Get an amateur radio licence
A friend has invited you to do this with them.
An amateur radio licence gives you a unique call sign with which to identify yourself when you transmit. The entry level is the Foundation licence in the UK and the Technician licence in the US, and each is earned by passing a single exam on radio theory, rules and operating practice.
ModerateUnder £100 / $130A few weeksIndoorsAlone or with othersUK and US
How to start
- Read the Radio Society of Great Britain's Foundation licence page or the ARRL's Getting Licensed page for your country.
- Find a club course or online course through the RSGB Course and Exam Finder, or a licensing class through the ARRL.
- Take practice questions, then book the exam online or at a club or test location.
Where to go
- Radio Society of Great Britain, Foundation licence page (UK national society) UK
- ARRL, "Getting Licensed" (US national association for amateur radio) US
We opened these links on 8 October 2026 and found them to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.
Plan this
Pick a day, or a month, and we will set out how to get ready, step by step, with a date and a reason for each. Courses and classes have start dates and can fill up, so the plan begins with finding and booking one. Kit comes after the first session, once you know what you need.
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