How To Become A Radio Amateur Operator In Malaysia (Part 3)

(The following article is an extract from 'SKMM guidelines for amateur radio in Malaysia (1st edition)'. All materials are copyright of SKMM (http://www.skmm.gov.my/).

The Examination

There are two types of examination pertaining to amateur radio:

1. Radio Amateur Examination (RAE); and
2. Morse Codes Test (CW Test).

Both examinations are conducted by the SKMM.

Radio Amateur Examination (RAE)

The RAE is a written examination on the following topics:

• The fundamental theory of electricity, electronics and radio communications;
• The theory and operation of any amateur radio equipment including the antenna systems, transmission lines, transistors, amplitude and frequency modulation and single sideband techniques;
• The regulations made under the Act which is applicable to the establishment and operation of a station performing an amateur experimental service; and
• The ITU Radio Regulations applicable to the operation of a station performing an amateur experimental service and those provisions relating to the operation of stations generally.

The RAE comprises 100 objective questions with four optional answers. Candidates are given three hours to answer all questions. The question is in bi-language i.e. English and “Bahasa Melayu”.

Passing mark for the RAE is 50%. No marks are deducted for a wrong
answer.
The structure of the question is as shown in the following table.
Please refer to Part C for the details syllabus.

Morse code Test

The Morse Code (CW) test is a practical test that measure skill of the following proficiencies;

• An ability to send message correctly on a radiotelegraph key, semi-automatic key or an electronic hand key for three consecutive minutes at a speed of not less than 12 words per minute in plain language, including figures, punctuation marks, “Q” signals and emergency signals in the international Morse Codes; and
• An ability to receive message correctly by ear and write legibly or type for not less than three consecutive minutes at a speed of not less than 12 words a minute in plain language including figures, punctuation marks, “Q” signals and emergency signals in the international Morse Codes.

In CW sending tests, applicant must be able to send 36 words (averaging five letters per word) in plain language within three minutes or equivalent to a speed of 12 words per minute without uncorrected error. A maximum of four errors as well as four corrections are allowed. In sending figures, 10 five-figure groups are to be sent in 1.5 minutes without uncorrected error. A maximum of two corrections are allowed. In CW receiving tests, applicant is required to receive 36 words (averaging five letters per word) in plain language in three minutes, and 10 five-figure groups in 1.5 minutes. Each letter or figure incorrectly received counts as one error. A word in which more than one letter is incorrectly received counts as two errors. A maximum of four errors in plain language and a maximum of two errors in the figure test are allowed.

The tests will not include any punctuation or other symbols except for full stops, commas, oblique strokes, question marks and error symbols. The foregoing particulars are summarized in the following:

How to Apply for the Examination
The examination will be held from time to time. The actual date and venue for the examination will be specified by the SKMM. The notice or announcement will be made through a public notice, published in the local press and SKMM official website at www.skmm.gov.my. The notice will have detailed terms and conditions, application procedures, payment mode and other related matters pertaining to the examination.

In the RAE conducted on 15 December 2011, SKMM has introduce a new web based application to manage the examination conducted by SKMM namely SKMM Examination Management System or in short SEMS. Details of the system are described below.

In case you need more information or having questions with regards to SEMS, you may email us at sems@cmc.gov.my

For manual application, sample of the application form is shown in Appendix 9 and available at SKMM head office and its regional offices. Contact details of all the SKMM offices are listed in Appendix 14.

Examination fee

The fee for the examinations are as followed.

The examination fee is not refundable to any candidates who withdraw from or fail to attend the examination. The fee cannot be transferred from one examination to another at a later date or from one candidate to another.

For online application, you have to purchase an examination voucher to begin your application. You can only purchase one (1) voucher at a time. Your voucher is valid for up to one year. Please refer to the voucher validity table on SEMS Guide section of this document to determine your voucher validity period.

Minimum Age Requirement for the Examination

The minimum age limit for candidate to sit for the examination is 14 years for the RAE and 18 years for the CW Test. This is due to take into consideration of the responsibility required to operate a higher power transmission and privileges accorded to a Class A amateur station operator.