Overview

from the RSGB ...

Once you have been bitten by the bug, you will want to get started straight away. To get 'on the air' opens a whole new world to you, enabling you to make friends all over the world, build your own equipment, install your own amateur radio station in your home and fully participate in the hobby in whatever way you want.

To do this it is necessary to obtain an amateur transmitting licence. International law requires countries to issue licences only to the applicants who can prove that they are able to install, maintain and operate their equipment properly. Someone who did not have the relevant knowledge could cause considerable amounts of interference to others worldwide. Fortunately it is not difficult to obtain a licence, and gaining the licence gives a real feeling of achievement, apart from the fact that you will know more about radio and its technology.

In the UK there are three types of licences that can be obtained. Each one gives a different level of privileges and requires tests at a different level to be passed.

PLEASE NOTE: The entry point for all newcomers into the hobby is via the Foundation licence, progressing on to Intermediate, culminating in the Advanced licence. Each licence level has to be achieved before the next can be taken.