Free Practice Questions for UK Amateur Radio Foundation Licence Exam

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Key Facts: UK Amateur Radio Foundation Licence Exam Exam

26 Qs

Exam Questions

73% (19/26 marks)

Passing Score

£35.50

Exam Fee

Pass the 26-question RSGB Amateur Radio Foundation exam with 100 free practice questions covering operating procedures, technical basics, and Ofcom licence rules.

Sample UK Amateur Radio Foundation Licence Exam Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the UK Amateur Radio Foundation Licence Exam exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under the Ofcom Amateur Radio Licence, what is the maximum permitted transmit power for a Foundation licence holder on most authorized amateur bands?

A.10 Watts Peak Envelope Power (PEP)

B.50 Watts Peak Envelope Power (PEP)

C.100 Watts Peak Envelope Power (PEP)

D.400 Watts Peak Envelope Power (PEP)

Explanation: The UK Foundation licence specifies a maximum power output limit of 10 Watts Peak Envelope Power (PEP) on authorized amateur bands. This limit is designed to minimize potential interference while allowing effective local and international communication. Higher power levels require Intermediate (50W) or Full (400W) licences.

2What is the standard call sign format assigned by Ofcom to a new Foundation licence holder operating in England?

A.M7 followed by three letters

B.2E0 followed by three letters

C.M0 followed by three letters

D.G7 followed by three letters

Explanation: In the UK, modern Foundation call signs issued by Ofcom use the prefix M7 followed by three letters (e.g., M7ABC) for stations operating in England. Older Foundation licences used the M3 and M6 prefixes, but M7 is the current series. Regional secondary locators replace or modify the prefix outside England.

3How frequently must an amateur radio operator transmit their station call sign during a prolonged contact under Ofcom licence conditions?

A.At the start, at the end, and at least once every 15 minutes during the contact

B.At the start and end only, regardless of duration

C.Every 5 minutes without exception

D.Every 30 minutes during continuous transmission

Explanation: Ofcom licence rules require that the station call sign be transmitted as frequently as is practicable, but at least at the beginning and end of a contact, and at least once every 15 minutes during a long transmission or contact. This ensures proper station identification for monitoring and spectrum management.

4Which Regional Secondary Locator (RSL) letter must a Foundation licence holder add after the 'M' in their call sign when operating in Scotland?

A.M (resulting in MM7)

B.W (resulting in MW7)

C.I (resulting in MI7)

D.D (resulting in MD7)

Explanation: When operating a station in Scotland, UK licensees insert the Regional Secondary Locator letter 'M' after the primary prefix letter, turning M7 into MM7 (e.g., MM7ABC). Other RSLs include 'W' for Wales (MW7) and 'I' for Northern Ireland (MI7).

5What is the primary purpose of the UK Amateur Radio Licence issued by Ofcom?

A.To permit self-training, intercommunication, and technical investigations in wireless telegraphy

B.To provide a commercial telecommunications service to the public

C.To broadcast entertainment radio shows to local communities

D.To enable private encrypted messaging for business operations

Explanation: The Wireless Telegraphy Act definition of amateur radio specifies that the licence is granted solely for self-training in communication, technical investigation, and non-commercial intercommunication among authorized operators. Commercial broadcasting or business communications are strictly prohibited.

6Under what condition may an unlicensed person use an amateur radio station owned by a Foundation licence holder?

A.Only under the direct supervision of the licence holder who must control the station and identify with their call sign

B.Unlicensed persons may operate freely as long as power does not exceed 1 Watt

C.Unlicensed family members can transmit independently without supervision

D.No unlicensed person may ever touch or speak into an amateur transceiver under any circumstances

Explanation: An unlicensed person (such as a guest or trainee) may transmit using an amateur station provided they are under the direct physical supervision of the licence holder. The licensee remains legally responsible for the operation, must ensure compliance with licence terms, and must identify the station using their call sign.

7How must a UK amateur licensee maintain their licence details with Ofcom?

A.By updating their contact and station details online via the Ofcom portal whenever details change

B.By mailing a paper application form to Ofcom every month

C.By notifying the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) via email

D.No updates are ever required after passing the Foundation exam

Explanation: Licensees are legally required to keep their personal contact details and address up to date on the Ofcom online licensing system. Additionally, Ofcom requires licensees to validate their details on the portal at least once every 5 years to keep the licence valid.

8Regarding Ofcom Electromagnetic Field (EMF) compliance rules, what applies to a Foundation station transmitting at 10 Watts ERP or less?

A.Stations operating at or below 10 Watts ERP are compliant without needing detailed mathematical field calculations, provided general safety guidance is followed

B.Detailed computer electromagnetic field modeling must be submitted to Ofcom prior to transmitting

C.EMF rules only apply to commercial broadcasters and do not apply to radio amateurs

D.Foundation licence holders are completely banned from transmitting near residential buildings

Explanation: Ofcom introduced EMF licence conditions to ensure public protection limits (ICNIRP) are respected. Stations operating at 10 Watts ERP or below (or 10 Watts PEP EIRP depending on frequency/mode guidance) fall under simplified compliance threshold rules, meaning detailed EMF calculations are generally not required if standard installation guidance is observed.

9Which frequency range defines the primary 2-metre amateur radio band allocated in the UK?

A.144.000 MHz to 146.000 MHz

B.50.000 MHz to 52.000 MHz

C.70.000 MHz to 70.500 MHz

D.430.000 MHz to 440.000 MHz

Explanation: The 2-metre amateur band in the UK and ITU Region 1 spans from 144.000 MHz to 146.000 MHz. It is one of the most popular VHF bands for local FM repeater contacts, handheld transceivers, and SSB weak-signal communications.

10What is the Ofcom policy regarding encoded or secret transmissions on amateur radio frequencies?

A.Transmissions must not be encoded for the purpose of obscuring their plain meaning

B.Encryption is permitted if using AES 256-bit encryption keys

C.Messages may be encrypted if discussing personal finances

D.Coded messages are allowed during weekend contests only

Explanation: Amateur radio is an open communication service. Ofcom licence conditions state that transmissions must not be coded or encrypted to conceal their meaning. Standard digital modes (like FT8 or CW) are permitted because their protocol specifications are public and unencrypted.

About the UK Amateur Radio Foundation Licence Exam Exam

The UK Amateur Radio Foundation Licence exam is the entry-level qualification for radio amateurs in the UK, administered by the RSGB under Ofcom regulation.

Exam sponsor: Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

26 questions

Time Limit

60 minutes

Passing Score

73% (19/26 marks)

Exam / Certification Fees

£35.50

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB): official exam information

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25%

Licence Conditions & Operating Procedures

Ofcom licence terms, callsigns, logbooks, and operating etiquette.

25%

Technical Basics & Electronics

Ohm’s law, power calculations, components, and simple circuits.

25%

Transmitters, Receivers & Antennas

Radio equipment design, feeders, dipole antennas, and tuning.

25%

Propagation, EMC & Safety

HF/VHF propagation, interference mitigation, and electrical safety.

Preparing for the UK Amateur Radio Foundation Licence Exam Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 73% (19/26 marks)
Exam length: 26 questions
Time limit: 60 minutes
Exam / certification fees: £35.50 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
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UK Amateur Radio Foundation Licence Exam: Suggested Study Strategy

1Review all official Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) syllabus domain weightings and key terms before testing.

2Practice timed mock questions to build pace for the 60 minutes exam limit.

3Study answer explanations carefully to understand why incorrect distractors are wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the official Foundation Licence exam?

The official Foundation Licence exam consists of 26 questions to be completed within 60 minutes.

What is the passing score for the Foundation Licence exam?

The passing score for the Foundation Licence exam is 73% (19/26 marks).

How much does the Foundation Licence exam cost?

The official exam fee for the Foundation Licence is £35.50.