RSGB Amateur Radio

Overview

The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) runs the written exams for UK amateur radio licences. There are three licence levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Full. After passing, you register with Ofcom to choose a call sign and get your licence.

Who can apply

The RSGB says there is no minimum age for the Foundation exam, but candidates must understand the material and be able to handle fractions and decimals. You can try more than one level in a single sitting, but if you fail a lower level you cannot take a higher one. The Full exam requires the Intermediate exam to be passed first.

Levels or stages

Foundation

26 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, pass mark 19 (73%). The RSGB suggests about 12 hours of study, less if you already know electronics. It is the first step to transmitting.

Intermediate

46 questions in 90 minutes, pass mark 28 (61%).

Full

58 multiple-choice questions, each with four possible answers, in 120 minutes, pass mark 35 (60%). The Full licence gives more privileges than Intermediate, including a higher power limit and the chance to operate in many other countries. A pass gives a Harmonised Amateur Radio Examinations Certificate (HAREC).

Direct to Full

A two-part exam for candidates with a strong technical background, with both parts passed in a single sitting. Part 1 has 18 questions and Part 2 has 57, within 150 minutes in total.

Exam pattern

All are written, multiple-choice exams. The RSGB specification version in force is v1.6b, effective 1 April 2025, and the Direct to Full specification v2.1 took effect on 5 January 2026.

Marking and results

Online exams give immediate feedback on completion. Official results are processed about six working days after the exam, and then sent to Ofcom. You receive a pass certificate with the candidate number needed for your Ofcom application.

Fees

RSGB exam fees (GBP):

Some venues may charge room hire in addition. Radio Communication Foundation offers funded exams for people under 21 in full-time education.

How to apply

Exams are taken online, either at home with a remote invigilator or in a club setting. Use the RSGB course and exam finder to locate a club. After you pass, register on the Ofcom licensing system to select a call sign; the RSGB states there is no online charge for the licence application.

Preparation tips

• Training is not mandatory but is strongly recommended, especially for Full.

• The RSGB publishes the Foundation Licence Manual and sample papers for each level.

• The RSGB offers help for candidates with learning difficulties; it asks for at least three weeks' notice.