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Sample ACMA Advanced Amateur Radio Theory Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the ACMA Advanced Amateur Radio Theory exam. 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.

Exam sponsor: Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), via accredited assessors. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

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 / Certification Fees

Free to sit an exam with an ACMA-accredited assessor; the separate ACMA recognition certificate application fee is AUD $48 under fees effective 9 August 2025. Check current ACMA fees before applying.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

Not published

Electrical, electromagnetic and radio theory

Conductivity, batteries and sources, electric and magnetic fields, waveforms, modulation, power, energy, sampling, quantisation and ADC/DAC.

Not published

Components

Resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, diodes, transistors, thermionic devices and integrated circuits.

Not published

Circuits

Component networks, analogue and digital filters including FIR/IIR, power supplies, amplifiers, detectors, oscillators, PLLs, Fourier transforms and direct digital synthesis.

Not published

Receivers

Receiver types and block diagrams, stages, sensitivity, selectivity, stability, image responses, desensitisation, intermodulation and reciprocal mixing.

Not published

Transmitters

Transmitter types, block diagrams and stages, output matching and filtering, modulation, efficiency, bandwidth, harmonics, spurious emissions, key clicks and splatter.

Not published

Antennas and transmission lines

Antenna types and characteristics, feedpoint impedance, radiation patterns, gain, ERP/EIRP, feeders, waveguides, velocity factor, SWR, loss, baluns and matching units.

Not published

Propagation

Ground, sky and line-of-sight paths, ionospheric and tropospheric effects, fading, noise, meteor and lunar paths, and propagation prediction using link budgets.

Not published

Measurements

Voltage, current, resistance, DC/RF power, SWR, frequency and resonance; waveform, frequency and meter-loading errors; multi-range meters and RF test instruments.

Not published

Interference and immunity

Blocking, signal interference, intermodulation and audio detection; antenna, cable and direct-radiation coupling; prevention using filtering, decoupling and shielding.

Not published

Safety

High-voltage and mains hazards, earthing, protective devices, battery safety, EMR separation, qualified work at height, lightning precautions and safe headphone use.

Preparing for 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 / certification fees: Free to sit an exam with an ACMA-accredited assessor; the separate ACMA recognition certificate application fee is AUD $48 under fees effective 9 August 2025. Check current ACMA fees before applying. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ACMA Advanced Amateur Radio Theory: Suggested Study Strategy

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.