Getting started in amateur radio is easier than many people expect. You don’t need to be an electronics expert, learn Morse code or attend months of classroom training.
In the UK, newcomers normally start with the entry-level Foundation Licence. You can study from home and even take the exam online from home.
On this page, we explain how the Foundation Licence works, what’s involved in the exam and how to get your first amateur radio callsign.
What is the Foundation Licence?
The Foundation Licence is the entry point into UK amateur radio. It’s designed to give newcomers enough knowledge to get on the air safely and start exploring the hobby.
Foundation licensees have access to a wide range of amateur radio frequencies, including popular HF, VHF and UHF bands. The current licence allows Foundation operators to use up to 25 watts PEP on most of the bands available to them, although some bands have lower limits.
That is more than enough to get started. With a suitable radio and antenna, contacts can range from local conversations through to stations across Europe and much further afield.
If you enjoy the hobby, you can later progress to the Intermediate and Full licences, which offer additional privileges.
How do I get a Foundation Licence?
The first step is to learn enough to pass the Foundation exam. You can study in several ways:
- Take an online training course
- Study with an amateur radio club
- Use a Foundation study guide
- Study independently using the Foundation syllabus and other training material
Essex Ham offers a free Foundation Online course designed for complete beginners. It includes lessons, videos, revision material and quizzes to help you prepare for the exam.
Foundation Study Guide
If you prefer learning from a book, our HamTrain Foundation Study Guide covers the material you need for the Foundation exam and includes useful information for newcomers to amateur radio.
It’s based on the material used in our Foundation Online course and includes a mock exam so that you can test your knowledge.
The Foundation Study Guide is available as a paperback or Kindle edition.
Essex Ham’s training has already helped thousands of people prepare for their first amateur radio licence.
How to get started in amateur radioThese two videos explain a little more about amateur radio and how to get started with a Foundation licence:
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The Foundation Exam
The Foundation exam consists of 26 multiple-choice questions. You have 60 minutes to complete the exam and need 19 correct answers to pass.
The questions cover eight areas:
- Amateur Radio and Licence Rules – 6 questions
- Technical Basics – 3 questions
- Transmitters & Receivers – 3 questions
- Feeders and Antennas – 3 questions
- Signal Propagation – 2 questions
- EMC – 3 questions
- Operating Practices – 3 questions
- Safety – 3 questions
The exam is usually taken online, either at home with a remote invigilator or in a club setting. There are no practical assessments to complete.
You book your exam through the RSGB and choose a suitable date and time.
For more information, see Getting Started: The Foundation Exam.
Getting your Foundation Licence and Callsign
You’ll normally be given your result immediately after completing the online exam.
After you’ve passed, the RSGB will provide your official result. You can then use the Ofcom licensing system to apply for your amateur radio licence and choose your callsign.
There is no charge for the amateur radio licence when you apply online.
Foundation operators can currently choose an available callsign using an M3, M6 or M7 prefix, followed by three letters. Ofcom’s online system will check whether the callsign you want is available.
For details, see How to apply for your amateur radio licence.
Once your licence has been issued and you have your callsign, you can start transmitting and begin exploring everything amateur radio has to offer.
What happens next?
If you’re ready to get started, the next step is simply to begin studying for the Foundation exam.
You can learn using our free Foundation Online course, study from a Foundation Study Guide, or get help from a local amateur radio club.
If you’d prefer club-based training, the RSGB Club Finder can help you find clubs in your area.
Ready to start? |
Great info!
Thanks
Can you clear up something for me regarding the practicals for the Foundation? Would it be possible to take all of the practicals at the same time, or is that simply not logistically possible due to time constraints. I live an hour’s drive from the neares exam centre and I don’t fancy taking four separate trips to get the practicals out of the way before I’m allowed to take the technical exam.
All clubs operate differently, but there are some clubs that allow you to complete all of the practicals in one session. For example, in Essex, the Colchester club runs a one-day “fast track” course that includes all practicals, plus the exam, in a single day.
Pete
Pete, I am on temporary assignment here in the US but home is the UK. I would like to take the foundation online test but not sure about doing the practical. I have obtained the Amateur Extra to operate here in the US. I travel back a couple times a years for a week then back to the US. Hoping I get into the September Foundation course. I haven’t heard back if I got a spot.
Hi ,
Hoping to get foundation licence soon
But as covid restrictions are making tests online
Do I still need to sit practical test and if so how
Thank you .
Practicals are suspended due to Covid. All you need to do is sit a 26 question multiple choice exam online. Pete
Hi i live in Nottingham and all the local clubs are running there next foundation courses in November.
Do you know off any course that do a weekend including exam.
I dont mind travelling
Kind regards phil
Hi Phil,
Try https://rsgb.org/main/clubs-training/course-exam-finder/ for a handy tool to show clubs offering training by distance.
Hope this helps,
Pete
I passed the old time ham examination, City and Guilds of London Institute.
I stopped being ham time ago. Now, I would like to get back with the hobby. Is the old examination result still valid or I need to re-take the present examination again?
Hi Simon no I passed the rae in 1989 no mose test applied for my license in 2019 and got mu full license hope this helps 73 Russell M0IWW
I’m need help to channel my ham radio 88s radio can you call me07561035860
Stupid question maybe but once you have passed the Foundation licence can you use your callsign abroad i.e. holiday in Europe with a 2m/70cm handheld? Or is the M7 callsign just restricted to the Uk?
M7 (Foundation) is UK-only
Ok thanks Pete great info…
my son wants to get in to ham , how old does he need to be to get a foundation licence
thanks for any help
As far as I know, there is no minimum page. I’m aware that someone as young as 8 has been able to get a Foundation licence.
Ok thanks for your help
I have a exam phobia which stems back to my school days 1977 to 1981. I’ve passed many exams since then (welder by trade CSCS card) I’m determined to pass this foundation test and the intermediate. But I’ll need some help. You’ll be hearing from me soon. My modified cobra 148 gtl DX is itching to get back on. Anyway I’ll be in touch. Thank you
What if you are dislextic
Help is available such as exam papers printed on coloured paper, large-print versions of exam papers, use of a “reader” during the exam or extra time to complete the exam, but you’d need to discuss this in advance with your exam centre – See https://www.essexham.co.uk/train/amateur-radio-and-dyslexia/
hi
I am trying to get on list for 5/4/2020
butn don’t think its letting me due to not having a call sign
thank you
You’re on the list for the April course John – not sure what you mean about the callsign though.
Hi sorry if this is a bit of a daft question? I was into CB radio in my youth, many years ago lol
Would love to get into ham radio, but have one question? This is the daft part
To take a foundation course, would I need a ham radio at home? Told you it was daft
Not a daft question. No, you don’t need any amateur radio equipment to get your licence.
Pete
Hi all,
Very grateful for all the effort that goes into this site, the foundation course and the actual club. Most impressive is the fact you offer it free to anyone. I suspect there are loads of people like myself who just don’t fancy / don’t have the time to be part of a physical club. To us you have made starting out on this journey so much easier. Please keep up the good work and I hope in future you’ll look to offer the more advanced exams in similar formats. Enjoy the coffees, they are well earned.
How long does the foundation licence last for before having to take the intermediate test. I read a news letter on RSGB website around 6 months ago stating they are in talks with ofcom,saying that if a foundation licence holder has not moved up to an intermediate licence holder within 2 years then they will revoke their licence and will have to take a re-test. Is this true its not very good, some people may not want to progress any further. Any info will be great, thanks.
Hi Jim,
That was an idea being discussed a few years ago as part of a licence review. There are no such plans in place or planned as far as I know.
Pete
Pete, I am on temporary assignment here in the US but home is the UK. I would like to take the foundation online test but not sure about doing the practical. I have obtained the Amateur Extra to operate here in the US. I travel back a couple times a years for a week then back to the US. Hoping I get into the September Foundation course. I haven’t heard back if I got a spot.
Hi Pete and all, just passed the Foundation Licence exam after doing your fast track course. Thanks Again
Chris Adams
Your website is excellent. Full of good information and training links. It is also pretty much the first URL that comes up on google!
Thank you for maintaining and doing the online training. Can’t wait for the online training to start :)
I didn’t understand why people were so negative towards the youtuibe examples of the exam. It’s just like a Health & Safety video at work, so there’s nothing wrong with it. There will always be some people who complain about everything…
After passing the foundation licence how would an amateur progress to using over 10w on all bands? Is a morse exam still required?
Hi Ian. After Foundation comes Intermediate (which offers up to 50 watts). During Covid, it’s an online exam (no Morse required)
Just passed the foundation exam today using the fast track course – everything and more you need to know and very easy to take in. Many thanks!
hi pete i read all brilliant info , i start the course 5th dec thank you and all concerned
Dear radio amateurs! We in Ukraine need support for a collective radio station to counter Russian propaganda on shortwave radio. We need a transceiver, even an old one, We need help, we hope for your understanding in confronting Russian aggression.
I took my ham exams with city & guilds back in 1994 I have the certificate. Can i apply for a licence.
Yes you can. There’s an application form on the Ofcom website. Send a copy of your pass certificate with your application, and they should be able to sort you out with a licence.
A true service you have offered here with your rich content. Thank you. Really outstanding !
Are practical exams now back on the table in 2023 or can one still get the foundation license with an online exam only ?
There are no longer any practical sessions as part of the exam. You can take the exam online or at a local club.
iv read about taking this course through you, the problem i have im not that good navigating with a computer so have decided to take the foundation course at my local club instead sorry for any inconvenience.
NEED TO BOOK EXMAM NOW
You can book your exam today on the RSGB website.
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Hi can anybody help? I have been practicing amateur radio, since the early 1970s. My heath has been a challenge, all the way along. I took the chalk and talk Bembo ‘twice’ back in the 1970’s and both times I ended up in hospital over my exam date.
I have recently returned for another go. I gained an M3 and wish to go further, however keep in mind I am now recovering from a severe stroke. I would need paced learning for the intermediate and advance. I was a Colour TV engineer and I have built and fixed equipment back in 1970’s. Grateful of any advice.
Hi Steven,
Sure – totally understand. For the next step, Intermediate, you have several options – study at a local club, study with an online course, self-study with the course book, self-study using YouTube videos, or one-to-one learning with another amateur. Plenty of options depending on what would work best for you.
If you need any pointers or other info, please just ask.
Pete
Hi I’m interested in doing the online foundation course what itams do I need to do the course and would I be able to do the course on my I phone as I don’t have a laptop or computer
I really want to do my foundation licence. I am just Worried as i am dyslexic and take me longer to pick up things. And find things overwhelming. Can l still study for it
Hi Adam,
There is extra help available, both for study and for the exam. Watch our video here for some options: https://www.essexham.co.uk/train/help/
Pete