The process of obtaining an Amateur Radio License has been streamlined into a 3 tier process.
There are 3 levels of Licence a candidate must complete the exams and / or assessments for the Foundation, Intermediate and then the Advanced exams in that order but may stop and any level they wish. At this time there is no limit on the time a Foundation or Intermediate license may be held.
The table below shows the different licences and the privileges granted to holders.
Call signs currently being issued are made up of 2 Parts, a prefix and a 3 letter suffix. You can choose your own 3 letter suffix as long as it has not already been issued.
| Licence |
Call Sign |
Comments |
| Foundation | M?3*** | This licence grants the holder permission to operate on all Amateur bands from 1.8MHz (160 Metres) to 440 MHz (70 Centimetres) with the exception of the 28MHz (10 Metres) band. Maximum power fed to the antenna should not exceed 10 Watts |
| Intermediate (Was Novice) |
2?1*** / 2?0*** | This licence grants the holder permission to operate on all Amateur bands up to 440 MHz with a power level of 50 watts. |
| Full or Advanced |
M?1*** / M?0*** |
This licence grants the holder permission to operate on all Amateur bands with a further increased power level. |
Prefixes
Foundation Licence
Prefix = M?3 where the ? is replaced by a regional secondary locator if outside England.
So station M3*** becomes MI3*** when in Northern Ireland or MJ3*** in Jersey
Intermediate Licence
Prefix = 2E1 or 2E0 if in England but with a different regional secondary locator elsewhere.
So station 2E1*** becomes 2W1*** in Wales
Full Licence
Prefix = M?1 or M?0. and All G Call Signs The same rules about regional secondary locator apply as for the foundation (M?3) prefix.
So station M0*** becomes MM0*** in Scotland.
There is no longer a morse requirement for Intermediate or Full/Advanced Licenses so there are now no Class A or B licenses
The regional secondary locators are as follows
PERSONAL CALLS
CLUB CALLS
D
Isle of Man
T
E
England (Intermediate only)
X (All calls)
I
Northern
Ireland
N
J
Jersey
H
M
Scotland
S
U
Guernsey
P
W
Wales
C
The Radio Communication Examination.
(RCE. Formerly
the RAE)
From January 2004 the new format of RCE applies.
The examinations must be taken in the following order:
1. Foundation
2. Intermediate (Formerly the Novice examination)
3. Advanced (Formerly the RAE or full license)
From July 2003, there has been no distinction between the ‘A’ and
‘B’ licenses due to the CW examination being no longer required.
The Foundation license still requires the CW assessment i.e. Being able to send
and receive CW at no particular speed and with no examination ‘pass’
or ‘fail’.
Main distinction between the three licenses.
Foundation (Callsigns M3, MW3 etc)
Restricted to 10W output with commercially made equipment / kits
Bands available are 160m – 70cms (except the 10m band)
Unable to supervise other operators
Unable to operate outside the UK.
Intermediate (Callsigns 2E1, 2W0 etc)
Restricted to 50W output
Can be used with commercial, home brew or can modify own equipment.
Access to virtually all amateur bands ( See BR68)
Can work the satellites and work with User Services.
Unable to operate outside the UK
Advanced Callsigns (G, GW etc, M5, M0, M1, MW0 etc)
Maximum power output is 400W.
All amateur bands available.
Possibility of operating maritime mobile and abroad.
Please note that only those holding the Advanced license may operate abroad
including operating under CEPT and also obtaining a reciprocal license
Exam charges (From April 1) Foundation-£15. Intermediate-£20. Advanced-£25.
City & Guilds have withdrawn from the examination of radio amateurs and
the RSGB is now responsible for running the RCE at all levels.
OFCOM is the controlling body, previously the Radiocommunication Agency.