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.