On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the UK amateur radio Foundation exam, including how many questions there are, the pass mark, how long the exam takes, what you need to study and how to practise before taking your test.
The Foundation exam is the first step towards getting a UK amateur radio licence and your own callsign. You can prepare using our free Foundation Online course, study from a Foundation training book and practise with Foundation mock exams.
What is the UK amateur radio Foundation exam?
The Foundation exam is the entry-level examination for the UK amateur radio licence.
It is a 26-question multiple-choice exam. You’ll need to learn the basics of amateur radio, including licence conditions, radio operating, technical principles, antennas and feeders, propagation, interference and safety.
You can prepare for the exam in several ways:
- Study online with our free HamTrain Foundation course
- Attend training provided by a local amateur radio club
- Self-study using a Foundation Study Guide
- Check your progress using Foundation mock tests
Foundation exam: questions, time and pass mark
Here are the key facts about the UK Foundation exam:
| Number of questions | 26 |
| Question type | Multiple choice |
| Exam time | 60 minutes |
| Pass mark | 19 out of 26 (73%) |
| Exam level | Foundation |
You have 60 minutes to answer all 26 questions, which is usually plenty of time. To pass, you need to answer at least 19 questions correctly.
What subjects are covered in the Foundation exam?
The Foundation exam tests your knowledge across eight syllabus areas:
- Licence Conditions
- Technical Basics
- Transmitters and Receivers
- Feeders and Antennas
- Propagation
- EMC / Interference
- Operating Procedures
- Safety
You’ll need a reasonable understanding of all eight areas rather than concentrating on just one or two topics.
Our free Foundation Online course takes you through the syllabus, or you can revise using the HamTrain Foundation Study Guide.
Foundation Exam Video – what to expect
We’ve created this video to give you a feel for what to expect when taking your Foundation exam. It’s part of our Foundation Online training series.
Can I take the Foundation exam online?
Yes. The Foundation exam can be taken online, so you don’t necessarily need to travel to an amateur radio club or examination centre.
You can find more information about the process on our UK amateur radio online exams page.
Depending on the examination arrangements available to you, it may also be possible to take the exam through a local amateur radio club.
What do I need for the Foundation exam?
Before sitting the exam, you’ll need to prove your identity to the invigilator.
A current passport or photo driving licence is normally the simplest option. Other suitable documentation may also be accepted. If you’re unsure what identification you can use, check the current requirements before your exam.
For the exam itself, you’ll be provided with or given access to the appropriate examination material, including the Foundation Exam Reference Data booklet.
Before the exam starts, the invigilator will explain the process and the examination rules.
How hard is the Foundation amateur radio exam?
The Foundation exam is designed as the entry point into amateur radio, but you’ll still need to study before taking it.
You don’t need to be an electronics expert or have previous radio experience. The aim is to demonstrate that you understand the essential technical, operating, safety and licence information needed to get started in amateur radio.
Thousands of complete beginners have prepared for the exam using our free Foundation Online course.
A good way to judge whether you’re ready is to take some Foundation mock exams before booking or sitting your exam.
How should I prepare for the Foundation exam?
There are three useful stages to preparing:
1. Learn the syllabus
Work through a training course or study guide so that you understand the material rather than simply memorising answers.
2. Revise weaker topics
Go back over areas that you found difficult and make use of the Foundation Exam Reference Data booklet while practising.
3. Take realistic mock exams
Mock exams help you identify weaker syllabus areas and get used to answering a complete set of 26 questions.
Foundation Study Guide and Mock Tests
If you prefer studying from a book, HamTrain has two Foundation training books designed to work together.
HamTrain Foundation Study Guide covers the knowledge you need when preparing for the UK Foundation licence examination.
Once you’ve studied the material, HamTrain Foundation Mock Tests provides six complete 26-question mock exams, containing 156 realistic practice questions with an explanation for every answer.
The current editions are based on RSGB syllabus v1.6b.
Foundation Study Guide → Foundation Mock Tests →
Try a Foundation mock exam
Before sitting the real examination, it’s worth testing yourself with some realistic Foundation questions.
Our online mock tests let you practise Foundation exam-style questions and check how well you’re progressing.
Take a Foundation mock test online →
Foundation Exam Hints and Tips
Sitting your amateur radio Foundation exam soon? This video covers some useful exam preparation tips, including dealing with tricky questions, what to take into the exam and how to avoid missing straightforward marks.
You can also read our Foundation Exam Hints and Tips.
Foundation Exam FAQs
How many questions are in the UK Foundation exam?
The Foundation amateur radio exam contains 26 multiple-choice questions.
How long is the Foundation exam?
You have 60 minutes to complete the 26 questions.
What is the Foundation exam pass mark?
You need 19 correct answers out of 26 to pass the Foundation exam, equivalent to approximately 73%.
Can I take the amateur radio Foundation exam online?
Yes. Foundation examinations can be taken online. See our online amateur radio exam guide for more information.
Do I need to take a training course?
You need to learn the Foundation syllabus, but you can choose how you study. Options include online training, training with an amateur radio club or self-study using a Foundation training book.
Essex Ham offers a free online Foundation course.
Where can I practise Foundation exam questions?
You can use Foundation mock exams to check your knowledge before sitting the real exam. HamTrain also publishes a Foundation Mock Tests book containing six complete mock exams and 156 practice questions.
Related Foundation Exam Resources
- Free Foundation Online Course – study for your Foundation licence online
- Foundation Study Guide – Foundation syllabus revision
- Foundation Mock Tests Book – six complete practice exams
- Foundation Mock Exams – online practice and mock exam information
- Foundation Exam Reference Booklet
- Foundation Exam Hints and Tips
- Foundation Exam Support
- How to become a UK radio amateur
Got a question about the Foundation exam? Please ask in the comments 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.
How difficult is the exam
Not very. It’s a 26 question multiple choice and 87% of people who take the exam, pass.
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/
You need to be able to show the invigilator a 360 degree view of your room, the surface of your table and potentially the floor around it. If the camera is built into a large monitor this may be impossible. In such cases the invigilator will suggest you additionally join the Zoom/Webex call on a smart phone for a minute or two in order to show the room details.
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 exams@rsgb.org.uk 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.
Hi, I have booked the foundation exam for the end of August 21 and after passing I will want to continue with the Intermediate and eventually the full licence. My question is, I am moving to Zimbabwe in 2 years time to live there with my wife, will I still be able to use my call sign/Licence there?
Thanks William B.
The UK Full licence is “HAREC” compliant – and many other countries allow people to convert their HAREC licence to one of their own licences. Check with the licencing authorities in Zimbabwe to see if they accept the UK Full / HAREC.
I have a macbook pro M1
Will this accept the neccesary software?
If using a Mac, you need to make sure you’re running Mac OS 10.10 or later. If you want to try to install it, you can do so here – https://www.testreach.com/rsgb-download.html – it won’t do anything without your exam code, but you can at least test installation
Do you need to get all the questions right ? or is there a pass % ?
The pass mark is 19 out of 26 (73%)
I use a Chromebook is this acceptable for the exam please?
Many thanks Mike
The RSGB software only runs on Windows OS or Mac OS.
I have just completed the Mock exam on the Canvas website. Although I got 24 out of 26 questions right. I would still like to go through everything a gain. Is that possible?
I am currently studying for the UK Foundation Licence. I only use Linux based Desktop and Laptops. Would I be able to sit the exam using my Android mobile ?
Sorry, no – it’s Windows or Mac OS