Becoming a amateur radio Foundation licence holder

Many people have asked us if it is difficult to obtain the Foundation licence.  Well the answer is no its not difficult at all,  and to gain an idea of the type of questions that you could be asked, visit the website link below.

www.hamtests.co.uk

Follow the links to the Foundation Amateur Course and then take the test which is 25 questions in 45 minutes.  You will be surprised how many you can get right without even reading a book. A word of warning though, the questions change so don’t think you will get the same questions every time.  To pass the test and obtain your Foundation Licence you need to get 18 out of 25 questions right, you need to sit the test at a club or at a local group that are running the exam classes.  Many Amateur Radio Clubs and Local Scout Groups do this and there is sure to be one of these near you.

Foundation Now

This is the book that the course is based upon, its not a difficult book to understand, but take your time, there is no rush.  Some clubs if not all will have copies of this book for you to read but I would recommend you get your own as you can refer back to the book after you have obtained your licence.  Most good book shops will be able to get this book for you or visit the on line shop on the RSGB website.

www.rsgb.org.uk

Anyone who has a visual disability can get this book and books for other courses on a CD from

www.raibc.org.uk

You will have to become a member, but the subscription is only small and the benefits are large. You may find it very useful to visit your local Amateur Radio Club or Group to find out more about talking on the radio etc as all good clubs have very well equipped shaks.  You may find that the talk may be far beyond you at this stage but they are still worth a visit.

When it comes to taking your test you should have attended a class of lessons where you will be taught everything you need to know for the Foundation Licence.  You will be shown a little on Morse Code, remember you don’t have to pass a Morse Code test anymore.  This is up to you and can be taken anytime.  If during the course you feel that you are not ready to take the exam, that’s fine too.  Once you have sat the lessons and your record card has been marked off for the things you are taught, you can stop, go away for a while and then come back on a later class and take the exam.  Don’t worry if you don’t pass first time, there are many people who don’t get it first time.  Simply read the book and try again.  Your tutor will support you all the way as he or she will want you to pass too.  Once you have passed the exam.

 Congratulations

 You are now part of a World Wide Hobby.  There are just two more stages to go.

1. Now you will have to apply to OFCOM for your Callsign and a copy of your licence.  You will have been given a copy of your result sheet.  The details on this form have to be registered with the RSGB.  This may take a few days and will be done by your examiner or someone at the place where you took and passed your exam.  You will need to register with OFCOM, they will need a few details from you but again don’t worry.  Once you have chosen your Callsign, this may begin with M6 and will contain three other letters (example M6ABC), simply get a printed copy and put it on display as its something to be proud of.

 2. Getting your equipment. We can’t really advise on equipment as it will depend on your budget and the type of equipment you want.  There are plenty of good second hand radios  etc out there so have a real good look around.  There are many Ham Radio Fairs throughout the country and all Hams usually have knowledge of when and where.

Finally

Remember that you can read your book at anytime as you will always pick up bits of info that you may have forgotten. 

Most of all ENJOY it.