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UK Amateur Radio Foundation Practice Test 2026

To transmit on the amateur bands in the UK you need an amateur radio licence from Ofcom. The first level is the Foundation licence, and you get it by passing the RSGB Foundation exam. This is independent practice written in our own words. It follows the RSGB syllabus: licence rules, technical basics, radios, antennas, propagation, EMC, operating and safety.

  • Certification exams
  • United Kingdom
  • 75 questions
  • Checked
  • Edited by A. Singh
  • Fact-checked October 23, 2026

Quick answer

The Amateur Radio Foundation exam (RSGB) for the Ofcom Foundation licence has 26 questions. Pass mark: 19 of 26 (73%). Time limit: 60 minutes. It is run by Ofcom (amateur radio licences); exams set and run by the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB). Practise here for free with 75 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 22, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the UK Amateur Radio Foundation Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.
Plan for my exam date Mistake notebook

  1. Question 1 of 25

    What is the purpose of a UK amateur radio licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Non-commercial self-training in radio communication

    The amateur licence is for self-training and non-commercial use. Business use and commercial advertising are not allowed.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    Since the 2024 licence changes, what is the maximum power for a Foundation licensee in most Foundation bands?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 25 W PEP

    Ofcom raised the Foundation power limit to 25 watts PEP in most Foundation bands. Intermediate and Full licences allow more power.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    Since the 2024 changes, Foundation licensees may use the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. What is the power limit there?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 2 W

    Ofcom's decision gave Foundation licensees access to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands with a maximum of 2 watts.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    Which change did Ofcom make for Foundation licensees in its 2024 licence update?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. They may now build their own transmitting equipment

    Ofcom's statement on the new licensing framework allows Foundation licensees to build their own equipment.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    Under the updated licence, may a Foundation licensee control their station remotely over the internet?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Yes, if the link is secure

    Ofcom now allows all licensees, including Foundation, to use internet links for remote control. The syllabus says the link must stop anyone else taking control.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    A Foundation licensee is operating in Wales and chooses to use a Regional Secondary Locator (RSL). Which letter do they use?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. W

    The RSL for Wales is W. For Foundation call signs the RSL is now optional, but if used it must be correct for where you are.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    Is a Foundation licensee required to include a Regional Secondary Locator in their call sign?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. No, it is optional since the 2024 changes

    Ofcom made RSLs optional for most call signs. They remain required only for call signs in the 2 series.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    Which call sign block does Ofcom use for new Foundation licences?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. M7

    Ofcom's statement notes that new Foundation call signs are issued in the M7 block. M0 and G call signs belong to Full licences.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    Your postal address changes. When must you tell Ofcom?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Straight away

    The licence requires you to tell Ofcom about any change of name or address immediately.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    How often must you confirm your licence details with Ofcom?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. At least every 5 years

    UK amateur licences are lifetime licences, but you must confirm your details with Ofcom at least every five years or the licence may be revoked.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    Which of these events means you must identify your station with your call sign?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Changing to a new frequency

    You must identify when you change frequency, change mode, change the supervisor or change the RSL you use.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    A friend with no licence wants to talk on your radio. What is allowed?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Yes, under your direct supervision, with your call sign

    An unlicensed person may operate only under the direct supervision of a licensee. The station uses the supervisor's call sign and licence terms.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    With which stations may you exchange messages under your amateur licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Other amateur stations

    Messages may be sent only to other amateur stations. Transmitting for general reception is not allowed, except CQ calls.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    May you send encrypted messages to hide their meaning?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. No, except in the special cases the licence allows

    Encryption is not allowed, except when a User Service asks for it or to control an amateur satellite. Morse code is not a secret code.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    Your station is causing undue interference. What may a person authorised by Ofcom do?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Require you to change, restrict or close down your station

    A person authorised by Ofcom may inspect your station and require modifications, restrictions or closedown to stop undue interference.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    Why must you keep records of your RF exposure (EMF) assessments?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. To show people are not exposed above the limits

    The licence requires an EMF assessment based on the ICNIRP limits, and a record that justifies your conclusion, including when no action is needed.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    A band is shared and amateurs have secondary status. What does that mean?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. You must not interfere with primary users and must accept their interference

    Secondary users must not interfere with primary users and are not protected from them. The licence schedule shows each band's status.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    In the Foundation licence schedule, what are the limits of the 2 metre band?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 144 to 146 MHz

    The Foundation reference data lists the UK 2 metre band as 144 to 146 MHz, with a limit of 25 W PEP for Foundation licensees.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    Which material is a good electrical conductor?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Copper

    Metals such as copper and brass let current flow easily. Glass, rubber, plastics and ceramics are insulators.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    Why can a wet insulator be dangerous?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Water on its surface can let current flow

    The syllabus notes that insulators can conduct when wet, so water on cables or insulators can create a shock or short-circuit risk.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    What is the unit of electrical current?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The ampere

    Current is measured in amperes (amps). Voltage is measured in volts, resistance in ohms and power in watts.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    A 12 volt battery is connected to a 4 ohm resistor. What current flows?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 3 A

    Ohm's law says current equals voltage divided by resistance. 12 volts divided by 4 ohms is 3 amperes.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    A radio takes 2 amperes from a 12 volt supply. How much power does it use?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 24 W

    Power equals voltage times current. 12 volts times 2 amperes gives 24 watts.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    What is the frequency of the UK mains supply?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 50 Hz

    UK mains electricity is alternating current at 50 hertz, which means 50 cycles every second.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    Roughly what range of audio frequencies is needed to carry speech on a radio voice channel?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. About 300 Hz to 3 kHz

    The syllabus gives about 300 Hz to 3 kHz as the audio range used for speech communication.

What to know before the test

  • The Foundation exam has 26 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes. You need 19 correct (73%) to pass.
  • The exam is usually taken online, either at home with a remote invigilator or at a club. You see your result straight away.
  • The RSGB sends official results within about six working days, with a certificate that shows your candidate number.
  • Mandatory Foundation practical assessments were permanently removed in 2021. Clubs are still encouraged to offer practical training.
  • After you pass, you apply for your licence and call sign through the Ofcom website.
  • Since Ofcom's 2024 licence update, Foundation licensees may use up to 25 W PEP in most of their bands, build their own equipment and use the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands at up to 2 W.
  • Exams moved to syllabus version 1.6 on 1 September 2024 because of the new licence conditions.
  • The licence is for life, but you must tell Ofcom about any change of name or address and confirm your details at least every five years.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Foundation exam and what is the pass mark?

26 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes. You need 19 correct answers, which is 73%.

Can I take the Foundation exam at home?

Yes. The RSGB says the exam is usually taken online, either at home with a remote invigilator or in a club setting.

Is there a practical test?

No mandatory practical assessment. The RSGB removed it in 2021, but clubs are encouraged to include practical work, and the RSGB has Foundation practical video guides.

What changed for Foundation licensees in 2024?

Ofcom raised the Foundation power limit to 25 W PEP in most Foundation bands, allowed self-built equipment, opened the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands at up to 2 W, allowed remote control over the internet and made Regional Secondary Locators optional.

Does the Foundation licence expire?

UK amateur licences are lifetime licences. You must keep your details up to date and confirm them with Ofcom at least every five years.

Is this the official RSGB exam?

No. This is independent practice written in our own words from the RSGB syllabus and Ofcom documents. The RSGB publishes its own mock exams.

Sources

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