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 some practical exercises and a short multiple-choice test.
- Intermediate: Courses consist of practicals (including soldering and use of test meters), plus a multiple-choice test
- Full: No practicals, just a multiple-choice exam. Some clubs offer study courses, or distance-learning courses are an option.
Foundation Courses & Exams in Essex
| UPDATE: COVID-19
Due to the current Coronavirus situation, local face-to-face training sessions are not taking place. Until further notice, RSGB is offering Foundation exams online, with practicals being suspended. For the latest, see COVID-19 & Exams – latest Updates. 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 |
| 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. Our course includes videos, guides and mock revision tests. Details at HamTrain.co.uk |
The following short video gives an overview of how to take your online exam:
| VIDEO: Taking Your Amateur Radio Exam at Home |
Intermediate Courses & Exams in Essex
- Handy link: Online Intermediate Courses
| UPDATE: COVID-19
Due to the current Coronavirus situation, local face-to-face training sessions are not taking place. Until further notice, RSGB is offering Intermediate exams online. Practicals are no longer required for Intermediate. For the latest, see COVID-19 & Exams – latest Updates. |
Full (Advanced) Courses & Exams in Essex
- Handy link: Online Full Courses
| UPDATE: COVID-19
Due to the current Coronavirus situation, local face-to-face training sessions are not taking place. Until further notice, RSGB is offering Fulll exams online. For the latest, see COVID-19 & Exams – latest Updates. |
Running training courses in the Essex area and want your course information added or updated? Please let us know
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.
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