Get licensed
Becoming an amateur
Getting your licence is easier than you think. A weekend is often all it takes.
If you’re interested in getting an amateur radio licence, there are several ways to go. Local WA clubs can help you with training and assessment. It’s not difficult to get started: a weekend is often all you’ll need. See the VK6 clubs page for clubs that offer training.
Licence levels
Free resources
Myths
Do I need to learn Morse code? No, not since 2005. You don’t even need to learn the phonetic alphabet, though it’s a good idea to know it.
You can’t do much with a beginner’s, or Foundation, licence. Not true. You can talk to the world with the power you have as a beginner, often with even less. You can experiment with your gear and antennas, take part in club activities and much more.
It’s expensive. It can be, but it doesn’t need to be. You can get started with a $50 radio. Course costs vary depending on where you train: about $25 for a syllabus and $75 for the licence itself. After that you can spend as much or as little as you like.