ACMA Standard Theory Exam study plan
ACMA Standard Theory Exam · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Electrical and electronic fundamentals & Circuit theory and components
State and apply Ohm's law and the power relationships to solve for unknown voltage, current, resistance and power in simple circuits
Calculate equivalent resistance for series, parallel and series-parallel networks of four or more resistors
Distinguish DC from AC and convert between peak, peak-to-peak, RMS and average values for sine waves
Identify the schematic symbol and basic function of resistor, capacitor, inductor, diode, transistor, transformer and switch
Explain the difference between conductors, insulators and semiconductors in terms of electron behaviour
Your checkpoint
A worked problem set of 30 self-written calculation questions covering Ohm's law, power, series/parallel networks and AC value conversions, scored at 80% or better with a correction note for every wrong answer
Circuit theory and components & Electrical and electronic fundamentals
Calculate capacitive and inductive reactance at a given frequency and explain how each varies with frequency
Compute the resonant frequency of a series or parallel LC circuit and describe the impedance behaviour at resonance
Apply the transformer turns ratio to calculate secondary voltage, current and impedance transformation
Describe the operating principle and typical application of a diode, a bipolar transistor and a field-effect transistor
Compute the time constant of an RC circuit and sketch the charge/discharge curve shape
Your checkpoint
A single-page formula sheet in your own words plus 25 solved reactance, resonance and transformer problems, with at least 90% correct on a re-attempt without notes
Radio receivers and transmitters
Draw and label the block diagram of a superheterodyne receiver from antenna through audio output
Explain the role of the mixer, local oscillator, IF amplifier/filter, AGC and detector in a receiver
Distinguish selectivity from sensitivity and describe how each is measured or specified
Calculate the image frequency for a given RF, IF and local oscillator relationship
Compare a tuned-radio-frequency receiver with a superheterodyne receiver in terms of stability and selectivity
Your checkpoint
A from-memory labelled superheterodyne block diagram with a two-to-three sentence plain-language explanation of each stage, checked against your own notes with zero missing stages
Radio receivers and transmitters & Circuit theory and components
Compare AM, FM, SSB and CW in terms of bandwidth, noise performance and typical use
Describe the stages of a simple transmitter chain from oscillator through buffer, driver and final power amplifier
Explain why a buffer stage is placed between an oscillator and following stages
Calculate modulation index for AM and deviation ratio for FM from given values
Identify the class of amplifier (A, B, C) used in a given transmitter stage and justify the choice
Your checkpoint
A timed 40-question self-written mock covering domains 1, 2 and 3, completed in 60 minutes with a score of 75% or better and an error log listing the topic of each miss
Antennas, feedlines and transmission lines
Calculate the physical length of a half-wave dipole and a quarter-wave vertical for a given frequency
Compute SWR from forward and reflected power values and interpret what the result means in practice
Explain characteristic impedance, velocity factor and loss in coaxial and parallel-conductor feedlines
Compare dipole, quarter-wave vertical and Yagi antennas by gain, radiation pattern and polarization
Describe how a balun and an antenna tuner are used and what problem each solves
Your checkpoint
A comparison table of at least five antenna types (gain, pattern shape, polarization, typical feed impedance) plus 20 solved antenna and feedline problems scored at 80% or better
Radio wave propagation & Measurements and test equipment
Describe the ionospheric layers and explain how each affects HF skywave propagation by day and by night
Define skip distance, maximum usable frequency and lowest usable frequency and explain how each changes with time of day and solar activity
Distinguish ground wave, skywave and line-of-sight propagation and state the frequency ranges where each dominates
Use a multimeter to measure voltage, current and resistance correctly, including range and polarity selection
Use an oscilloscope and a dummy load to measure RF power and describe how to calculate power from an RMS voltage reading
Your checkpoint
A one-page propagation and measurement reference card plus a 25-question self-written quiz on domains 5 and 6 scored at 80% or better
Electromagnetic compatibility and interference & Operating safety and good practice
Identify the common causes of radio-frequency interference and select an appropriate remedy for each cause
Explain the purpose of filtering, ferrite suppression, shielding and good grounding in reducing interference
Describe safe practice for working near high voltages, including discharging capacitors and one-hand technique
State the precautions for antenna work, including lightning risk, fall protection and power-down procedures
Explain the principles of limiting RF exposure and the safe handling and charging of batteries
Your checkpoint
A ten-step interference troubleshooting checklist and a ten-point operating safety checklist, each verified by a 15-question self-written quiz scored at 85% or better
Electrical and electronic fundamentals & Circuit theory and components & Radio receivers and transmitters & Antennas, feedlines and transmission lines & Radio wave propagation & Measurements and test equipment & Electromagnetic compatibility and interference & Operating safety and good practice
Re-solve every question missed in earlier weeks and confirm the underlying concept is now understood
Complete a full-length timed mock exam under exam conditions with no notes
Rank all eight domains by mock-exam accuracy and drill the two weakest with focused questions
Consolidate the formula sheet and checklists into one final revision set of no more than four pages
Your checkpoint
A full-length timed mock exam scored at 85% or better, with a completed error log showing every remaining weak topic and its corrective action
Milestones
Week 2: Score 90% or better on a closed-book 20-question quiz covering Ohm's law, reactance, resonance and transformer ratios
Week 4: Score 75% or better on a 60-minute timed 40-question mock covering domains 1-3, with no domain below 65%
Week 6: Score 80% or better on combined domain 4, 5 and 6 quizzes, and correctly answer all antenna-length and SWR calculations
Week 8: Score 85% or better on a full-length timed mock across all eight domains, with no single domain below 75%