Whether you’re looking to get into the amateur radio hobby for the first time, or you want to progress to a higher licence level, the best way is often to sign up on a training course run by a local amateur radio club.
There are lots of clubs and groups around the UK that offer amateur radio training. Typically, the courses are run by volunteers. Fees are pretty low, and typically include the RSGB exam fee, the “Foundation Licence Manual” training book and fees to cover hiring the training venue.
On this page, we list the clubs and organisations that offer amateur radio training courses in the Essex area.
For information on what you’ll need to learn for the entry-level Foundation course, see: How to become a ham.
Course Types:
There are three levels of amateur radio licence in the UK, as follows:
- Foundation: The entry-level licence. Courses consist of theory training and a 26-question multiple-choice test.
- Intermediate: Building on the Foundation, this is a theory-based multiple-choice exam that allows more transmit power
- Full: A theory-based multiple-choice exam that provides access to all bands. Power limits are 400 watts. Some clubs offer study courses, or distance-learning courses are an option.
Foundation Training Courses & Exams in Essex
| UPDATE: COVID-19
Due to the current Coronavirus situation, until further notice, RSGB is offering Foundation exams online, with practicals being suspended. Many clubs have suspended their training due to Covid and the availability of online exams. Note that our free Foundation Online exam course IS still running, and is a great way to prepare for the online exam offered by the RSGB. To enrol, visit Foundation Online Registration For the latest, see COVID-19 & Exams – latest Updates. |
| Location | Course Information | Dates |
| Online | Essex Ham runs a FREE monthly online Foundation training course for self-study, revision and distance learning. Our course can be used for stand-alone study, or to support your training with a local club training.
We’ve helped train over 6,500 students with a pass rate of over 99%. Foundation material is delivered in an online classroom and uses fully-narrated videos, quizzes, mock tests, handouts and optional live webinars (no webcam required). Details at HamTrain.co.uk |
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| Braintree | Braintree & District ARS offers two-day weekend courses in Braintree. |
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| Canvey Island | Thames ARG offers two-day weekend courses on Canvey Island. Courses typically run 2-3 times per year and cost £65 |
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| Colchester | Colchester RA – Offers weekend Foundation courses, including a one-day weekend fast-track for those who have self-studied. |
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| Danbury | Chelmsford ARS runs fast-track “practical and exam” sesssions held over three Thursday evenings. | |
| Epping | Loughton & Epping Forest ARS offers two-day weekend classroom-based Foundation courses. |
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| Grays | The Thurrock Acorns ARC site offers occasional courses when there is demand. You may need to contact them direct. |
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| Harlow | Harlow & District ARS offers two-day weekend classroom-based Foundation courses. | |
| Hornchuch | Havering & District ARC‘s website states that training courses are offered, but as far as we know, no courses have run in the last few years, and no dates appear on their website. |
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| Other Online Providers | For a list of other online training course providers, see our Online Amateur Radio Training Courses page. | Various dates |
| Foundation exams – book direct with RSGB on the following link: RSGB Exam Bookings |
| VIDEO: Taking Your Amateur Radio Exam at Home |
Training Map: In and Around Essex
Intermediate Training Courses in Essex
| Location | Course Information | Dates |
| Canvey Island | Thames ARG offers a weekend course on Canvey Island. This is typically a 4-day course, split over two consecutive weekends |
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| Colchester | Colchester RA runs a one-day Intermediate session from time to time. Contact them to express your interest, or see their site for dates. |
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| Danbury | Chelmsford ARS runs one 12-week course a year, on Thursday evenings | |
| Epping | Loughton & Epping Forest ARS: No formal courses, but they offer a one-day weekend practical assessment sessions and exams. |
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| Grays | Thurrock Acorns ARC lists on its website that it offers tuition, practicals and exams, but as far as we know, no courses have run in the last 12 months. |
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| Harlow | Harlow & District ARS runs a 10-week course on a Tuesday evening. |
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| Online Providers | For a list of online training course providers, see our Online Amateur Radio Training Courses page. | Various dates |
| Intermediate exams – book direct with RSGB on the following link: RSGB Exam Bookings |
Full (Advanced) Courses & Exams in Essex
| Location | Course Information | Dates |
| Canvey Island | Thames ARG offers weekend training on Canvey Island. |
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| Colchester | Colchester RA – Advanced training is offered, but no dates listed on their site at time of writing. Contact them to express your interest |
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| Danbury | Chelmsford ARS offers exam-only sessions during the year, with a revision course once a year on on Thursday evenings. | |
| Epping | Loughton & Epping Forest ARS – No formal courses, but exam-only sessions available. Contact them to register your interest |
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| Harlow | Harlow & District ARS runs exam sessions when there is demand. Contact them for details |
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| Online Providers | For a list of online training course providers, see our Online Amateur Radio Training Courses page. | Various dates |
| Full exams – book direct with RSGB on the following link: RSGB Exam Bookings |
Running training courses in the Essex area and want your course information added or updated? Please let us know
Essex Training Calendar
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Hi ..do Essex ham not do the intermediate on line like you did for the foundation?
Sorry Bill – we only offer Foundation online at the moment.
Pete
It would be great if you could consider an intermediate course, its quite difficult to find appropriate training.
We agree. The RSGB is introducing a significantly harder Intermediate syllabus from September 2019, which would require a massive amount of work. It’s on the “to do” list, but other things, such as the new Foundation courses, are higher priority.
Hi Pete
I hope you are well.
With your help I successful passed the foundation course. Am I right in thinking that you are now offering the training for the intermediate exam.
If so how do I enroll?
Speak soon
Mark
M7HUG
Congrats Mark. Sorry, we don’t run an Intermediate course – See https://www.essexham.co.uk/train/online-amateur-radio-courses/ for a list of others that do!
would love an Intermediate course online from you guys …please…
Hi I was hoping to be able to join the training that’s starting on the 5th of July but as yet I have not heard if I am on it.
I contact you on the 1st of July. Thank you
Neil.
You’re on the list Neil and should have received an email. Check your spam folder? Course details will be sent out tomorrow (Sat 4th July)
An intermediate course from you would be great! If not then help in finding an online course would suffice!
Hello
I done fundation course with you, r you doing intermediate as well. I love to do it also with you.
King regards
Mateusz M7OMT
Sorry, we’re not offering Intermediate at this time.
Hi, I was enrolled in the current foundation training course on schoology, completed module 1, saw yesterday that module two was available when I went to schoology, didn’t receive an email like I had for module 1, then today having finished my day, I have gone to work on module 2, the website says I am not enrolled in any courses. I have then taken the access code from my intro email for the course and it says I will only be allowed access if approved, is this just an issue for me, or has something else happened? I’m dedicated and enthusiastic and now dissapointed, just received my rsgb member pack in the post today aswell, felt so much pride with my badge :) Thank you for your time, hope this can be resolved.
Hi William,
If you’ve dropped off the course, you may not have set Schoology up correctly. Double-check that the profile details match. As for notifications, there were instructions on the first page about how to set up notifications – may be worth double-checking the instructions again. Drop us an email if you need specific help – I’m sure we can sort it.
Update: Resolved. As suspected, profile details had been entered incorrectly, and the guidance about turning on notifications had been overlooked.
Pete, many thanks for the foundation online course it was brilliant and i dont think you realise the amount of people your team have helped, not just with the course and passing the exam but many of us with mental health issues, this course has given us another doorway to contact people and build confidence within ourselves thank you. It would be great if you would consider an intermediate online course as the RSGB has opened this up and i think many would agreed a donation of £25 or what ever you can afford, 73s from M7AUC stay safe
Hi Pete. Will you be doing the intermediate course online at anytime. TY
I’m also looking for an online course, as the Foundation one was very good and much easier than reading a book.
I would recommend https://gm6dx.thinkific.com/ course for Intermediate. This course + RSBG Intermediate manual book make good start to get Intermediate Licence. I’ve passed my exam today and looking for something for Full Licence. Any recommendations?
See https://www.essexham.co.uk/online-amateur-radio-courses for links to all known online training providers