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Foundation licence practice quiz

Test yourself on the topics in the UK Foundation amateur radio exam. Every answer comes with a short explanation, and you can practise one topic at a time.

 

– questions in the bank, in random order each time.

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About the Foundation exam

The Foundation licence is the first step to getting on the air in the UK. The exam is a short multiple-choice test, run by the RSGB on Ofcom's behalf, and can be taken at an exam centre or online with a remote invigilator. It covers the licence conditions, basic electricity, transmitters and receivers, feeders and antennas, propagation, interference and safety, plus practical operating. Many people prepare with a local club or an online course, and the RSGB publishes the full syllabus.

These questions are written for this site to help you check your understanding. They aren't official exam questions, and the real exam may word things differently, so use them alongside a proper course book.

How to use the quiz

  • Practise a topic at a time when you've just studied it, then mix all topics together as the exam gets closer.
  • Read every explanation, even when you get the answer right. Understanding why is what makes it stick.
  • Do the sums by hand. Ohm's law, power and wavelength questions are easy marks once you've practised them. The Ohm's law calculator and wavelength calculator let you check your working.

After you pass

Once you pass, you apply to Ofcom for your licence and callsign online. Foundation licensees can use up to 25 W on most bands. The UK callsign decoder explains what your new callsign means, and the Q codes and phonetic alphabet pages will help with your first contacts.

Questions

Are these the real exam questions?

No. They're written for this site to cover the same topics. The real exam questions aren't published.

How long does it take to study for the Foundation licence?

Many people are ready after a weekend course or a few weeks of evening study. Online courses are available from clubs and training groups.

Do I need to learn Morse code?

No. Morse hasn't been needed for a UK licence since 2003, though many people learn it later because it's fun and effective.

What power can I use with a Foundation licence?

Up to 25 W on most bands since the new licence came in in February 2024.