Fees for radio operator exams and more change from October 1, Reiwa 8
While reading JARL's news, I learned that fee changes affecting amateur radio begin on October 1. Part of the Radio Act-related fee ordinance is being revised, and the fees for the national radio operator examinations and for station inspections and related procedures will be new starting October 1, Reiwa 8 (2026). If you are thinking about getting a license, it is worth checking before you apply for the exam.
The national exam fees are listed as 10,800 yen for the First Class Amateur Radio Operator, 9,400 yen for the Second Class, 6,000 yen for the Third Class, and 5,700 yen for the Fourth Class. If you are preparing for the entry-level Fourth or Third Class, it is reassuring to double-check the amount once.
For stations, the fees for new-station inspections, changed-station reviews and document inspections are also set by category. For example, the base fee for a new-station inspection differs depending on whether the output is 50 W or less or more than 50 W, and the fee for a second unit is set separately. For some items, the application fee also differs between paper and electronic applications. The detailed tables are summarized on the JARL page, so checking the latest version before you apply is the safest approach.
Personally, I think it is easy to get flustered when a system changes without you knowing, so I want to get the information in hand early. The exact amounts and categories are also available from the Japan Radio Association and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' radio usage portal.
Source: JARL
The national exam fees are listed as 10,800 yen for the First Class Amateur Radio Operator, 9,400 yen for the Second Class, 6,000 yen for the Third Class, and 5,700 yen for the Fourth Class. If you are preparing for the entry-level Fourth or Third Class, it is reassuring to double-check the amount once.
For stations, the fees for new-station inspections, changed-station reviews and document inspections are also set by category. For example, the base fee for a new-station inspection differs depending on whether the output is 50 W or less or more than 50 W, and the fee for a second unit is set separately. For some items, the application fee also differs between paper and electronic applications. The detailed tables are summarized on the JARL page, so checking the latest version before you apply is the safest approach.
Personally, I think it is easy to get flustered when a system changes without you knowing, so I want to get the information in hand early. The exact amounts and categories are also available from the Japan Radio Association and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' radio usage portal.
Source: JARL
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