How to apply and take the Aeronautical Service (or Special) Radio Operator Exam
2025/12/07
The exam is only available in Japanese.
If you want to communicate with ATC and operate aircraft radios in Japan, you must pass the Aeronautical Service Radio Operator Exam. he license you need depends on the type of flying you intend to do:
Aeronautical Service Special Radio Operator (航空特殊無線技士)
Required for pilots engaged in commercial operations.
Aeronautical Radio Operator (航空無線技士)
Required for non-commercial flying, such as student pilots and private pilots.
What subjects are covered in the exam?
Regulations (Radio Law)
This section tests your understanding of the laws and regulations governing radio station operations. Topics include the Radio Law, Aviation Law, Telecommunications Business Law, and other related legislation.
Radiotelegraphy (Telecommunication Techniques)
A practical radio communication test using the phonetic alphabet. This portion is divided into two parts: receiving and sending.
Receiving (Receiving test)
You will listen to a coded message and write down what you hear. This YouTube video shows an example of what to expect during the receiving test.
Sending (Sending test)
You will read a coded English sentence aloud using the phonetic alphabet in front of an examiner. This YouTube video demonstrates how the sending test works.
You can practice both sending and receiving using the free 電気通信術練習 app available on the Apple Store.
Note: This app may not be available in all regions. If accessibility becomes an issue, we may release our own practice tool in the future.
How to apply for the exam
STEP
01
Check the exam dates
Visit the Japan Radio Institute website to check exam dates. Look for either 航空特殊無線技士 (Aeronautical Service Special Radio Operator) or 航空無線技士 (Aeronautical Radio Operator), depending on the license you need.
In the exam table, the red-highlighted boxes indicate the actual exam dates, with the corresponding application periods listed next to them. On the far right of the table, you’ll find detailed PDF documents for each exam session.
Apply as early as possible—slots can fill quickly.
STEP
02
Apply for the exam
Submit your application online here. Create an account—or log in if you already have one—and complete the application form.
STEP
03
Study for the exam and wait for confirmation from the Japan Radio Institute
After applying, you will receive a confirmation letter from the Japan Radio Institute. While you wait, begin preparing using the strategies below:
Review past exams
Start by practicing with previous exam papers available here. Search for the exam type you're taking. You can begin this step immediately—even while completing the application process.
Purchase study materials based on your license type
We recommend the following textbooks:
For 航空特殊無線技士 (Aeronautical Service Special Radio Operator)
For 航空無線技士 (Aeronautical Radio Operator)
Memorize textbook questions and answers
Commit the textbook questions and answers to memory. A large portion of the exam closely mirrors, or directly repeats, what appears in the study materials and past tests.
Practice radiotelegraphy skills
Don't ignore the practical section. Textbooks barely cover it, so your best training tools are the demonstration videos linked above. Watch them closely and practice until the flow feels natural.
STEP
04
Take the exam
Good luck! Arrive early and bring all required documents as instructed.
STEP
05
Apply for your physical license
Once you pass the exam, you'll receive an email from the Japan Radio Institute confirming your results. Note that this doesn't automatically issue your license — you must submit a separate application using the link included in that emai
TThe section highligh ted in red explains how to download the application form for your physical license. Simply download the form, print it, and fill it out following the procedures outlined by the procedures from the Ministry of General Affairs.
STEP
06
Receive your license
When your physical license arrives in the mail, you're all set — congratulations. You're now officially authorized to communicate with ATC. Happy flying! 🛩️