Ham Radio

How to get a ham radio licence in the UK and US: RSGB exams and FCC classes

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To transmit on the amateur bands you need a licence, and to get one you pass an exam. The process is designed to be reachable for beginners, including teenagers, and much of it can be done online. This guide outlines the UK and US routes; rules are updated from time to time, so check the official pages before you book.

The UK: Ofcom licences and RSGB exams

In the UK, Ofcom issues amateur licences, and the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) runs the exams. There are three licence levels, each with more privileges. Foundation
  • The starting licence and the one you need to transmit at all.
  • The exam has 26 multiple-choice questions to answer in 60 minutes, according to the RSGB.
  • It is usually taken online, either at home with a remote invigilator or at a club.
  • Results are given immediately.
Intermediate
  • You must have passed Foundation first.
  • The exam has 46 multiple-choice questions over 90 minutes, again usually online with remote invigilation or at a club.
  • It adds bands and power.
Full
  • You must have passed Intermediate first.
  • The highest standard licence, with the widest privileges.
Direct to Full
  • Since early 2023 the RSGB has also offered a single Direct to Full exam, available online only, aimed at people already competent in related technical subjects, though open to anyone. It is a longer exam in two parts, both of which must be passed.
Recent changes to know about Ofcom updated the licence framework, with the first changes taking effect in February 2024. The three levels remain, and power limits rose: Ofcom's statement sets the maximum at 25 watts for Foundation and 100 watts for Intermediate in most bands, and up to 1,000 watts for Full holders in bands where amateurs have a primary allocation, with exceptions. Call sign rules also changed, including the option to add a regional letter and limits on how many personal licences one person may hold. The RSGB has updated its syllabus and question materials since, so make sure any study guide or mock paper you use matches the current syllabus on the RSGB site. Practical points
  • Licences applied for online through Ofcom have been free, and the UK licence lasts for life, but you must revalidate your details with Ofcom at least every five years or the licence can be revoked.
  • The RSGB publishes mock exams, and many clubs run courses, some free and some charging, so ask before signing up.
  • The Radio Communication Foundation has funded Foundation exams for people under 21 in full-time education; check whether that offer is still running.

The US: FCC licence classes

In the US, the FCC issues licences, and exams are given by teams of volunteer examiners (VEs) organised by Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs). There are three current classes. Technician
  • The entry level. Passing a 35-question exam (Element 2) is required; the FCC lists 26 correct answers as the pass mark.
  • Gives full privileges on the VHF and UHF bands used for local contacts and repeaters, plus limited HF privileges.
General
  • Requires Element 2 plus another 35-question exam (Element 3), with the same pass mark.
  • Opens most HF bands for worldwide contacts.
Amateur Extra
  • Requires Elements 2 and 3 plus a 50-question exam (Element 4), with 37 needed to pass.
  • Grants all amateur privileges.
Practical points
  • Morse code has not been required for any US licence class since 2007.
  • Many VE teams hold sessions in person, and some offer remote exams online.
  • The question pools are public and are revised on a regular cycle, so make sure your study material uses the pool currently in force on your exam date.
  • You will need an FCC Registration Number (FRN) before the exam, and the FCC may charge an application fee; check the current figure on the FCC site.
  • US licences are issued for a fixed term and must be renewed; check the FCC for current details.

How to study

  1. Use an up-to-date study guide for the correct syllabus or question pool.
  2. Take practice tests until you pass comfortably, then a few more.
  3. Join a club or online course; explanations from experienced operators make the theory stick.
  4. Do not just memorise answers. Understanding the safety and regulation sections will make you a better operator.
Which licence are you studying for, and what part are you finding hardest? Ask in the comments or share your exam experience.

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