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Amateur radio in the United Kingdom is regulated by Ofcom (the Office of Communications). The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) plays a central role in administering examinations and supporting the amateur radio community on behalf of Ofcom.
The UK uses a three-tier licensing system. Each tier is a separate licence, and candidates must progress through them in order:
The Foundation licence is the entry point for new operators. It covers basic safety, operating procedures, and simple technical concepts. The exam is designed to be accessible to newcomers with no prior electronics or radio experience.
Privileges:
The Foundation licence provides enough power and frequency access for local VHF/UHF communication and basic HF work, especially with efficient antennas and digital modes like FT8.
The Intermediate licence requires a deeper understanding of radio theory, safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and operating practices. It introduces topics like basic circuit analysis and antenna theory.
Additional privileges:
The Full licence exam covers the most advanced technical material, including detailed circuit design, propagation theory, EMC, and comprehensive regulations. A UK Full licence is recognised as equivalent to the CEPT HAREC (Harmonised Amateur Radio Examination Certificate), enabling reciprocal operating across Europe and beyond.
Additional privileges:
The RSGB manages the amateur radio examination system in the UK on behalf of Ofcom. Exams are conducted by registered RSGB exam centres, which are typically amateur radio clubs.
All three exams are multiple-choice written tests. There is no longer a practical assessment component (this was removed in the 2019 syllabus revision).
| Level | Questions | Duration | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 26 | 55 minutes | 19 correct (73%) |
| Intermediate | 46 | 1 hour 20 minutes | 32 correct (70%) |
| Full | 62 | 2 hours | 37 correct (60%) |
Exams can be taken at registered clubs and centres around the UK. The RSGB also offers remote online examinations through invigilated sessions, making it possible to take exams from home.
The RSGB charges a fee for each exam, which covers administration and invigilation. Fees are typically modest (around £27.50–£32.50 depending on the level, as of 2024). There is no separate government licensing fee — once you pass, Ofcom issues the licence at no additional cost.
The UK removed the Morse code requirement in 2003. CW remains a popular mode, but it is not assessed in any current UK exam.
UK callsigns include a national identifier that indicates which part of the UK the operator is based in:
| Country | Foundation | Intermediate | Full |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | M7 | 2E0 / 2E1 | M0 / M1 |
| Scotland | MM7 | 2M0 / 2M1 | MM0 / MM1 |
| Wales | MW7 | 2W0 / 2W1 | MW0 / MW1 |
| Northern Ireland | MI7 | 2I0 / 2I1 | MI0 / MI1 |
The prefix G (for England) is used for older Full licence callsigns (e.g., G3ABC, G4XYZ) and remains in active use. The G prefix is also available to Full licence holders as a vanity/special option.
For more on callsign formats, see the Callsign Structure page.
UK amateur radio is governed by the terms of the individual licence issued by Ofcom. Key points include:
UK amateur radio licences are issued for life and do not need to be renewed, though Ofcom may vary the licence terms from time to time. Operators must keep their licence details (address, etc.) up to date through the Ofcom licensing portal.
The RSGB publishes official study books for each licence level. Online resources include the RSGB website (rsgb.org), Essex Ham (essexham.co.uk) which offers free Foundation-level training material, and various YouTube channels dedicated to UK licence exam preparation.
Ofcom (Office of Communications) is the UK's regulatory authority for amateur radio. The RSGB administers exams and acts as the national society. The UK amateur licence schedule, published by Ofcom, defines the terms and conditions of each licence level.