Join FARS

Training and Exams

To be allowed to transmit as a radio amateur you are required to have a licence. This is a legal requirement that applies to all countries not just the UK.

Amateur radio in the UK operates a three level licence structure: Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced.

  • Foundation Licence = 25 watts*.

    Call signs M7XXX

  • Intermediate Licence = 100 watts*.

    Call signs M8XXX

  • Advanced Licence = 1000 watts*.

    Call signs M0XXX

Each level of licence allows you to use differing levels of transmit power (see above) and each licence offers other slightly different benefits. *Power limits may vary by band.


Each licence requires you to pass an exam. But don't worry, FARS have accredited teachers and examiners to help train students in all aspects to enable them to pass the exams. A £10.00 fee is charged for all courses and exams (reduced fee for under 18's) - included is FREE membership to Furness Amateur Radio Society (which runs until November of the year taken out). No fees for FARS members. NB - exam fees also apply.

Types of licence

More information on the three UK licence types (Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced / Full) is available below...

Foundation Licence

The Foundation licence is your gateway to amateur radio.

Once you have completed a short course and taken a relatively simple exam that covers radio basics, you are able to operate on the most frequently used amateur bands, without supervision, with a power up 25 watts.

This may not sound like very much power, but once you get experience operating your radio you will find it is enough to make contacts almost anywhere in the world. 

The Foundation courses take place in a friendly and informal environment and are conducted by experienced FARS members who are accredited trainers and examiners. The foundation course and exam provides you with an introduction to amateur radio and consists of some practical assessments such as how to connect your radio equipment, how to make a radio contact and a basic introduction to morse code. Following this you learn some basics of radio communications and electronics theory. Nothing too heavy, just enough to help you understand how to set up your radio and operate 'on the air' 

 Contact us to discover more about the Foundation Licence

Intermediate Licence

Now that you have your foundation licence and have gained experience operating your radio equipment, it may be time for you to move on to an Intermediate Licence.

The main advantage of stepping up to the Intermediate Licence is the increase in permitted operating power.

You go from the 25 watts of the Foundation Licence, up to 100 watts as an Intermediate Licence holder. 

It’s actually not necessary to take a course to sit the Intermediate exam, but we would strongly recommend doing so. Our FARS trainers have a wealth of knowledge and years of experience to impart to their students.

Understandably the Intermediate course is longer and more challenging than the Foundation. You will need a copy the Intermediate Licence, Building on the Foundation book, which is available from the RSGB.

The Intermediate Licence aims teach many of the fundamentals of radio in a stimulating way by actually undertaking practical tasks. You will need to complete a record of achievement to demonstrates your competence in basic electronics. This involves soldering a rudimentary circuit using some of the components you learned about on the course, as well as a few other tasks. You are unable to take the exam until you have completed the practical section.

 Contact us to discover more about the Intermediate Licence

Advanced Licence

Now you have your Intermediate Licence maybe you'd like to take the final step in the UK amateur radio licensing: the Advanced Radio Communications exam leading to the issuing of a Full Licence.

A lot of privileges and responsibilities come with a Full Licence, not least from the fact that you will be able to transmit at up to 1000 watts of power. With a Full Licence you will also have the ability to legally transmit from almost every country in the world, and even at sea as 'maritime mobile'

There is no specific course for the Full Licence and we'll not pretend that getting a Full Licence will be easy. A complex technical exam has to be passed that requires considerable study for success.  So you must be prepared to invest a good amount of time and effort in your studies.

We suggest a study period of 4 to 6 months. But don't worry, FARS will support you through your studies. There is with no practical training element, it is pure theory. A copy of Advanced, the Full Licence Manual is essential and can be obtained from the RSGB.

 Contact us to discover more about the Advanced Licence