On this page, you’ll find information on what’s involved in sitting the UK amateur radio Foundation exam. This video is part of our Getting Started: Foundation Online course series.
Foundation Exam Video
We’ve created the following video to give you a feel for what to expect when taking the Foundation exam:
The Foundation Exam
To get your amateur radio licence and callsign, you’d normally need to complete a number of short practical exercises and take a multiple-choice exam at a club.
Due to the COVID19 situation, practicals are suspended, and you can take the exam from home. See: online exams
Foundation Practicals
These are currently suspended, but for information, used to involve connecting up an amateur radio station, tuning an antenna, a short appreciation session on Morse code (which you don’t have learn), and you have to make a couple of radio contacts on HF and VHF/UHF. More info: UK Foundation Practicals
The Exam
This is a 26 question multiple-choice test, and you’ll need to study for it. You can do this with the help of a local amateur radio course, using a free online course such as our Ham Train course, or self-study from the Foundation Licence Manual.
ID Check: Before you can sit the exam, you’ll need to prove your identity to the invigilator. The best option is to bring a current passport, a photo id driving licence, or another legal document showing your photo, name and signature. If you can’t provide those, you’ll need to bring two current legal documents showing your name and signature – this can include a credit card. If in doubt, check with the exam centre before turning up to the exam.
The Exam
In the exam, you’ll be presented with the exam paper, the optical marking sheet and the Reference Data booklet.
Before the exam starts, the invigilator will read out a set of rules and explain the process.
Once the exam starts, you’ll have 60 minutes to answer the 26 questions, which is usually plenty of time.
Got any questions? Please ask in the comments section below…
I finished the foundation course recently and made a donation. I am still waiting to take the exam and understand I can receive more mock exams.
Hi Gary,
You can book the exam online via the RSGB website. For those who are kind enough to support our course by making a donation, as a “thank you” we release 5 additional mock tests which can be used in the run-up to your exam. To access these, you’ll be sent an email with a Schoology access code to a separate classroom containing the mocks.
Can you use your notes taken when studying when doing the exam online ?
No. You are allowed the 4-page exam booklet only.
Hi
I only have access to a apple mac computer with built in camera, will this be ok for the foundation test?
See our FAQ entry: https://www.essexham.co.uk/train/faq/what-hardware-do-i-need-for-the-exam/
Hi Pete, i don’t have a passport or driving license nor any photo ID except my work ID badge. What other forms of ID would be acceptable for the exam.
Best to contact the RSGB to discuss this – they are responsible for running your amateur radio exam
Hi Pete, I’m dyslexic and was wondering if the exam has an option to have the questions read to you as I have had on other exams? Thanks.
Hi Darren. The RSGB may be able to provide you with help, but you need to discuss this with them before booking an exam. Email them at [email protected] or call 01234 832 700, and they can help you.
HI WOULD THE CALLSINGE WORK IN IRELAND
No The UK Foundation licence is only for use in the UK
Hi guys , I would like to frame my foundation licence but as it’s not A4 I cannot seem to find a frame that fits, any recommendations? Thanks all.
A certain Swedish shop has all kinds of sizes.
Hi,
my hp laptop doesnt have a webcam. can I still take the exam ?
In that case, you’ll need an external USB webcam.