a graphic of the Brats club logo

just a graphic of the foundation course




Link to general information about the FL course

Link to Licence conditions   Link to technical basics   Link to feeders and antennas

Link to Transmitters and Receivers   Link to Propagation   Link to pages on Safety   Link to Electromagnetic Compatibility

Link to Operating practice and proceedure    Link to the general index page at the start of the Foundation licence section





Make sure you down load and preferably print off a copy of the syllabus from the RSGB Web site. 

The syllabus will show you:-



Applying for an Examination

All requests for Foundation Licence examination papers, by Lead Instructors, must be accompanied with a candidate's fee and a fully completed 'Candidate Application Form for Training Course'. The application form is required for each candidate wishing to sit the Foundation Licence exam. Following the completion of the course the Lead Instructor may apply for an examination paper. Foundation Licence Exam papers are what are called 'Short Notice' papers and a minimum of 10 working days notice required by the RGSB. The RSGB will then generate a unique candidate number and supply the paper to the lead instructor. Note that once an application for the exam has been put in hand no refund of fee is possible.

The data name and address that a candidate gives on their exam application form must be the information given to Ofcom when applying for a licence - so accuracy and legibility when filling in the forms is important.

Foundation Course candidates may also apply for an online exam at their RSGB Registered Examination Centre. They can now may take an online test at home with remote inviligators. Which way you take your exam is up to you, but tutors or candidates nowadays apply online at the RSGB web site.


RSGB Registered Examination Centre:


All radio examinations conducted at a RSGB Registered Examination Centre should have most facilities for the disabled, the usual exceptions being made for persons with disabilities which prevent them from doing so. This is to comply with the new Disability Discrimination legislation in force as from April 2004.



The Assessment (Exam)


  1. A practical assessment of the syllabus required is no longer necessary. The practical aspects of amateur radio, can be demonstrated by watching videos set up by the RSGB at This Video Link. It is highly recommended that studends should view them.

  2. A 26-question multiple-choice examination. The examination lasts 60 minutes. Pass mark is given for 19 questions or more answered correctly. Papers are available on demand and are marked locally, with results normally available the same day.

    NOTE: Applications for special arrangements should be made well in advance of the examination to the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) and will normally require a medical certificate. Appeals after the examination citing disabilities or learning difficulties not previously declared cannot be considered.

Where students go wrong.

One area where students fall down is that they do not have a working knowledge of the paperwork that is supplied to them at the examination. Do check out this page on the site:- Paperwork with the Exam


Course introduction


The origin of some of the text on this page is from the RSGB