Amateur Radio Exam in Austria 2026: The Complete Guide

Are you interested in amateur radio and want to become active on the bands yourself? Then your path leads through the amateur radio examination at the Austrian telecommunications authority. In 2026, Austria offers three different license classes – from the entry-level license to full unrestricted authorization. This comprehensive guide accompanies you step by step on the journey from interested newcomer to licensed radio amateur with your own OE call sign.

The good news upfront: Getting started in amateur radio is well-structured in Austria and quite achievable for motivated interested parties. With the right preparation courses and some willingness to learn, hundreds of candidates make the leap into the fascinating world of amateur radio every year. Let's examine all important aspects together – from the various license classes through the examination process to specific costs and preparation options.

Overview of the Three License Classes

Austrian amateur radio law distinguishes three license classes since the 2020 amendment, which differ in scope of privileges, transmission power, and examination requirements. Each class has its specific advantages and is aimed at different target groups.

Class 4: Entry Level for Newcomers

The amateur radio license Class 4 is the entry-level license specifically designed for newcomers. It enables you to operate on selected frequency bands with reduced transmission power and offers a gentle introduction to the subject.

• Frequency ranges: 144-146 MHz (2m band) and 430-440 MHz (70cm band)
• Transmission power: Maximum 10 watts PEP (Peak Envelope Power)
• Call signs: Beginning with OE1xxx through OE9xxx (depending on state)
• Examination scope: Only technical basics and operating procedures, no Morse examination
• Ideal for: Beginners, emergency communications enthusiasts, VHF enthusiasts

With Class 4, you can already fully participate in local and regional radio traffic, communicate via repeaters, and gain initial experience. The limitation to VHF bands may initially seem restrictive, but offers manageable complexity especially for starters. Many successful radio amateurs began with this license and later upgraded to Class 3 or 1.

Class 3: Extended Access

The amateur radio license Class 3 represents a significant leap and was formerly known as "Class 3 with Morse telegraphy." Since 2020, however, the Morse examination has also been eliminated for this class, which has considerably eased access.

• Frequency ranges: All amateur radio bands from 160m to 23cm with few exceptions
• Transmission power: Maximum 400 watts PEP at frequencies above 30 MHz, 200 watts PEP below
• Call signs: OE1xxx through OE9xxx format
• Examination scope: Extended technical knowledge, operating procedures, regulations
• Ideal for: Ambitious beginners, HF-DX enthusiasts, contest friends

With Class 3, the world of shortwave radio opens completely. You can establish worldwide connections on the classic HF bands, participate in contests, and use all common operating modes – from SSB through CW to digital modes like FT8 or PSK31. The increased transmission power enables reliable connections even under unfavorable conditions. For most radio amateurs, Class 3 is the target, as it practically no longer carries any relevant restrictions.

Class 1: Full Authorization

The amateur radio license Class 1 is the highest license class in Austria and offers unrestricted access to all privileges of the amateur radio service.

• Frequency ranges: All amateur radio bands from 2200m to the microwave bands without restriction
• Transmission power: Maximum 1000 watts PEP on all bands
• Call signs: Special OE call signs possible, including historic special call signs
• Examination scope: Complete technical knowledge, extended regulations, complex circuit technology
• Additional privileges: Self-construction and authorization of transmitters, extended experimental possibilities

Class 1 is aimed at technically proficient radio amateurs who want to engage intensively with the subject. The extended transmission power is particularly relevant for DXpeditions, EME (Earth-Moon-Earth), or special contest activities. Even though many radio amateurs are completely satisfied with Class 3 in practice, some strive for "completion" through the Class 1 license – not least as a personal challenge and confirmation of technical understanding.

The Examination Process at the Telecommunications Authority

The amateur radio examination in Austria is conducted exclusively by the Telecommunications Authority (FMB), which organizationally belongs to the Austrian Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting and Telecommunications (RTR). Examinations take place at various locations throughout Austria, with Vienna as the main location offering the most frequent dates.

Registration and Dates

Registration for the examination is done through the website of RTR-GmbH. In 2026, examination dates are offered monthly in Vienna and quarterly in the state capitals. The registration deadline is typically four weeks before the examination date, with available places allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

1. Online registration on the RTR website
2. Selection of desired license class and examination date
3. Upload of required documents (copy of ID, previous license if applicable)
4. Transfer of the examination fee of 71 EUR
5. Confirmation via email with detailed information

Tip: Register early, especially for popular dates in spring and autumn. If you cannot attend the date, free rescheduling is possible up to 14 days before the examination.

Examination Content and Structure

The examination consists of several parts that vary depending on license class. For all classes: The examination is conducted in writing in the form of a multiple-choice test, supplemented by practical tasks.

For Class 4:

• Technical basics (30 questions): Electrical engineering, components, circuits
• Operating procedures (20 questions): Q-codes, abbreviations, communication procedures
• Legal regulations (20 questions): Amateur radio law, frequency usage regulations
• Practical part: Setting up a simple station, conducting operations (simulated)
• Examination duration: approximately 90 minutes

For Class 3:

• Extended technical knowledge (50 questions): RF technology, antennas, wave propagation, measurement procedures
• Operating procedures (25 questions): International procedures, DX operation, emergency communications
• Legal regulations (25 questions): National and international regulations, EMC
• Practical part: Setting up an HF station, antenna calculation, troubleshooting
• Examination duration: approximately 150 minutes

For Class 1:

• Comprehensive technical knowledge (70 questions): Complex circuit technology, digital technology, microprocessors
• Extended operating procedures (30 questions): Special operating modes, satellite radio, EME
• Complete regulations (30 questions): Detailed knowledge of all relevant regulations
• Practical part: Design and calculation of complex circuits, in-depth fault analysis
• Examination duration: approximately 180 minutes

To pass the examination, at least 75% of questions in each examination section must be answered correctly. The practical part must also be evaluated as "passed." If individual examination parts are not passed, they can be repeated within 12 months without having to retake the already passed parts.

Examination Day

On the examination day, you should arrive at the examination location about 15 minutes before the start. You must bring the following:

• Valid photo ID (passport or identity card)
• Printout of examination confirmation
• Calculator (non-programmable, without text display)
• Writing materials (ballpoint pen, pencil)
• For upgrade examinations: Copy of previous license

The examination atmosphere is professional but fair. The examiners of the telecommunications authority are experienced radio amateurs and understand candidates' nervousness. In the practical part, the necessary equipment is available to you – you don't need to bring your own equipment.

After completion of the written examination, there is a short evaluation break. Then the practical part takes place, where you demonstrate your skills. The overall result is usually communicated orally on the same day, with official written confirmation following by mail within two weeks.

Costs and Fees in Detail

The financial aspects of the amateur radio license are manageable and transparently regulated. Here's a detailed breakdown of all costs you'll encounter:

Official Fees

• Examination fee: 71.00 EUR (same for all classes)
• Certificate issuance: 21.00 EUR (for initial issuance)
• Call sign allocation: Included in certificate price
• Annual fee: No ongoing costs for the license
• Repeat examination: 71.00 EUR (only for failed examination parts)

The total costs for initial licensing therefore amount to 92.00 EUR. Compared to many other hobbies, amateur radio is thus very cost-effective – especially since the license is valid for life and there are no annual renewal fees.

Preparation Costs

In addition to the official fees, you should budget costs for examination preparation:

• Classroom course Class 4: approximately 180-220 EUR (8-10 evenings)
• Classroom course Class 3: approximately 320-380 EUR (12-16 evenings)
• Classroom course Class 1: approximately 420-480 EUR (16-20 evenings)
• Online courses: 80-150 EUR depending on provider and scope
• Textbooks: 30-60 EUR (e.g., "Amateurfunkzeugnis Klasse 3" from DARC-Verlag)
• Learning apps and software: 0-25 EUR (many free options available)

For a typical candidate who attends a classroom course for Class 3 and buys a textbook, total costs up to licensing are approximately 450-550 EUR. This may initially seem considerable, but is moderate compared to many other technical hobbies – especially since the training is of high quality and you receive sound knowledge that is valuable far beyond the examination.

Preparation Options: Courses and Self-Study

Thorough preparation is the key to examination success. In Austria, you have several proven options to prepare optimally for the amateur radio examination.

Classroom Courses: The Classic Approach

Classroom courses for examination preparation are regularly offered across Austria, typically by local associations and ham radio groups. These courses are led by experienced radio amateurs who are often themselves active or former examiners.

Typical course structure:

• Weekly evening sessions over several months
• Structured curriculum that precisely covers examination content
• Practical demonstrations with real radio equipment
• Exercise sheets and practice exams
• Opportunity for supervised station operation
• Networking with other aspiring radio amateurs
• Direct contact with experienced OMs (Old Men – affectionate term for experienced operators)

Courses typically take place twice annually – starting in autumn (September/October) for a spring examination and starting in spring (February/March) for an autumn examination.

Information about current course dates can be found through direct contact with your local association. Many local associations also offer non-committal taster evenings where you can get to know the community and clarify initial questions.

Online Preparation Options

For those who want to learn more flexibly or don't have a classroom course nearby, there are excellent online alternatives in 2026:

AfuP Online – A digital learning platform with complete online courses for all license classes. With video lessons, interactive exercises, and live webinars with instructors, you receive structured preparation at a cost of approximately 120-180 EUR depending on class. The platform is specifically tailored to Austrian examination content.

Lechner's Learning Portal – A proven commercial platform that has supported amateur radio candidates in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for many years. With approximately 15,000 practice questions, detailed explanations, and simulated examinations, it offers comprehensive preparation. Cost: one-time 79 EUR for 12 months access.

YouTube channels – Several German-language channels such as "DL2YMR Amateurfunk" or "Funktechnik für Einsteiger" offer free instructional videos on all examination-relevant topics. Quality varies, but for visual learners these are a valuable supplement.

Learning apps – The free app "AfuTest" for Android and iOS contains the complete Austrian question catalog with over 1,200 examination questions. It enables learning in small chunks and tracks your progress. Particularly practical for learning during waiting times or while traveling.

Free Exam Materials for Download

If you prefer to study with a compact question catalog including worked-out model answers, here is a particularly practical free resource: the inofficial exam materials by Martin Weise, created in the environment of TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology). They cover the three examination subject areas for the CEPT certificate and provide a written answer to every exam question – ideal for targeted revision shortly before the exam. We make them freely available for download here, with thanks to the author and TU Wien:

• Radio Technology (PDF) – Question catalog with answers (CEPT), 50 pages
• Operating Practice (PDF) – Question catalog with answers (CEPT), 27 pages
• Law (PDF) – Question catalog with answers (CEPT), 19 pages

You can also find these materials at any time in the menu under Radio → Amateur Radio → Exam Materials. Please note: these are inofficial study materials from the 2022 examination year and in German. Especially the legal content (such as the TKG and the Amateur Radio Ordinance) should always be checked against the current version. Credits: Martin Weise (TU Wien).

Self-Study with Textbooks

For disciplined autodidacts, self-study with good textbooks is a valid option. The following works have proven themselves:

• "Amateurfunk-Lehrgang für das Klasse-3-Zeugnis" by Eckart Moltrecht (DARC Verlag, 42 EUR) – The classic, very understandable and comprehensive
• "Fragenkatalog Amateurfunkprüfung" (28 EUR) – Official catalog with all examination questions and solutions
• "HF-Technik für Funkamateure" by Karl Rothammel (DARC Verlag, 54 EUR) – The standard work for technical deepening

Realistic assessment: For Class 4, self-study is quite feasible with 2-3 months of consistent learning. For Class 3, you should plan 4-6 months and ideally already bring basic technical knowledge. Class 1 in pure self-study is very demanding and is only recommended for persons with electrical engineering training.

Hybrid Approaches: The Best of Both Worlds

Many successful candidates combine different learning methods: They attend a classroom course for structured knowledge transfer and practical experience, but supplement this with online exercises on their smartphone for daily repetition and use YouTube videos to visualize complex topics. This multimodal approach addresses different learning types and often leads to the best preparation.

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The Timeline: From Registration to Call Sign

To enable realistic planning, here's a typical timeline from decision to first QSO with your own call sign:

1. Month 1-2: Orientation and course selection
   Visit a local association, inform yourself about courses, decide on a license class.
2. Month 3-5 (Class 4) or 3-7 (Class 3): Learning phase
   Attend your course or study independently. Plan 5-10 hours of study time per week.
3. Month 6 or 8: Examination registration
   Register 4 weeks before desired date, transfer the fee, intensify your preparation.
4. Month 6-7 or 8-9: Final sprint and examination
   Review intensively, take practice exams, complete the examination.
5. Week 1-2 after examination: Certificate and call sign
   Receive your certificate by mail, your call sign is activated in the database.

Total time from decision to license: 6-9 months is realistic for Class 3 with course attendance. Motivated self-learners with technical background can manage it in 4-5 months, while those without prior knowledge might need 10-12 months. Class 4 is achievable in 3-4 months, Class 1 requires at least 12-18 months of intensive preparation.

After the Examination: Your First Steps as OE-Station

Congratulations – you've passed the examination! Now the practical phase begins. Your certificate includes your personal call sign, which identifies you worldwide in amateur radio. In Austria, call signs follow the pattern OE[number][two or three letters], where the number indicates your state (1=Vienna, 2=Lower Austria, 3=Upper Austria, etc.).

Setting Up Your Station

As a new radio amateur, you face the question: What equipment do I need? The good news: You can start with manageable investment, and the used equipment market offers excellent opportunities.

Minimum equipment for Class 4 (VHF/UHF):

• 2m/70cm handheld transceiver (new: 150-300 EUR, used: 80-150 EUR)
• Base antenna or directional antenna for outdoors (50-150 EUR)
• Power supply (if required, 40-80 EUR)
• Total cost: approximately 250-500 EUR

Entry-level equipment for Class 3 (HF+VHF/UHF):

• HF transceiver, all-mode (new: 800-1500 EUR, used: 400-800 EUR)
• HF antenna (dipole or vertical: 100-300 EUR)
• Antenna tuner if necessary (80-200 EUR)
• Power supply 13.8V/20A (100-180 EUR)
• Additional VHF/UHF handheld (optional, see above)
• Total cost: approximately 1200-2500 EUR

Don't be discouraged by the numbers – many OMs start with borrowed equipment or buy a used starter package. Local associations often organize equipment swap meets where you can find equipment at fair prices and receive advice directly from experienced operators. Some associations even maintain equipment pools where newcomers can borrow equipment for limited periods.

Your First QSO

The first radio contact (QSO) with your own call sign is an unforgettable moment. Many local associations organize "First QSO Events" where experienced OMs support newcomers in making their first contact. Here you'll learn:

• How to correctly tune and operate your equipment
• How a typical radio conversation proceeds
• What information you should exchange (call signs, signal reports, location)
• How to properly log your contacts

Tip: Start on 2m via local repeaters – the community there is usually very friendly and supportive of newcomers. Clearly announce that you're a new station, and you'll often receive helpful tips and encouragement.

Logbook and QSL Cards

Every radio contact should be logged in a logbook. This not only serves as your personal memory but is also required for awards and diplomas. In 2026, most radio amateurs use digital logbook programs such as:

• Log4OM (free, Windows) – Comprehensive, beginner-friendly
• CQRLOG (free, Linux) – Powerful, popular in the open-source community
• MacLoggerDX (paid, macOS) – Professional solution for Mac users
• Cloudlog (free, web-based) – Accessible from anywhere, ideal for mobile operation

QSL cards are postcards that radio amateurs exchange to confirm their contacts. In the digital age, eQSL and LOTW (Logbook of the World) have become established as electronic alternatives.

Continuing Education and Specializations

Amateur radio is a lifelong learning hobby. After your entry, numerous specialization options open up:

• Digital modes: FT8, RTTY, PSK31 – modern communication beyond voice
• CW (Morse telegraphy): Still relevant and fascinating, with its own community
• Satellite radio: Communication via amateur radio satellites
• Contests: Competitive radio events with international participation
• QRP: Low-power operation – the art of achieving a lot with little
• Antenna construction: Design and build your own antennas
• Emergency communications: Preparation for crisis and disaster scenarios
• Amateur radio digital network (HAMNET): Building data networks based on amateur radio

Advanced courses and workshops on these topics are regularly offered by local associations. Also worth mentioning are the annual ham radio conventions like "HAM RADIO" in Friedrichshafen, where you can make contacts, discover new technologies, and exchange ideas with like-minded people.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I take the examination without a course?
Yes, participation in a preparatory course is not mandatory. However, the success rate of course participants is significantly higher, and you'll benefit from practical experience and networking.

How often can I repeat the examination if I fail?
Unlimited. Failed examination parts can be repeated within 12 months without having to retake passed parts. After 12 months, you must retake the complete examination.

Can I use my Austrian license abroad?
Yes, through CEPT agreements you can operate in most European countries with your OE license. For other countries, you'll need a reciprocal operating permit or an additional examination.

Is there a minimum age for the examination?
No, there is no minimum age. Minors, however, need parental consent for the examination registration and license issuance.

Can I later upgrade from Class 4 to Class 3?
Yes, you can take upgrade examinations at any time. As a Class 4 license holder, you only need to take the additional knowledge areas for Class 3 – not the complete examination again.

Do I need to register my station?
No separate station registration is required in Austria. Your license authorizes you to operate from any location within Austrian territory, provided you comply with applicable regulations (e.g., rented apartments).

What happens if I move to another state?
Your call sign remains valid. If desired, you can apply for a call sign matching your new state, but this is not mandatory.

Transparency Notice

This article was researched and written with the assistance of AI (Claude, Anthropic). The editorial team has reviewed and edited all content. Despite careful review, occasional inaccuracies may occur — we welcome corrections via email to [email protected].