Licence Levels

---

The emphasis is now on those wanting to enjoy Amateur Radio, to have the knowledge and skills to demonstrate a practical ability to put together a station from commercial equipment, and operate it safely, competently and without causing interference to other users of the radio spectrum.

The aim of the Foundation Licence is to be a stepping stone or entry point, giving you a real taste of Amateur Radio and the fun it provides.

In summary you will learn the how Amateur Radio relates to other users of the radio spectrum, licence conditions, technical basics of electricity and electronics, transmitters, receivers, feedlines and antennas, propagation, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and electromagnetic radiation (EMR).

The Standard Licence is higher than the Foundation Licence, but below the top graded Advanced Licence.

With the Standard Licence comes increased power, more bands, modes, and the ability to build or modify transmitting equipment. This middle-grade licence is in line with the world standard. With its enhanced operating privileges comes much greater depth of theory and regulatory knowledge.

After studying the syllabus topics for the Standard Licence, either at a course or through readily available material, it can take between 20 and 30 hours of study. Do remember to revise the Foundation Licence knowledge as some questions at the Standard Level include basic knowledge too.

The Standard Licence not only further opens up involvement in Amateur Radio enabling ready worldwide communication it can expand interest in communications technology and be a solid launching base to a rewarding career in science, electronics, and communications.

The Advanced Licence is the highest level of the three grades available. With it comes all bands, modes and maximum power. Like the Standard Licence, it has the ability to build or modify transmitting equipment. It is in line with the world standard.  

With its enhanced operating privileges comes much greater depth of theory knowledge when compared to the Standard Licence, but with the same regulatory knowledge. If you were already competent in the Regulations Assessment for the Standard Licence, this will carry on. Otherwise, you need to sit a Regulations Assessment. Likewise, all radio amateurs need to be found competent in a Practical Assessment. If you have not done so previously, you will need to do a Practical Assessment.

Study for an Advanced Licence can take between 50 and 100 hours. Do remember to revise the Foundation Licence and Standard Licence knowledge as some questions include basic knowledge too.  

The Advanced Licence further opens up involvement in Amateur Radio enabling ready worldwide communication. It can expand interest in communications technology and be a solid launching base to a rewarding career in science, electronics, and communications.