Free Practice Questions for Foundation Amateur Radio Exam

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Sample Foundation Amateur Radio Exam Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Foundation Amateur Radio Exam exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1The relationship between voltage (V), current (I) and resistance (R) in a simple DC circuit is given by Ohm's law. Which expression correctly states it?

A.V = I / R

B.V = I × R

C.V = R / I

D.V = I + R

Explanation: Ohm's law states that the voltage across a resistor equals the current through it multiplied by its resistance: V = I × R. From this, current I = V / R and resistance R = V / I can be derived.

2A 12 V supply is connected across a 6 ohm resistor. How much current flows through the resistor?

A.0.5 A

B.2 A

C.18 A

D.72 A

Explanation: Using Ohm's law, I = V / R = 12 V / 6 ohm = 2 A. Rearranging V = I × R to solve for current gives the answer directly.

3A transmitter delivers 0.5 A at 20 V to its final stage. What is the DC input power?

A.2.5 W

B.10 W

C.40 W

D.20.5 W

Explanation: Power equals voltage multiplied by current: P = V × I = 20 V × 0.5 A = 10 W. This is the standard formula for DC power dissipation or input.

4What is the SI unit of electrical resistance?

A.Ampere

B.Volt

C.Ohm

D.Watt

Explanation: Resistance is measured in ohms, symbol Ω. The ampere measures current, the volt measures potential difference and the watt measures power.

5A frequency of 7 100 kHz is the same as which value expressed in megahertz?

A.0.71 MHz

B.7.1 MHz

C.71 MHz

D.710 MHz

Explanation: One megahertz equals 1 000 kilohertz, so 7 100 kHz ÷ 1 000 = 7.1 MHz. This frequency lies within the 40 metre amateur band.

6The wavelength of a radio signal is related to its frequency by the speed of light (about 300 000 000 m/s). Approximately what wavelength corresponds to a frequency of 150 MHz?

A.0.5 m

B.2 m

C.20 m

D.200 m

Explanation: Wavelength = speed of light / frequency = 300 000 000 / 150 000 000 = 2 m. A convenient shortcut is wavelength (m) = 300 / frequency (MHz), so 300 / 150 = 2 m.

7Using the shortcut wavelength (m) = 300 / frequency (MHz), what is the approximate wavelength of a 7.1 MHz signal?

A.4.2 m

B.21 m

C.42 m

D.70 m

Explanation: Wavelength = 300 / 7.1 ≈ 42 m, which is why this band is commonly called the 40 metre band. The nominal band name is rounded to a convenient figure.

8Two resistors of 100 ohm each are connected in series. What is the total resistance?

A.50 ohm

B.100 ohm

C.150 ohm

D.200 ohm

Explanation: Resistors in series add directly: 100 + 100 = 200 ohm. Series resistance is always greater than the largest individual resistor.

9Which component stores energy in an electric field and blocks DC while passing AC?

A.Resistor

B.Capacitor

C.Inductor

D.Diode

Explanation: A capacitor stores charge in the electric field between its plates. It blocks direct current once charged but allows alternating current to pass, depending on frequency.

10What does a diode do in an electronic circuit?

A.Allows current to flow in only one direction

B.Stores energy in a magnetic field

C.Amplifies a weak signal

D.Provides a fixed resistance regardless of polarity

Explanation: A diode conducts current in the forward direction but blocks it in the reverse direction, making it useful for rectification and protection circuits.

About the Foundation Amateur Radio Exam Exam

The Foundation recognition certificate is the entry-level qualification for amateur radio operation in Australia. Since the February 2024 move to a class licence, holding the Foundation certificate (with a VK callsign) lets operators use commercially made, unmodified equipment on allocated portions of HF, VHF and UHF bands within the Foundation power limit. The exam confirms a candidate can assemble and operate a station without causing interference.

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

Assessment

The Foundation assessment has a 25-question multiple-choice theory exam covering theory, regulations and safety, plus a practical assessment in which the candidate sets up and operates an amateur radio station for an accredited assessor.

Time Limit

About 30 minutes for the 25-question theory exam

Passing Score

70% (18 of 25 correct) on the theory exam; practical competency must be demonstrated to the assessor

Exam / Certification Fees

Around $48 ACMA recognition certificate fee on issue; assessment session fees vary by accredited assessor/club

Exam sponsor website

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

Official sources

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.

25%

Basic Electrical and Radio Theory

Ohm's law, power, frequency and wavelength, AC and DC, and common components and their behaviour.

15%

Transmitters and Receivers

Block diagrams, AM, FM and SSB basics, the carrier, and correct station setup without over-driving.

15%

Antennas and Feeders

Dipoles and verticals, the SWR concept, antenna matching units, and coaxial feedline practice.

15%

Operating Procedures

VK callsigns, phonetic alphabet, Q-codes, band plans, CQ calls, logging, signal reports and emergencies.

10%

Propagation

HF skywave and the ionosphere, VHF/UHF line-of-sight, ground wave, skip zone and tropospheric enhancement.

10%

Interference and EMC

Interference causes, RF breakthrough, harmonics and splatter, basic filtering and ferrite chokes.

10%

Safety

Electrical and capacitor hazards, RF exposure and burns, antenna and mast safety, fusing and earthing.

Preparing for the Foundation Amateur Radio Exam Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% (18 of 25 correct) on the theory exam; practical competency must be demonstrated to the assessor
Assessment: The Foundation assessment has a 25-question multiple-choice theory exam covering theory, regulations and safety, plus a practical assessment in which the candidate sets up and operates an amateur radio station for an accredited assessor.
Time limit: About 30 minutes for the 25-question theory exam
Exam / certification fees: Around $48 ACMA recognition certificate fee on issue; assessment session fees vary by accredited assessor/club Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
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Foundation Amateur Radio Exam: Suggested Study Strategy

1Practise the core electrical formulas (V = I x R and P = V x I) and frequency-to-wavelength conversions, since several theory questions are straightforward calculations once the formula is memorised.

2Learn the standard phonetic alphabet and the common Q-codes (QRM, QTH, QSY, QRT) thoroughly, as operating-procedure questions reward quick recognition of these on-air conventions.

3Focus on safety rules around mains voltage, charged capacitors, RF exposure and keeping antenna masts clear of power lines, because the practical assessment and several theory questions emphasise safe station operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Australian amateur radio Foundation exam and how is it structured?

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for amateur radio qualifications, with assessments run by accredited volunteer assessors. The Foundation assessment has a 25-question multiple-choice theory exam plus a practical station setup and operating assessment.

What is the passing score for the Foundation theory exam?

Candidates must score at least 70% on the theory exam, which means answering 18 of the 25 multiple-choice questions correctly. The practical assessment requires the candidate to demonstrate competency in setting up and operating a station to the assessor's satisfaction.

What can a Foundation licensee do after passing?

Since the February 2024 move to a class licence, Foundation holders operate under the class licence using a VK callsign. They may use commercially made, unmodified equipment on allocated portions of HF bands plus the 10 m, 2 m and 70 cm bands within the Foundation power limit, using voice, Morse and some data modes.

Which subjects are covered in the Foundation syllabus?

The syllabus covers basic electrical and radio theory, transmitters and receivers, antennas and feeders, propagation, interference and EMC, operating procedures including callsigns, phonetics, Q-codes and band plans, and safety covering electrical, RF exposure and antenna or mast hazards.