100+ Free ACMA Advanced Amateur Radio Theory Practice Questions

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Sample ACMA Advanced Amateur Radio Theory Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ACMA Advanced Amateur Radio Theory exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A series RLC circuit has L = 50 microhenries and C = 200 picofarads. What is its approximate resonant frequency?

A.1.59 MHz

B.1.59 kHz

C.15.9 MHz

D.159 kHz

Explanation: Resonant frequency f = 1 / (2*pi*sqrt(LC)). With L = 50e-6 H and C = 200e-12 F, LC = 1e-14, sqrt(LC) = 1e-7, so f = 1/(2*pi*1e-7) which is about 1.59 MHz.

2The inductive reactance of a coil at a given frequency is 314 ohms. If the frequency is doubled, what is the new inductive reactance?

A.157 ohms

B.314 ohms

C.628 ohms

D.1256 ohms

Explanation: Inductive reactance XL = 2*pi*f*L is directly proportional to frequency. Doubling the frequency doubles the reactance, so 314 ohms becomes 628 ohms.

3A parallel resonant (tank) circuit has a resonant frequency of 7.1 MHz and a bandwidth of 71 kHz between the half-power points. What is its quality factor Q?

A.10

B.71

C.100

D.710

Explanation: Q is the ratio of resonant frequency to bandwidth: Q = f0 / BW = 7,100,000 / 71,000 = 100. A higher Q means a narrower, more selective response.

4In a circuit containing both resistance and reactance, the impedance is found from which relationship?

A.Z = R + X (simple arithmetic sum)

B.Z = sqrt(R^2 + X^2)

C.Z = R x X

D.Z = R / X

Explanation: Resistance and reactance are at right angles in the complex plane, so the magnitude of impedance is the vector sum Z = sqrt(R^2 + X^2). They cannot be simply added arithmetically.

5Two 100-ohm resistors are connected in parallel, and that combination is placed in series with a 25-ohm resistor. What is the total resistance?

A.50 ohms

B.75 ohms

C.125 ohms

D.225 ohms

Explanation: Two equal 100-ohm resistors in parallel give 50 ohms. Adding the 25-ohm series resistor gives 50 + 25 = 75 ohms total.

6A low-pass filter is most commonly fitted at the output of an HF transmitter primarily to:

A.Increase the transmitter output power

B.Attenuate harmonics above the operating frequency

C.Improve the receiver sensitivity

D.Match the microphone impedance

Explanation: A low-pass filter passes the wanted fundamental and attenuates higher-frequency harmonics generated in the power amplifier, reducing harmonic radiation and interference.

7The capacitive reactance of a 100-picofarad capacitor at 14 MHz is approximately:

A.11 ohms

B.114 ohms

C.1140 ohms

D.11400 ohms

Explanation: Xc = 1 / (2*pi*f*C). With f = 14e6 and C = 100e-12, 2*pi*f*C = 6.283*14e6*100e-12 = 0.0088, so Xc is about 114 ohms.

8In a linear regulated DC power supply, the role of the series pass transistor is to:

A.Rectify the incoming AC mains

B.Drop the variable excess voltage so the output stays constant

C.Store charge to smooth ripple

D.Step down the mains voltage

Explanation: The series pass transistor acts as a variable resistance controlled by the feedback/error amplifier, dropping whatever voltage is necessary to hold the output constant despite input or load changes.

9A full-wave bridge rectifier driven from a 50 Hz mains supply produces an output ripple frequency of:

A.25 Hz

B.50 Hz

C.100 Hz

D.200 Hz

Explanation: A full-wave bridge rectifies both halves of each cycle, so the ripple frequency is twice the mains frequency: 2 x 50 Hz = 100 Hz.

10Which property best describes the behaviour of a Zener diode used in a voltage reference circuit?

A.It conducts heavily in the forward direction only

B.It maintains a nearly constant voltage across it when reverse-biased into breakdown

C.It acts as an open circuit at all voltages

D.It rectifies AC into pulsating DC

Explanation: A Zener diode is operated in reverse breakdown, where it holds a nearly constant voltage across its terminals over a range of current, making it useful as a voltage reference.

About the ACMA Advanced Amateur Radio Theory Exam

The Advanced theory examination is the highest amateur radio theory assessment in Australia, leading to the Advanced recognition certificate and the widest band and power privileges (up to 400 W PEP). It tests electrical principles, radio circuits and systems, transmission lines and antennas, propagation, measurements, electromagnetic compatibility, and RF and electrical safety.

Assessment

The official Advanced theory assessment is a 50-question multiple-choice paper covering electronics and radio theory. It is sat alongside separate regulations and practical assessments to obtain the Advanced recognition certificate. This free practice bank contains 100 questions across all theory areas.

Time Limit

90 minutes (one and a half hours)

Passing Score

70% (at least 35 of 50 questions correct)

Exam Fee

Set by accredited assessors and varies; an ACMA recognition certificate application fee of about $48 AUD also applies (Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), via accredited assessors)

ACMA Advanced Amateur Radio Theory Exam Content Outline

20%

Electrical Principles and Components

AC/DC theory, reactance, impedance, resonance and Q, filters, semiconductors, valves, and power supplies.

20%

Radio Circuits and Systems

Oscillators, mixers, amplifier classes, AM/FM/SSB and digital modulation, transmitters, receivers, PLL, and SDR.

18%

Transmission Lines and Antennas

Feeders, velocity factor, SWR and matching, antenna types, gain and patterns, stubs, and baluns.

12%

Propagation

Ionospheric layers, MUF and LUF, fading, VHF/UHF and microwave paths, sporadic E, and satellites.

12%

Measurements and Test Equipment

RF power meters, oscilloscopes, spectrum and antenna analysers, frequency counters, dummy loads, and decibels.

10%

EMC and Interference

RFI causes and cures, filtering, shielding, common-mode current, harmonics, and spurious emissions.

Safety

RF exposure limits, electrical and high-voltage safety, lightning protection, and antenna safety near power lines.

How to Pass the ACMA Advanced Amateur Radio Theory Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% (at least 35 of 50 questions correct)
Assessment: The official Advanced theory assessment is a 50-question multiple-choice paper covering electronics and radio theory. It is sat alongside separate regulations and practical assessments to obtain the Advanced recognition certificate. This free practice bank contains 100 questions across all theory areas.
Time limit: 90 minutes (one and a half hours)
Exam fee: Set by accredited assessors and varies; an ACMA recognition certificate application fee of about $48 AUD also applies

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ACMA Advanced Amateur Radio Theory Study Tips from Top Performers

1Practise the quantitative work - reactance, impedance, resonant frequency, SWR, decibels, and velocity-factor calculations - because the Advanced paper expects confident handling of these formulas.

2Master transmission line and antenna theory, including SWR, matching networks, baluns, and gain in dBi versus dBd, as this is a large and calculation-heavy part of the syllabus.

3Review the ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced) syllabus and examination information document, and pay attention to RF exposure and electrical safety, which are tested and are vital for safe high-power operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the ACMA Advanced amateur radio theory exam structured?

The official Advanced theory assessment is a 50-question multiple-choice paper. To gain the Advanced recognition certificate, candidates also complete separate regulations and practical assessments through an ACMA-accredited assessor.

What is the pass mark and time limit for the Advanced theory exam?

Candidates must score at least 70%, meaning a minimum of 35 correct answers out of 50. The time allowed for the theory paper is 90 minutes (one and a half hours).

What privileges does the Advanced amateur radio licence give in Australia?

The Advanced recognition certificate carries the widest amateur band access of any grade and the highest power limit, up to 400 W PEP, allowing operation across HF, VHF, UHF, and microwave amateur allocations.

Which subjects are tested in the Advanced theory examination?

The theory syllabus covers electrical principles and components, radio circuits and systems, transmission lines and antennas, propagation, measurements and test equipment, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and interference, and safety.