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Austria Theory AM study materials
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Austria Theory AM practice questions

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Question 1Radio regulations and operating rules

Which international body produces the Radio Regulations that form the basis of Austrian amateur radio rules?

  1. The World Radio Conference Secretariat
  2. The International Maritime Organization
  3. The International Telecommunication Union Correct answer.
  4. The European Broadcasting Union

Explanation

The Radio Regulations are treaty texts maintained by the International Telecommunication Union, a United Nations specialised agency. National administrations such as Austria transpose these provisions into their own telecommunications law, so the ITU texts sit at the root of the national rules.

Question 2Radio regulations and operating rules

In the ITU frequency classification, which service has the highest priority in a band shared with amateur stations?

  1. The amateur service
  2. The secondary service
  3. The primary service Correct answer.
  4. The experimental service

Explanation

Stations of a primary service may operate on a protected basis and amateurs must not cause harmful interference to them. Amateur allocations in shared bands are typically secondary, meaning amateurs must accept interference and must not cause it.

Question 3Radio regulations and operating rules

What does the ITU Radio Regulations require an amateur station to do before transmitting?

  1. Log the contact in a national database
  2. Obtain prior clearance from the local police
  3. Announce the power level used
  4. Identify the station with its call sign Correct answer.

Explanation

Every transmission from an amateur station must be identifiable, normally by sending the assigned call sign at the start and end of the contact and at intervals during it. This allows monitoring and enforcement of the licence conditions.

Question 4Radio regulations and operating rules

Which frequency band is allocated to the amateur service on a worldwide primary basis?

  1. 27 MHz
  2. 14 MHz Correct answer.
  3. 11 MHz
  4. 5 MHz

Explanation

The 14 MHz band is a primary amateur allocation in all three ITU regions and is one of the classic worldwide amateur bands. The other frequencies listed are not primary amateur allocations under the Radio Regulations.

Question 5Radio regulations and operating rules

What is the meaning of the suffix in an Austrian amateur call sign such as OE3ABC?

  1. The licence class held
  2. The year of licensing
  3. The district of the licensee Correct answer.
  4. The station's power category

Explanation

The numeric part of an Austrian call sign identifies the region or district in which the licensee is registered, while the letters distinguish the individual station. The class of licence is recorded in the authorisation, not in the call sign.

Question 6Radio regulations and operating rules

A station hears an emergency distress call on an amateur frequency. Which transmission is appropriate?

  1. Report it only by letter afterwards
  2. Continue the ongoing contact at higher power
  3. Answer the distress call and offer assistance Correct answer.
  4. Change frequency and keep operating

Explanation

Emergency traffic takes absolute priority over all other amateur communications, and stations able to help must respond appropriately. Normal contacts must yield immediately to distress, urgency and safety traffic.

Question 7Radio regulations and operating rules

What is the purpose of the Q code in amateur radio communication?

  1. To encode the operator's licence number
  2. To record signal strength only
  3. To abbreviate standard messages Correct answer.
  4. To encrypt sensitive traffic

Explanation

The Q code is a set of three-letter abbreviations used internationally to convey common operating information quickly and unambiguously. It also helps overcome language barriers, and many codes are used as short questions or answers.

Question 8Radio regulations and operating rules

Which of these is a correct use of the amateur service under the Radio Regulations?

  1. Broadcasting music to the general public
  2. Self-training and technical experimentation Correct answer.
  3. Sending commercial advertisements
  4. Operating a public telephone relay for profit

Explanation

The amateur service exists for self-training, intercommunication and technical investigation by licensed persons with no pecuniary interest. Transmissions of a commercial or broadcasting nature are expressly excluded.

Question 9Radio regulations and operating rules

An amateur station is causing harmful interference to a primary service user on a shared band. What must the amateur operator do?

  1. Continue if the contact is short
  2. Move to a different band without any change
  3. Reduce power only if asked by another amateur
  4. Stop transmitting and resolve the interference Correct answer.

Explanation

An amateur station must not cause harmful interference to a primary service and must take immediate steps to eliminate it when it occurs. Ceasing the interfering transmission is the minimum required response.

Question 10Radio regulations and operating rules

What is the correct response when another station asks for a signal report using the RST system?

  1. Give readability, signal strength and tone Correct answer.
  2. Give the local time and frequency
  3. Give call sign and licence class
  4. Give antenna height and power

Explanation

The RST system reports readability on a scale of one to five, signal strength from one to nine, and for telegraphy a tone rating. Voice contacts usually omit the tone figure because it applies only to CW.

Question 11Radio regulations and operating rules

Which frequency band is allocated to the amateur service in Austria but is subject to a secondary status with respect to other services?

  1. 5 MHz Correct answer.
  2. 144 MHz
  3. 7 MHz
  4. 21 MHz

Explanation

The 5 MHz band is a secondary amateur allocation in many European countries, including Austria, so amateurs must protect primary users. The 7, 14, 21 and 144 MHz bands carry primary amateur status in the region.

Question 12Radio regulations and operating rules

What does the term 'third-party traffic' mean in amateur radio?

  1. Contacts between three or more stations at once
  2. Traffic relayed through a satellite
  3. Messages sent by a station on behalf of another person Correct answer.
  4. Messages exchanged during a contest

Explanation

Third-party traffic is a message passed by an amateur station on behalf of a person other than the licensed operator. International third-party traffic is only permitted when the administrations concerned have agreed to allow it.

Question 13Radio regulations and operating rules

An operator wants to pass a message on behalf of a neighbour to a station in a country that has not agreed to permit international third-party traffic. What is the correct action?

  1. Send it because the neighbour is licensed
  2. Send it with a reduced power level
  3. Do not send the message Correct answer.
  4. Send it only on VHF

Explanation

International third-party messages may only be exchanged with countries that have agreed to permit such traffic. Where no such agreement exists, the message must not be passed, regardless of the neighbour's status.

Question 14Radio regulations and operating rules

What is the purpose of the CEPT harmonised amateur licence arrangement for Austrian licence holders?

  1. It grants worldwide operating privileges automatically
  2. It allows operation in participating countries without a separate licence Correct answer.
  3. It replaces the national call sign permanently
  4. It removes all power limits abroad

Explanation

The CEPT arrangement lets holders of a qualifying national licence operate temporarily in other participating countries under the host country's rules. National power limits and band plans of the visited country still apply.

Question 15Radio regulations and operating rules

Which information must a station give at the end of a contact under good operating practice?

  1. The transmitter model
  2. The age of the operator
  3. The antenna type used
  4. The call sign of the station Correct answer.

Explanation

Identification by call sign is required at the beginning and end of each contact and at intervals during it. This applies to all modes and is a core requirement of the Radio Regulations.

Question 16Radio regulations and operating rules

What does the Q signal QRM indicate?

  1. Fading of the signal
  2. A request to repeat
  3. A change of frequency
  4. Interference from other stations Correct answer.

Explanation

QRM denotes man-made interference, such as that caused by other transmissions, while QRN denotes atmospheric static noise. Operators use these abbreviations to describe reception conditions concisely.

Question 17Radio regulations and operating rules

During a net, a station is asked to stand by. Which behaviour is correct?

  1. Wait silently until called by the net control Correct answer.
  2. Transmit test calls to check the antenna
  3. Increase power to be heard better
  4. Switch to another band and call CQ

Explanation

Net control manages the frequency, and stations asked to stand by must remain silent until acknowledged. Transmitting out of turn disrupts the orderly handling of traffic.

Question 18Radio regulations and operating rules

Which of these transmissions is prohibited in the amateur service?

  1. Encrypted messages intended to conceal meaning Correct answer.
  2. Brief greetings in plain language
  3. Contacts with stations in other countries
  4. Calls using Morse code

Explanation

Amateur transmissions must be in plain language, and codes or ciphers intended to obscure the meaning are not allowed. This rule protects the transparency of the service and supports monitoring.

Question 19Radio regulations and operating rules

An Austrian operator with a valid licence wishes to operate from a CEPT country. Which call sign format is generally used?

  1. A completely new call sign issued on arrival
  2. The host country prefix followed by the licence number
  3. The home call sign without any prefix
  4. The home call sign preceded by the host country prefix Correct answer.

Explanation

Under the CEPT arrangement the visitor uses the host country's prefix followed by the home call sign, so the station remains identifiable. The exact form is set by the visited administration's rules.

Question 20Radio regulations and operating rules

What is the primary purpose of a band plan agreed among amateur organisations?

  1. To coordinate modes and segments within a band Correct answer.
  2. To replace the national licence conditions
  3. To set the maximum transmitter power
  4. To allocate frequencies to individual licensees

Explanation

Band plans are voluntary agreements that organise a band into segments by mode and bandwidth to reduce interference. They complement, but do not replace, the licensing conditions set by the administration.

Question 21Radio regulations and operating rules

A station on 14 MHz hears a primary service user on the same frequency. How should the amateur operator respond?

  1. Continue because amateur status is primary there
  2. Vacate the frequency promptly Correct answer.
  3. Reduce power to one quarter
  4. Ask the other station to move

Explanation

Even where amateurs hold a primary allocation, harmful interference must be avoided and the amateur station must yield to legitimate users of the frequency. Vacating the channel is the correct and courteous action.

Question 22Radio regulations and operating rules

An operator plans a contest entry using a remote-controlled station located in another district. Which statement reflects the general regulatory position?

  1. Remote operation requires no licence if the operator is abroad
  2. Remote operation is permitted where national rules allow it and identification is maintained Correct answer.
  3. Remote operation is never allowed in the amateur service
  4. Remote operation is allowed only on 144 MHz

Explanation

Several administrations permit remote-controlled amateur stations, provided the station complies with the rules of the country where the transmitter is located and correct identification is used. Operators must check the specific national conditions before relying on such a setup.

Question 23Radio regulations and operating rules

Which statement correctly distinguishes the amateur service from the amateur-satellite service?

  1. The amateur-satellite service uses satellites for amateur purposes Correct answer.
  2. Both services are restricted to VHF bands
  3. The amateur-satellite service is a commercial service
  4. The amateur service may not use satellites at all

Explanation

The amateur-satellite service is defined separately in the Radio Regulations as a radiocommunication service using space stations on earth satellites for the same purposes as the amateur service. Its use is subject to specific frequency allocations and coordination.

Question 24Radio regulations and operating rules

An operator repeats a CQ call several times on a frequency already in use by a weak but ongoing contact. Which principle applies?

  1. The established contact should be respected Correct answer.
  2. The stronger signal has priority
  3. Frequency use is decided by licence class
  4. CQ calls always take precedence

Explanation

Operators must listen before transmitting and must not disrupt an existing contact, even one that is weak. Good operating practice requires choosing a clear frequency rather than claiming one by signal strength.

Question 25Radio regulations and operating rules

Which combination best describes the obligations of an amateur station regarding the content and form of its transmissions?

  1. Encrypted content, commercial sponsorship, anonymous operation
  2. Broadcast content, advertising, occasional identification
  3. Plain language, no pecuniary interest, correct identification Correct answer.
  4. Coded messages, paid traffic, hidden call sign

Explanation

Amateur transmissions must be in plain language, serve no pecuniary interest, and be properly identified by call sign. These three requirements together define the lawful character of amateur communication.

Question 26Radio regulations and operating rules

Under the Austrian radio regulations, which authority is responsible for issuing amateur radio licences and call signs?

  1. The national amateur radio association
  2. The local municipal authority
  3. The Austrian regulatory authority for telecommunications Correct answer.
  4. The International Telecommunication Union

Explanation

In Austria the national telecommunications regulator administers the amateur service and issues both the licence document and the call sign. Voluntary associations may assist with examinations or representation, but they hold no licensing power. The ITU coordinates allocations internationally and does not license individual stations.

Question 27Radio regulations and operating rules

What is the standard structure of an Austrian amateur call sign?

  1. A prefix, a district indicator and a suffix Correct answer.
  2. A four-digit serial number only
  3. The operator's full surname
  4. A randomly assigned letter pair

Explanation

Austrian amateur call signs begin with the national prefix OE, followed by a letter that indicates the licence class or district, and end with a suffix of letters identifying the individual station. The structure allows stations to be recognised internationally. Purely numeric or personal-name formats are not used.

Question 28Radio regulations and operating rules

Which document should an Austrian amateur operator be able to present when inspected by an authorised official?

  1. A copy of the latest band plan
  2. A membership card of a radio club
  3. The valid amateur radio licence or authorisation document Correct answer.
  4. A receipt for purchased radio equipment

Explanation

Operators must be able to prove their authority to transmit by presenting a valid licence or authorisation. Equipment receipts and club cards do not confer operating privileges. Band plans are guidance documents, not proof of licensing.

Question 29Radio regulations and operating rules

What does the term 'harmful interference' mean in radio regulatory usage?

  1. Any faint background noise heard on a receiver
  2. Interference that seriously degrades, obstructs or repeatedly interrupts a radio service Correct answer.
  3. Static produced by thunderstorms
  4. Interference caused only by faulty transmitters

Explanation

Harmful interference is defined by its effect: it endangers, seriously degrades or repeatedly interrupts a radiocommunication service. Natural noise and trivial disturbances fall outside this definition. The concept is central because stations must avoid causing it and must act when it occurs.

Question 30Radio regulations and operating rules

Which of these is an example of a transmission that is permitted in the amateur service?

  1. A commercial advertisement for a radio shop
  2. A broadcast of music to entertain listeners
  3. Encrypted traffic for a private business
  4. A short message about an upcoming club meeting Correct answer.

Explanation

Amateur transmissions may include remarks of a personal character and information of interest to other amateurs, such as club announcements. Advertising, broadcasting to the general public and encrypted business traffic are excluded. The service exists for self-training and technical investigation, not commerce or entertainment.

Question 31Radio regulations and operating rules

What is the meaning of the Q signal QSY?

  1. Increase transmitter power
  2. Repeat the last transmission
  3. Change to another frequency Correct answer.
  4. Reduce interference to a neighbour

Explanation

QSY tells the other station to change frequency, often because of interference or to continue elsewhere. It is one of the most frequently used operating signals. Confusing it with power or repetition requests leads to inefficient contacts.

Question 32Radio regulations and operating rules

What does the Q signal QTH indicate?

  1. The antenna height
  2. The station's location Correct answer.
  3. The time of day
  4. The transmitter power

Explanation

QTH asks for or states the geographical position of a station. It is commonly exchanged at the start of a contact. Power, antenna data and timing are separate items of information.

Question 33Radio regulations and operating rules

How should an operator identify the station when making a call?

  1. By using a shortened suffix throughout
  2. By stating the district number only
  3. By transmitting the full call sign at the start and end of the contact Correct answer.
  4. By using only a nickname

Explanation

Identification requires the complete call sign, normally at the beginning and end of a contact and at reasonable intervals during it. Nicknames and partial suffixes do not identify the station. Correct identification lets other stations and authorities know who is transmitting.

Question 34Radio regulations and operating rules

An operator in Austria wants to use a frequency that is allocated to the amateur service on a secondary basis. What does this status require?

  1. The station has priority over all other users
  2. The station must not cause harmful interference and must accept interference from primary users Correct answer.
  3. The station may use any power needed to keep the channel clear
  4. The station may transmit only during daylight hours

Explanation

Secondary status means the amateur station must avoid causing harmful interference to primary services and must tolerate interference received from them. It has no priority and cannot claim protection. Increasing power to dominate a channel would breach this obligation.

Question 35Radio regulations and operating rules

An amateur station is asked by the regulator to cease transmissions because of interference. How should the operator respond?

  1. Reduce power slightly and keep operating
  2. Stop transmitting immediately and comply with any further instructions Correct answer.
  3. Continue until the interference is proven by measurement
  4. Move to another band without informing anyone

Explanation

Instructions from the licensing authority must be followed at once, since the regulator enforces compliance with the regulations. Waiting for proof or quietly changing bands ignores the order. Cooperation protects the amateur service's standing and other users.

Question 36Radio regulations and operating rules

Which statement about the power used by an amateur station is correct?

  1. Maximum permitted power should always be used to ensure contact
  2. Power may be increased freely to overcome interference from others
  3. Power limits apply only to contests
  4. Only the minimum power necessary for satisfactory communication should be used Correct answer.

Explanation

Operators must use the minimum power needed for the intended communication, which reduces interference and conserves spectrum. Maximum power is not a goal in itself. Power limits apply at all times and cannot be raised to overpower other users.

Question 37Radio regulations and operating rules

What is the purpose of the logbook kept by an amateur station?

  1. To record contacts and operating details for verification and reference Correct answer.
  2. To replace the need for station identification
  3. To register the purchase of transceivers
  4. To serve as a substitute for the licence document

Explanation

A station log documents date, time, frequency, call signs and signal reports, providing a record that supports awards and regulatory checks. It does not replace a licence or identification. Equipment purchase records are unrelated to the log.

Question 38Radio regulations and operating rules

An Austrian operator hears a station transmitting without a call sign on an amateur band. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Jam the frequency to stop the transmission
  2. Ignore it and transmit over the station
  3. Note the details and report the observation to the regulatory authority Correct answer.
  4. Answer the station and ask for its name

Explanation

Unidentified transmissions should be documented and reported to the regulator, which has the power to investigate. Engaging the station or transmitting over it may worsen the situation. Deliberate interference is itself an offence.

Question 39Radio regulations and operating rules

Which frequency range may an Austrian amateur operator use without special authorisation beyond the licence class held?

  1. Any frequency below 30 MHz
  2. Any frequency not used by other services
  3. Only the bands and segments assigned to the licence class Correct answer.
  4. Any frequency allocated to broadcasting

Explanation

Operating privileges are limited to the bands and sub-segments attached to the licence class. Frequencies outside the amateur allocations are not available, and broadcasting or unused channels elsewhere remain closed. Operators must check the privileges of their class before transmitting.

Question 40Radio regulations and operating rules

What is meant by the term 'simplex operation' in amateur practice?

  1. Using two separate frequencies for each direction
  2. Operating only via satellite
  3. Operating only through a repeater
  4. Transmitting and receiving on the same frequency Correct answer.

Explanation

Simplex operation uses one frequency for both directions, with stations taking turns to transmit. Duplex operation uses separate transmit and receive frequencies, as with repeaters. The distinction matters for choosing calling channels and avoiding interference.

Question 41Radio regulations and operating rules

An operator wants to contact another station through a repeater. Which practice is correct?

  1. Call briefly, then leave a pause so others can respond Correct answer.
  2. Use the repeater's output frequency as the input
  3. Transmit continuously for several minutes
  4. Disable the tone access to save power

Explanation

Repeater etiquette requires short calls and pauses so that other stations can break in and the repeater's timer is not tripped. Long continuous transmissions block the channel. The input and output frequencies are distinct, and access tones are normally required.

Question 42Radio regulations and operating rules

What is the correct way to handle a call sign when operating a club station?

  1. Use any convenient invented call sign
  2. Use the club call sign only during contests
  3. Use the club station call sign, with the control operator identified as required Correct answer.
  4. Use the visiting operator's personal call sign only

Explanation

A club station transmits under its own assigned call sign, and the control operator remains responsible for the station's compliance. Personal call signs are not substituted for the club call. Invented call signs are never acceptable.

Question 43Radio regulations and operating rules

Which statement about the contents of an amateur transmission is correct under the regulations?

  1. Political broadcasts are permitted at any time
  2. Business messages are allowed if no payment is received
  3. Messages must relate to the purposes of the amateur service and must not be for gain Correct answer.
  4. Any content may be sent as long as it is brief

Explanation

Amateur traffic must serve the purposes of the service, which include self-training, technical investigation and mutual communication among amateurs. Transmissions for material gain, commercial business or public broadcasting are excluded. Brevity alone does not make prohibited content acceptable.

Question 44Radio regulations and operating rules

An operator plans to send a message to a station in a country that permits international third-party traffic. What must the Austrian operator ensure?

  1. That the message is limited to business matters
  2. That the message is sent only on 80 metres
  3. That the traffic is authorised for both countries and is not for material gain Correct answer.
  4. That the message is encrypted for privacy

Explanation

International third-party messages require permission from the administrations concerned and must remain within the non-commercial character of the service. Encryption and specific band restrictions do not cure a lack of authorisation. Business content is not an amateur purpose.

Question 45Radio regulations and operating rules

Which behaviour best reflects the principle of good engineering and operating practice for an amateur station?

  1. Operating with maximum bandwidth to improve signal strength
  2. Leaving the transmitter on continuously to hold a frequency
  3. Using well-adjusted equipment and appropriate bandwidth to avoid interference Correct answer.
  4. Ignoring reports of interference from nearby listeners

Explanation

Good practice means clean signals, no excessive bandwidth and prompt attention to interference reports. Wide bandwidth and continuous carriers waste spectrum and disturb others. Ignoring complaints can escalate into harmful interference.

Question 46Radio regulations and operating rules

What is the significance of the 30 MHz boundary in amateur frequency allocations?

  1. Bands above it are reserved for broadcasting
  2. Only frequencies above it may be used for contests
  3. It marks the limit of the Austrian licence
  4. Bands below it are shared with many other services and are often secondary Correct answer.

Explanation

The high-frequency spectrum below 30 MHz is shared with broadcasting, maritime, aeronautical and other services, and amateur allocations there frequently carry secondary status. Above 30 MHz different sharing arrangements apply. The boundary is not a contest rule or a national licensing limit.

Question 47Radio regulations and operating rules

An amateur station receives a report of interference to a television receiver nearby. Which sequence of actions is most appropriate?

  1. Blame the television receiver and take no action
  2. Increase power to override the television signal
  3. Stop operating permanently without investigation
  4. Check the station's own installation and filters, then cooperate with the affected party Correct answer.

Explanation

Interference complaints should first be examined at the amateur installation, checking filters, grounding and spurious emissions. Cooperation with the affected party usually resolves the problem. Raising power or refusing to investigate is contrary to good practice.

Question 48Radio regulations and operating rules

Which statement best describes the relationship between international Radio Regulations and national Austrian rules?

  1. National rules apply only to commercial stations
  2. National rules replace the international regulations entirely
  3. International regulations apply only to broadcasters
  4. National rules implement and may add detail to the international framework Correct answer.

Explanation

The ITU Radio Regulations form a binding international framework, and national administrations implement it through their own legislation, adding detail such as licence classes and procedures. The two levels operate together. Neither is limited to broadcasters or commercial stations.

Question 49Radio regulations and operating rules

An operator considers using a frequency in a band segment reserved by the band plan for narrow-band modes. Which reasoning is correct?

  1. Band plans may be ignored whenever a contact is urgent
  2. Band plans have the force of law and violations are prosecuted
  3. Band plans are voluntary but should be followed to avoid disrupting established users Correct answer.
  4. Band plans apply only to receiving equipment

Explanation

Band plans are agreed coordination tools rather than statutory law, but following them prevents disruption to established narrow-band activity. Operators should choose a segment suited to their mode and bandwidth. Urgency does not justify occupying a segment reserved for another mode.

Question 50Radio regulations and operating rules

What does the principle of non-discrimination in the amateur service imply for access to frequencies?

  1. The first station to use a frequency owns it indefinitely
  2. Operators may reserve frequencies for future use
  3. Stations should share available frequencies fairly without claiming permanent ownership Correct answer.
  4. Only licensed clubs may use popular frequencies

Explanation

Frequencies are shared resources, and no station may claim permanent ownership of a channel. Operators should share fairly and yield when a frequency is already in use. Permanent reservations and club-only access are contrary to this principle.