Introduction
- Operating amateur radio equipment requires a licence issued by OFCOM.
- There are three types of UK licence that can be taken one at a time to allow easy progression.
- A Foundation licence, can be followed by an Intermediate licence and finally an Advanced licence.
- Each examination pass permits you to use higher power levels on a wider range of frequencies in designated bands, from low frequencies to microwaves.
Due to the pandemic that started in 2020, most training and examinations went online. There are a number of Societies/Clubs that offer training, both online and at their clubs.
Please click here – clubs offering training – to view the clubs and their websites.
The entry level is the Foundation Licence which is designed to get you involved in amateur radio as quickly as possible. It enables you to operate commercial equipment at low powers (10 watts) which is sufficient to contact other stations overseas.
Order you book from the RSGB – https://rsgb.org/main/clubs-training/for-students/exam-manuals/
The Intermediate Licence allows you to operate at powers up to 50 watts, and build or modify your own equipment if you want. Part of the course is project based to give training in soldering and instrumentation.
Order you book from the RSGB – https://rsgb.org/main/clubs-training/for-students/exam-manuals/
This licence is for those who want to really get to grips with the theory and practice of radio communication and allows you the full permitted power on all bands. It is equivalent to the original RAE City & Guilds Examination before it was split up into the present three stages.
Order you book from the RSGB – https://rsgb.org/main/clubs-training/for-students/exam-manuals/