, contest, VK0/VK9 options, where assignment durations and rules differ
Qualified amateur radio operators can choose a 3‑letter suffix call sign—for example, VK2ABC, where:
- VK = Australian prefix
- 2 = your state/territory (e.g. NSW)
- ABC = your unique suffix
Geographic Independence - Your call sign is no longer tied permanently to your state:
- If you move interstate, you’re not required to change your call sign.
- You may apply for a new call sign if you wish, but it’s optional.
Summary
Once you pass your Foundation assessment:
- Your results are lodged.
- You apply via ACMA Assist to receive your recognition certificate (fee applies).
- Then you apply via ACMA Assist to receive your call sign allocation (fee applies).
- You can then operate under the Class Licence, no separate licence is needed.