The Intermediate Licence

The Intermediate course

It’s actually not necessary to take a course to sit the Intermediate exam, but we would strongly recommend doing so. All our RSGB-affliated 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. It aims to teach many of the fundamentals of radio in a stimulating way by actually undertaking practical tasks such as soldering, building a small project and a variety of other exercises, building on the experience you have gained as a Foundation licence holder.

You can find contact details of Intermediate level instructors in your area in Local Information.

The Intermediate exam

Two methods of assessment are used. First, a practical skills assessment is taken which demonstrates your competentence in basic electronics. This involves soldering a rudimentary circuit together using some of the components you learned about on the course.

This is followed by an examination of 45 multiple-choice questions each with four possible responses, which covers the remainder of the syllabus. The examination lasts 1¼ hours. Your exam paper is marked on the spot by the invigilator straight after the exam so, as with the Foundation, there is no long wait to know whether you have passed or not.

For the Intermediate licence course exam there is a fee of £32.50.

What happens after the Intermediate exam?

If you have passed the Intermediate exam you will receive an official result sheet confirming the pass from the invigilator on the day of the exam.

The next step is to register your Intermediate exam pass with the UK communications regulator Ofcom, who are responsible for issuing amateur radio licences. If you apply for your Intermediate licence on the Ofcom website, your licence is free of charge. Visit the Ofcom website to find out more. Ofcom will then issue you with your new, upgraded radio licence and you can get started immediately on the Intermediate frequency allocations at up to 50 watts power.

Now you are not only a licensed radio amateur, but you are one step closer to having the Advanced licence; an internationally recognized qualification that will enable you to transmit legally almost anywhere in the world.

To find out more call the RSGB on 01234 832 700 and choose option 5 for Amateur Radio Enquiries. Our advisors will be pleased to answer any question you may have about obtaining an Intermediate licence.

The RSGB wishes you the best of luck with your Intermediate studies and assessment.