Training.
I could quite literally write a book on this ……(a number of people have) but rather than duplicate a load of stuff on this, I will point you towards the RSGB (Radio Society of Great Britain) website. Follow this link. There is a lot of good information to be found on their website and I will be referring back to it elsewhere. Training manuals are available post free from the RSGB. It is definitely worthwhile getting them direct from the RSGB as there have been a few syllabus changes recently, so it’s important to ensure you get the latest print edition. Direct links to buy the manuals are shown below.
There is another publication available to compliment the training manuals. “Exam Secrets” which you might find useful. There are no real secrets being revealed but it’s a handy addition when it comes to revision. Direct links to buy the manuals are shown below.
Whatever learning stage you are at in Amateur Radio, these training manuals are a must have. They cover the syllabus for whatever level you are studying. The current print version is 2025. To ensure you get the most up to date version please order direct from RSGB as some being sold elsewhere (e.g. eBay) may be out of date.
Foundation Manual £7.99 / Member £5.99 Click here to order.
Intermediate Manual £10.99 / Member £8.24 Click here to order.
Full Manual £15.99 / Member £11.99 Click here to order.
Exam Secrets (New 3rd Edition) £17.99 / Member £13.49 Click here to order.
There is also a bundle deal available for all 3 manuals (supposedly designed for anyone wanting to do the “Direct to Full” exam) but nonetheless still suitable for anyone doing the individual exams one after another and you save a few quid. £29.99 / Member £22.99 Click here order.
All manuals are post free by 2nd class Royal Mail.
Exams.
At present (2026) there are four exam levels.
1. Foundation
2. Intermediate
3. Full
4. Direct to Full. (New in 2023)
The exams must be undertaken in order, apart from Direct to Full. The content and complexity increases at each level, however you are not obliged to take the next step. You can remain a foundation or intermediate licence holder if you wish, but you will not be able to enjoy the privileges and advantages that the next level of licence affords you.
I did my Foundation during lockdown in March 2021. Intermediate almost exactly a year later in March 2022 and finally the Full licence in January 2023. To be honest it became a bit addictive and it was really just a desire to show myself that I could still absorb the information and pass the exams that spurred me on. I passed the Full with merit only a few months short of my 70th birthday.
Here is some more links to the RSGB website where they go through the various levels of licencing and examination.
