Getting your license

This document describes the licensing situation in Australia.

License Name	Official Abbreviation	Privileges
Novice	NAOCP	limited HF, 2m (VHF) band
Limited	ALOCP	10m (HF) band, all VHF+
Combined	NAOCP/ALOCP	limited HF, all VHF+
Unrestricted	AOCP	all HF, all VHF+

HF is useful for transmitting long distances and VHF is convenient for talking in the local area. Where VHF+ is mentioned above it means: bands that are above 30 MHz.

License	Requirements
Novice	Regulations, NAOCP theory, 5 wpm morse
Limited	Regulations, AOCP theory
Combined	Regulations, AOCP theory, 5 wpm morse
Unrestricted	Regulations, AOCP theory, 10 wpm morse

Notes:

AOCP is "hard" electronic and radio theory and NAOCP is "easy".
The morse send and receive exams are separate and both must be completed, though not necessarily at the same time. The sending exam may be done six months before the receiving, for example.

Exam Name	Official Name
Regulations	Section (K) - Amateur Regulations
AOCP Theory	Section (M) - Radio & Electrical Theory
NAOCP Theory	Section (O) - Radio & Electrical Theory
10 wpm morse (N.B. transmit and receive are actually separate)	Section (L) - Morse Telegraphy (10 word/ minute)
5 wpm morse (transmit and receive are actually separate)	Section (N) - Morse Telegraphy (5 word/ minute)

All examinations are held frequently at the WIA and at various amateur radio clubs. Contact the WIA for more information.

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