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’ll need to take a multiple-choice exam, either online (see online exams) or at a local amateur radio club.
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 free online course such as our Ham Train course, at a training class run by a local ham radio club, or you can 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. The pass mark is 19 out of 26 (73%).
Exam Hints and Tips
Sitting your amateur radio Foundation exam soon? Here are some hints and tips on how to prepare for your online exam – dealing with tricky questions, what to take into the exam, and how to make sure you don’t miss out on critical marks:
Got any questions? Please ask in the comments section below…
Related Links
- How to become a UK radio ham
- Foundation Online Amateur Radio Course
- Foundation Exam Hints and Tips
- Foundation Exam Reference Booklet
- Exam Tips – Foundation Tips, Tricks and Hints
- Foundation Exam Information – Details on taking the Amateur Radio Foundation Exam
- Exam Support – Need help help and support? Help is available
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.