100+ Free SARL RAE Class A Practice Questions

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Sample SARL RAE Class A Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your SARL RAE Class A exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which body regulates the radio frequency spectrum and issues amateur radio station licences in South Africa?

A.Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA)

B.South African Radio League (SARL)

C.International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

D.IARU Region 1

Explanation: ICASA is the statutory regulator under the Electronic Communications Act and issues amateur radio station licences. SARL administers the RAE and related assessments on ICASA's behalf, but licensing authority remains with ICASA.

2Who conducts the Radio Amateur Examination (RAE) Class A written paper on behalf of ICASA?

A.The Department of Communications

B.South African Radio League (SARL)

C.ICASA examiners only

D.Any licensed ZS amateur

Explanation: SARL conducts the RAE at designated centres twice a year on behalf of ICASA. Successful Class A candidates receive a HAREC through this process before applying for an ICASA licence.

3What overall and sectional pass marks are required for the RAE Class A written examination?

A.70% overall with no sectional minimum

B.80% overall with 60% in each section

C.65% overall with at least 50% in each of the two sections

D.50% overall only

Explanation: SARL requires a minimum of 50% in Regulations and Operating Practices, 50% in Technical Theory, and an overall average of at least 65%. Both sections appear in one paper.

4The South Africa Class A RAE syllabus is based on which international examination framework?

A.FCC Extra Class question pool only

B.UK Foundation licence syllabus only

C.STCW GMDSS GOC syllabus

D.CEPT Harmonised Amateur Radio Examination Certificate (HAREC) under T/R 61-02

Explanation: Class A follows the CEPT HAREC syllabus in Recommendation T/R 61-02 Annex 6. That alignment underpins mutual recognition of the certificate among participating CEPT and some non-CEPT administrations.

5Which call-sign prefixes are associated with Class A (ZS/ZR) amateur licences in South Africa?

A.ZS and ZR

B.ZU only

C.VA and VE

D.G and M

Explanation: Class A licences use ZS and ZR call signs under South African arrangements. ZU is the Class B introductory pathway prefix and is not a Class A identifier.

6According to ICASA Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations on amateur log-keeping, when is a licensee generally not required to keep a station log book?

A.When using digital modes only

B.When operating in the VHF and UHF bands or mobile

C.Never — a log is always mandatory for every transmission

D.When operating on any HF band

Explanation: The regulations require a log of station activities except when operating in the VHF and UHF bands or mobile. HF fixed-station operating is the classic case where log entries are required.

7Which of the following emission types is expressly not permissible for an amateur radio station under ICASA regulations?

A.SSB (J3E)

B.CW (A1A)

C.Class-B emission (damped waves)

D.FM (F3E)

Explanation: ICASA regulations state that Class-B emission (damped waves) by an amateur radio station is not permissible. Modern continuous-wave and voice modes listed in the amateur plan remain the permitted emission types.

8Under ICASA conditions for a Class-A (ZS – CEPT Class 1) licence, which combination of requirements applies?

A.HAREC only, with no HF operating demonstration

B.Morse code test at 12 words per minute only

C.Class B ZU licence held for five years only

D.Proof of ability to set up, adjust and operate amateur HF apparatus, plus possession of a HAREC issued or recognised by the Authority

Explanation: A Class-A licence requires both a HAREC (issued or recognised by ICASA) and demonstrated ability to correctly set up, adjust and operate amateur HF radio apparatus. Morse is not a Class A licence requirement in South Africa.

9How often does SARL normally schedule regular RAE written sittings each year?

A.Twice a year, typically in May and October

B.Only on request with no published calendar

C.Monthly

D.Once every two years

Explanation: SARL publishes two regular national sittings each year, commonly in May and October (for example Saturday 16 May 2026 and Saturday 10 October 2026). Candidates register online before the published closing dates.

10What is the typical scheduled duration of a SARL RAE written sitting?

A.30 minutes online only

B.3 hours, typically 10:00 to 13:00 on a Saturday

C.1 hour starting at 09:00

D.5 hours with an overnight break

Explanation: Examinations are written on a Saturday morning, typically starting at 10:00 and ending at 13:00 (three hours). Candidates must bring photo ID and writing materials; pencils are not allowed and only non-programmable calculators are permitted.

About the SARL RAE Class A Exam

The South Africa Radio Amateur Examination (RAE) Class A is the full HAREC-aligned written exam for ZS/ZR amateur licences. SARL conducts sittings twice a year (May and October) on behalf of ICASA. The paper covers national amateur regulations and operating practice plus technical theory across electrical/radio fundamentals, components and circuits, transmitters and receivers, antennas and propagation, EMC, measurements, safety, and modulation. Passing Class A supports CEPT-recognised privileges and leads to a Harmonised Amateur Radio Examination Certificate (HAREC).

Assessment

One written multiple-choice paper administered by SARL on behalf of ICASA, with two sections: (a) Regulations and Operating Practices and (b) Technical Theory. The Class A syllabus follows CEPT Recommendation T/R 61-02 Annex 6 (HAREC). Separately, candidates must complete a practical HF operating assessment (pass mark 75%) and at least five HF contacts with a SARL-appointed assessor — this is a licence requirement in addition to the written RAE.

Time Limit

3 hours (typically Saturday 10:00–13:00 at designated centres)

Passing Score

≥50% in each section and ≥65% overall

Exam Fee

R700 for Class A (R650 if under 25 on exam day per published SARL/club fee tables); fee packages often include first-year ICASA licence components. Confirm current fees on the SARL RAE registration pages. (South African Radio League (SARL) on behalf of ICASA)

SARL RAE Class A Exam Content Outline

17%

National Regulations and Licensing (ICASA)

ICASA amateur-service rules, Class A licensing, log-keeping, power/band conditions, and national licence responsibilities.

16%

Operating Practices and Procedures

Phonetics, Q-codes, distress traffic, call signs, IARU band plans, CEPT/ITU context, and good operating practice.

12%

Electrical and Radio Theory

Circuit laws, AC/DC quantities, EM waves, power, decibels, and basic DSP concepts.

12%

Components and Circuits

Passive and active components, filters, supplies, amplifiers, oscillators, and PLL basics.

12%

Transmitters and Receivers

Receiver and transmitter stages, mode characteristics, spurious emissions, and stability.

12%

Antennas and Propagation

Antenna types, feedlines and matching, ionospheric and VHF/UHF propagation.

10%

EMC, Measurements and Safety

Test instruments, interference mitigation, and electrical/RF/lightning safety.

Modulation and Digital Modes

AM/SSB/FM/CW structure, bandwidth, and digital modulation concepts.

How to Pass the SARL RAE Class A Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: ≥50% in each section and ≥65% overall
Assessment: One written multiple-choice paper administered by SARL on behalf of ICASA, with two sections: (a) Regulations and Operating Practices and (b) Technical Theory. The Class A syllabus follows CEPT Recommendation T/R 61-02 Annex 6 (HAREC). Separately, candidates must complete a practical HF operating assessment (pass mark 75%) and at least five HF contacts with a SARL-appointed assessor — this is a licence requirement in addition to the written RAE.
Time limit: 3 hours (typically Saturday 10:00–13:00 at designated centres)
Exam fee: R700 for Class A (R650 if under 25 on exam day per published SARL/club fee tables); fee packages often include first-year ICASA licence components. Confirm current fees on the SARL RAE registration pages.

Keys to Passing

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

SARL RAE Class A Study Tips from Top Performers

1Download the current SARL Class A manual and the ICASA regulations extract used for the exam; do not rely on pre-2016 study editions.

2Treat the two written sections separately when practising — you must clear both 50% floors as well as the 65% overall average.

3Complete HF assessment contacts early with a local club assessor so paperwork is ready before the registration closing date.

4A formula sheet is provided in the Class A written exam; practise selecting and rearranging formulae rather than memorising every expression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the South Africa RAE Class A exam?

The South African Radio League (SARL) conducts the Radio Amateur Examination on behalf of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). Class A is the HAREC-aligned paper used for ZS/ZR licensing.

What is the pass mark for RAE Class A?

You need at least 50% in Regulations and Operating Practices, at least 50% in Technical Theory, and an overall average of at least 65%. The two sections are presented in one paper.

Is the HF practical assessment part of the written paper?

No. In addition to the written RAE, candidates must complete a SARL HF operating assessment (75% pass) and make a minimum of five HF contacts with an appointed assessor. Assessment documents are uploaded with registration and are separate from the written answer sheet.

How does Class A differ from Class B?

Class A follows the CEPT HAREC syllabus and supports internationally recognised ZS/ZR privileges. Class B is an introductory syllabus used for a South Africa–only ZU pathway and is not CEPT HAREC-recognised.