In the biggest shakeup to UK amateur radio licensing in 20 years, the RSGB has unveiled details of “Direct to Full”, a new way to get a UK ‘Full’ amateur radio licence. On this page, we give you the basics of how this will work. We’d love your comments at the end of this article.
What is Direct-to-Full
An alternative way of getting a Full licence, without the need to go through the current 3-tier (Foundation > Intermediate > Full) route.
Who is Direct-to-Full for?
It’s primarily aimed at people looking to get a licence who already have a solid knowledge of electronics and/or RF.
It’s also available to existing Foundation & Intermediate licence-holders looking to jump to ‘a Full’ licence who feel they have sufficient knowledge to pass this alternative exam.
How does Direct-to-Full work?
The exam has 75 questions, lasts for 2.5 hours and is only available online (no paper version available). No practical assessments.
This option will be online-only via “remote invigilation”.
When will this be available?
From the 21st of January 2023
What’s the cost?
£95.
Direct-to-Full Mock Paper
The RSGB has released a mock exam paper – RSGB Mock Papers
Direct-to-Full Syllabus
The RSGB has released a 42-page syllabus, which broadly matches the current 3-tier syllabus (v1.5)
What is the structure of the exam?
The Direct-to-Full exam will consist of two parts, which are sat in the same session, both of which have to be passed. The first part has a higher pass mark, presumably to satisfy Ofcom that licence conditions are clearly understood – those from an electronics or RF background may potentially be ‘weak’ on the amateur radio specifics, which is why we guess the bar is a little higher for the first part.
Direct-to-Full Exam: Part 1
Part 1 has 18 questions with a pass mark of 14 questions (77.7% pass mark)
| Syllabus Section | # of questions |
| Licensing conditions and station identification | 12 |
| Operating practices and procedures | 6 |
Direct-to-Full Exam: Part 2
Part 2 has 57 questions with a pass mark of 36 questions (63.2% pass mark)
| Syllabus Section | # of questions |
| Technical aspects | 10 |
| Transmitters and receivers | 11 |
| Feeders and antennas | 8 |
| Propagation | 5 |
| Electromagnetic compatibility | 10 |
| Safety | 8 |
| Measurements and construction | 5 |
Back to RAE?
It’s not gone unnoticed that this could be seen as a return to an RAE-style system, and it will be interesting to see how popular this route is, both with newcomers looking for a single exam, and for existing amateurs looking for a potential “shortcut” to upgrade to a Full licence.
Direct-to-Full History
The idea of Direct-to-Full was put out for public consultation in February 2021. The results have yet to be shared by RSGB, but Essex Ham ran its own independent Direct-to-Full survey in 2021, which showed 85.8% of respondents supported the introduction of this route of entry. Read more here: Direct to Full
Video Overview
We put together the following video in 2022, answering some common questions:
Related links
Got any thoughts on the changes? Please add a comment below
Oh yes, sounds great!!! Practical is not really so practical in an age where everything is available off the shelf and you need to understand how it’s works together rather than be able to build it. I’m in!!!
Great. Seems a good idea to jump up to full license. The practical part of the exam was outdated in My opinion, as with new micro circuits in radio’s, they are ment to be taken apart. Bandplans, power output, antennas and safety are more important. All so how to use the equipment on air. Correct terminology and phonetic codes.
Apparently, 55% of the old ARE were equal to today’s Foundation licence, but with practical tests later abandoned.
In line with the introduction of this new exam, it would be great to see the UK Foundation licence brought in line with US Technicians Licence with an increase to 200 watts erp made.
I am glad to see that the proposal to time limit the Foundation Licence and give a gibberish new call-sign, in 2013, appears to have been scrapped.
That is not the way to encourage less able Foundation Licence holders to remain in the hobby, or even join it.
Mike. M7WGX
For “ARE” Read RAE, of course!
Amateur radio was all about practical.
it’s all about experimenting building and repairing.
if you want to buy it off the shelf and talk, buy a CB.
Yes, it’s true that the focus many years ago was on construction, but as with all things, times have changed. Sure, those interested in construction are still free to enjoy that aspect of our hobby, whilst others find interests in other aspects of what the hobby has to offer. It’s great that we all have the freedom to do what we enjoy in the hobby, and to let those who have different interests have their freedom too.
Will there be any online coarses for those who wish to do this?
The syllabus has only just been released, so trainers will need time to look at the feasibility of this. Given the material is largely the same, existing books and courses should cover most of the material.
Doesn’t worry me at the minute as I can’t seem to pass my foundation as promises promises from other members promise to help me but they don’t all I do is listen to radio amateurs it’s boring mind I suppose it’s life a lot of amateurs who have seen my set up say it’s really good but I’m afraid I don’t get any help from them a very big let down
Don’t give up Leon. Here in Huntingdon we have amateurs willing to assist and guide you. Have a look at our Web page Hunts-Hams. Or contact your local club. Best of luck
John(G0FIK)
Leon, If thats the sad way you are being treated then go it alone and spend as much time
“reading the book”. Keep it in mind what you want to achieve and with single minded focus
from your desire, then you will pass. I know, it happened to me and as an old man 71 in 2011,
I passed the foundation. from there I went on to finally pass the advanced (MM0HCO) This was from a lifetime of thinking I could in no way ever reach this standard needed to pass — to me a very difficult exam. You will do it, Go for it!
Where are you located?
Hi Pete, M0PSX
Its something I will look at and probably enrol on, I enjoyed the process of the foundation qualification. I will watch with anticipation.
Regards
Gerry M7GER
Sounds really good. I would be up for it to get to Full Licence Quicker.
This is great news. My son and I have just passed our Foundation exam and were contemplating studying for the Intermediate and then Full. This appears to be a much simpler route to Full.
That said, as it will be introduced from 01-Jan-2023, it’s likely we’ll continue with Intermediate and then Full and hopefully obtain Full before (or shortly) after the direct route is introduced.
It’ll be interesting to learn whether the new route skips information or simplifies the process meaning that in effect a direct-to-Full qualification is not as “good” as the current 3-stage process.
Back to the future….. 3Hour C&G written exam and a CW test ….. simple!
Superb news. It widens the choice of pathways to progression and offers those who are able to, a fast track to a full licence. Very importantly all available online. I can also see many from other countries also paying to do this in the UK and get their own country’s licence under HAREC. It may even persuade other countries who still have an archaic system with limited opportunities to allow people to sit the exam, to do something similar. An important development, which I would wager needed to be fought for within the four walls at RSGB HQ.
Step in the right direction maybe. Might be worth discussing a part 1 & part 2 – to split up the technical / Safety aspectsof advanced engineering?
Noel GI4MQA .sounds a good idea.. the more amateurs the better.
Re “It’s also open to existing Foundation & Intermediate licence-holders looking to jump to ‘Full’, using their existing knowledge and experience.”
As an existing Intermediate, currently studying for full, I fail to see how this would be of benefit to me? Understandably, for Foundation licence holders it will skip Intermediate, but if one is already Intermediate? Maybe I’m missing something…
At Intermediate, you would have a choice:
Existing option: Answer 58 questions which are all based on the Full syllabus, or
New option: Answer 75 questions, many of which are Foundation and Intermediate-level questions that you’ve already covered in previous studies. 18 questions are on licensing and operating, which you probably already know.
Which would you prefer?
Interesting point, Pete; I’d not considered that. Given where I am currently, I’m inclined to just finish my Full studies, concentrate on just that syllabus and hopefully sit the exam in the next few months. If I were to wait for the direct to full, I feel I’d need to revisit my Intermediate studies which I found a significant jump from Foundation; a fair bit of additional work, although I do like the idea of some pretty much ‘guaranteed’ free marks from Foundation (which, in my opinion, was pretty easy)
I know of several 2E0s who really like the idea of sitting an exam that they potentially know answers to at least half the questions already, who are keenly waiting for this to get rolled out. ;)
Yep, I can see that.
I’m one of them.
That is a very good point Pete.
It’s interesting how the exams have evolved over the years; expanding into three parts, removing CW and the practical and now finally offering one exam again.
Seems to me there’s an awful and disturbing misunderstanding regarding the RAE and it’s direct connection to becoming a radio ham…..it’s a test to see if you measure up to the required technical standards and operating procedures ….. it is NOT a right of passage where, if you get everything wrong, you fail, that’s life, stop bitching about it.
This was a professional body, and up to a point it still is today but the RSGB have done us no favours at all with continued watering down of the level of knowledge required to get a pass. Back to Basics…..full 3 hour written exam……plus…..CW at 12 wpm and keep the RSGB out of the equation altogether.
We can’t all be brain surgeons, some of us have to drive a bus……G4HZI
Great news indeed Pete, even better news if EssexHam take the training onboard. There are so many people in the U.K. who see you as a trusted provider and would jump at the opportunity to take their training further with your help.
Stan (M7MGP)
Thanks Stan. I think the aim of the new Direct-to-Full is that it’s perfect for those with pre-existing knowledge and experience of RF and electronics, so courses probably won’t be needed. For those without that knowledge and experience, the 3-tier system is a better choice, and there are several online and club-based courses already in place for that.
Say for example an M1 wants to get M0, would this be a pass to that route? I’m a bit sceptical about this exam path personally.
M1 and M0 are both Full callsigns so currently have exactly the same privileges. There’d be zero point in someone who already holds a UK Full licence taking an exam to get a UK Full licence.
Sounds perfect and I’ll certainly engage with it.
Phil
M7MTZ
Sounds great to me…..count me in
As an “old timer”, to me it seems a good idea for new entrants to the hobby to have a choice. The more people the better. With the old RAE we did not have to fret through three stages as it was a one-off, but the current system may still suit a lot of people. I am all for choice.
This is great news as I was thinking of doing the intermediate exam but will hold of on this untill it is known for sure.
I passed my foundation through Essex Ham and would hope that this will be available through them as well.
I have always been interested in Ham radio from a very early age but my ability to study and find time has been very limited.
Look forward to the outcome of this great opportunity.
M7CGA
I think any thing which can help someone who has the ability and wants to take the full exam would in my mind would be a benefit to all . Being a old timer I took the R A E .
Great news! I also passed my foundation through Essex Ham and I was considering go for the intermediate later this year. This sounds like a great option.
Whilst not a member, I encouraged the RSGB, via their consultation, to offer this route. I came to Amateur Radio after G3RXQ encouraged me to gain my licence as part of our UKQRM fight against PLT (and other sources of QRM). As a C.B. veteran, and an HNC qualified Electronics Engineer, I found the Foundation training a little frustrating. The brilliant people at Cambridge Wireless University Society had to explain to me what the squelch did … because it was on the syllabus. They were quite pleased to see me turn up with an actual radio project for the Intermediate hardware assessment. They were thinking of banning plant moisture-meters…
Hopefully the straight-to-full route will encourage Electrical and Electronic Engineers and Technicians, who have perhaps hesitated at the thought of the three tier approach, to join us in this wonderful STEM hobby.
To those who have started at the beginning: I wish you all the best in your studies. There is nothing wrong in working your way through the three levels and learning electronics and radio as you go. The straight-to-full is aimed at those of us that did/do this kind of thing as a day-job. I used to glow at 900 MHz, and I’m fi…, I’m fi.. I’m OK!
Correction: Cambridge University Wireless Society
I took my RAE back in 1989. I asked Ofcom if i could get my licence using those City & guilds. They gave me a Foundation licence. I did question this as i thought the RAE would have got me a full licence. Bearing in mind, you no longer need the Morse.
So i was going to work to intermediate next. Why would i have to sit another exam when i did it back in1989. ???
If you have your C&G certificate or your old licence as proof of a Full licence, Ofcom should issue you with a Full licence and callsign. You’d need to send in that proof by post and fill in a paper application – many people have successfully done that. See https://www.essexham.co.uk/reinstate-amateur-radio-licence for details on how the process works. I’d be interested to know what reason they gave you for this. It may be worth you contacting Ofcom to discuss this (hint: often a phone call works better than an email, for things like this)
Pete. I took my exams back then. After that my Electrical business took off & i never bothered getting a licence. It was only 2 weeks ago, now retired. That i contacted Ofcom (By phone) they said fill in the forms & return with copies of City & guilds RAE exam pass. I did this & they gave me a Foundation licence. I rang them back & asked them why only a foundation licence. The reply was that is what you must start with & then take the other exams to advance. Should i take this further or am i flogging a dead cat.
Have a look at the link I provided – this shows the process, and has numerous comments from people who’ve been able to get a Full licence this way.
I am also aware of at least one amateur who just passed the old RAE decades ago and successfully obtained a full ticket recently. I have found OfCom to be very helpful when I have given them a phone call and pleasantly surprised, how easy it is to speak to an actual person who understands what amateur radio is about.
It’s summer and knowledgeable Ofcom staff go off on holiday.
Whoever you spoke to clearly didn’t have a clue.
If they still try to fob you off ask to speak to the manager and get their name. A C&G RAE pass will get you a Full M0 licence
Not before time. If I had to have gone through the current route, I wouldn’t have even bothered.
As I read this, the first thing that came into my head was ‘back to the RAE’ and then I reached your section with that exact heading.
This is great news, it will allow those who have the technical knowledge to go straight to a full licence with just a little study for the first paper.
Im waiting to see what the Full exam will include from 1 September. I’m trying to complete before that date to avoid the changes!
The syllabus for 1st of September is available for review now – key change is the new EMF licence conditions. See https://rsgb.services/public/exams/specifications/220217_syllabus_version_1.5_change_log_for_publication.pdf for details of the changes
I DONT THINK IT IS GOING TO SWELL THE RANKS OF AMATUER RADIO AND WHO REALLY NEEDS THIS IN THIS DAY OF TECHNICAL WIZARDY,THE MOBILE PHONE AND OTHER GADGETS ARE EASIER AND CAN TALK ALL DAY EVERY DAY AND THE COST OF AMATUER RADIO OUTWEIGHS THE BENEFITS.IT WILL BE SHORT LIVED AS ALL OTHER RECENT EXAMS HAVE BECOME/SHOULD HAVE IMPROVED THE FOUNDATION ETC
This isn’t designed to swell the ranks, it’s to provide a route to the minority of newcomers who have a solid existing electronics knowledge (and so don’t need to go through the basic Foundation material first)
As for mobile phones, this is a hobby – people tend to get into amateur radio for fun, not out of a need to be able to make contact. Fishing is a popular hobby in the UK, and most anglers don’t go fishing to catch a fish that you could buy in a supermarket – they take part in their hobby because they enjoy doing so.
As a 2E1 now had this 22 years I seriously need to read & read again. Where do you suggest as a starting point?
Interested just not rushing into it.
I’d suggest getting hold of the Full Licence training manual and having a look through that – and then perhaps take a couple of Intermediate and Full mock tests – that should help you decide how much study you’ll think you need, and which option is right for you.
This is at long last a step in the right direction. It was always a mistake to put obstacles in the path of those who were well qualified in electronics, maths and science and even those with appropriate degrees had to pass two tests before moving on to a full licence. The C and G, RAE was an excellent study system with a national standard and a excellent qualification, appropriate to enhance anyone’s CV. The system should now be further enhanced, by making the existing path to ‘full ticket’ time limited and progressive, as it should always have been and as many of us thought it was intended to be. Well done RSGB for realising that this change was long overdue. We look forward to welcoming many more well qualified ‘amateurs’ to our ranks.
Even those with multiple degrees in the sciences forget the basics at times and mistakes occur.
Akin to you have your driving licence, so you must know how to drive a class 1 hgv. We all make mistakes, it’s how we learn, so whilst it can be highly frustrating to have to sit exam after exam just to get on air, for peace of mind and safety, surely it is time well spent ?
It is interesting that they haven’t tried a time based assessment much like the GCSE is to the O level. In an age where pretty much every bit of information is online, so the potential for cheating would appear higher.
Curious as to the change after all the potential book sales and income from exams for the RSGB. Do they not need the money ?!
Exams are cost neutral/non-profit and to study for the new D2F you would need all three textbooks, so no change for RSGB
My comment would be if it’s not broken don’t fix it. The three tear system works well and allows unscientific people to absorb the many facets of ham radio. We must remember
the the horse designed by a committee ended up a camel.
73 Alan 2E0HNH
Not many have picked up on the fact that you have to pass both parts, meaning that you cannot ‘off-set’ weak technical knowledge with stronger non-technical knowledge, which is the case in the three-tier exams. It is also worth noting that because there are fewer questions covering the same material as the three tiers, it wil be harder to be tactical in sitting the exam; you will need to know all of the three tier material to be sure that you are going to be able to answer all of the questions.
As far as I can see, this new exam is not an easier option, unless you are ‘pre-qualified’ in radio electronics. I have come across many more students who failed the old single exam but progressed well through the three levels than I have those who could have gone direct to full, and most of them were licensed in non-CEPT countries.
I am pleased to see the option made available, but do not seeing it being a popular route.
I don’t think the intention is to make the new system an ‘easier option’ , but to encourage those with an interest in the hobby to take one examination and where they have a background in the discipline and with some appropriate technical qualifications. Having to pass three tests to obtain a full ticket was always going to be a ‘deterrent’ for those who were more than capable of safely operating an amateur radio station. I think many of the comments here agree with this and that its a good move/ return to what was always a challenging system of testing many decades ago and which required hard work and dedication. I am referring to the G and G RAE era.
I didn’t progress past Foundation as the Intermediate practical course would have flummoxed me (I’m colour blind so identifying resistors is difficult to say the least) although I understand that as a result of Covid the practical side has been dropped?
I wouldn’t mind giving it a go.
Jeff M7KEC
Have a look at the Peak Electronic Design Ltd LCR 40. I have used one for years, makes component identification and values easy. I find it difficult seeing the colour code rings and numbers on resistors, capacitors etc and have good colour vision.
Hey, we need more amateurs on-air to save our precious spectrum allocations from commercial exploitation.
However, the deletion of examined practical activity looks like a further example of dumbing-down and de-skilling.
If you really want a licence then you’ll do whatever it takes to get it!
Don’t regard it as a right, regard it as an earned privilege.
I didn’t get where I am today by exams-made-easy plus dumbing-down and de-skilling.
And another thing, don’t just accept expensive black-boxes on shelves for sale.
Find out what’s inside and learn to fix it when it goes phut!
If you can’t then learn to make your own.
That’s smart!
Dave G7GZC
The practical aspects were introduced with the three tier system, prior to that there were none. With the proposed single exam system there appears to be a strong technical content and I suspect that most of those opting for this route will already have a fair experience of the subject. We are effectively going back to the old RAE arrangement, so no dumbing down.
What a great idea! This seems to have been well thought out, even the way the scoring has been set realising that having a strong Electronics/RF background doesn’t translate into being strong at licence conditions! I would be seriously interested to look at this route! Thanks again Pete for getting me this far.
Glad I was held up from doing my licence by other commitments, I’ll definitely go for this…
When, after decades of inactivity, I reapplied for my licence OFCOM needed my C&G RAE cert and copy of my 1960s licence. It went seamlessly.
Sadly the RGB issued a new member number, said they had no records even though I had a welcome letter from G6JP. Don’t suppose it realy matters!
The direct to full seems very right, I dont see construction as being important these days provided the sylabus includes test and measurement.
Mike G8EJN
Sounds like an error. Give Ofcom Spectrum Licensing a call – they should be able to sort this for you.
Seems a good idea especially with buying equipment off the shelf.
Very good news indeed.
With this measure at least anyone that operates in a boat does not have to do three exams.
Cheers,
I am definitely interested in this. I think it’s great and I am in !
M7SLB
David G8UOD
This is going back to the old City and Guilds exam, which was in two parts to get a ‘B’ license then take the Post Office morse test.
The old C&G use to be in two parts technical and regulations.
I see no reason for anybody who is technically competent taking this type of exam.
Having said all that, things have changed over the past 40 years with technology being more complicated to work on with smaller components, the math and calculations are still the same, we just have mobile phones that have scientific calculators, far more powerful than the old slide rule.
It would be really great if you guys offered an online course for this. I would certainly sign up for it!
M7CGQ/V31ZA
The new Direct-to-Full is aimed at those you already have the right level of electronics and RF experience not to need much in the way of training, so I doubt there will be many courses running for this nationally. for those who need courses for Intermediate and Full, these are available from several online providers as well as from some clubs
I am in, where do I sign up
M7NJJ
Patience! Exams launch in January 2023, so plenty of time to buy the books, or find a course, and start studying.
Any idea what the cost will be? There seems no information on the RSGB site. A forum posting suggests it will be £100, but I found no other confirmation of this.
Plenty of other ways to study, including material freely available online and the various free courses out there, as well as training and support from local clubs. Many people are choosing to go down the online course route as opposed to visiting clubs or studying from text books. As it states above, Direct-to-Full is aimed at those who have significant knowledge and experience already, who probably won’t need the books.
I’m glad they are doing this now. I am a seagoing marine engineer and I could have passed the Full exam from the beginning. Instead, I had to go through Foundation, Intermediate and Full and it took me years to get through them because the exams were all held at times which suited the radio club as they tried to get multiple candidates through training and onto an exam together. I was always at sea when these exams were held so I missed all the exam dates. Furthermore, I had to shop around the clubs, because some clubs were only interested in putting you onto an exam if you attended regularly and I could not. If only I could have just done one exam online from the very beginning, I would have been licensed almost a decade ago.
Not only that, but the practicals were a massive barrier for me too because not only did I have to wait for an exam date that suited both me and the club, I had to get through all the practicals as well, on dates which only suited the club. I would miss the practicals multiple times as well due to working away. It took me two years just to get through all the Foundation practicals!
Yes, Direct-to-Full is very welcome and overdue in my opinion.
This is how it should have been right from the beginning of the current system. I’m sure that the need to take multiple exams put some people off trying. When I became interested in the hobby myself, in the late 1950s, I was at uni taking electronics and the idea of having to go through the process of three exams would have been a positive deterrent. Also, as an instructor for the Foundation licence I found it almost embarrassing to be lecturing on basic electrical circuits to students with degrees in the subject!
This belief that only people who are professionally involved in radio or electronics would have the knowledge to take the direct exam is wrong. I’m a building surveyor, and also in my RAE class in 1975 were motor mechanics, roof tilers, plumbers, and artisan foundry engineers. Very few were professionally involved in “the business”
About 75% of us got through on the first try, and most those remaining, on the second. That’s how it was then, and it was totally accepted.
Yes, things changed a couple of decades ago, as a result of City & Guilds pulling out due to falling demand. Lack of demand coupled with no exam body meant that something had to be changed – I appreciate that you may not have agreed with that decision at the time, but we are where we are, and had something not been done, there was a very real possibility of the number of newcomers completely drying up.
I don’t think it’s particularly fair or helpful to brand anyone who’s entered the hobby in the last twenty years as an “idiot”. There are numerous examples of less than perfect people being in the hobby prior to 2003, and I gather repeater abuse today is pretty minimal, and nothing like it was back in the RAE days.
There will soon see a route for entry like the pre-2003 exams (albeit today’s Full is harder than the old RAE), for those who prefer not to use the 3-tier system. If there’s demand for this, as I guess you’re hoping, we’ll have to wait a little while to gauge how popular this route will be.
Thanks for putting me off bothering getting into amateur radio.
Your attitude and that shown on your QRZ page shows the single biggest reason ham radio has lost the good users and has been taken over by such idiots you detest.
Reap what you sow.
Don’t be put off by people like this as they are fortunately in a tiny, tiny minority. Amateur radio has changed and evolved over the years and some people don’t cope well with change, or tolerance of others. Talk to active passionate amateurs, listen to the bands, and use that as the basis for your decision, not the bitter remarks of one individual who refuses embrace change.
Hello EssexHam! Just before Christmas, I studied the online Foundation Course with EssexHam, and delighted myself by passing! Thank you for developing the course and for making it available online and for free! Much appreciated :-)
As you report above, a Direct-to-Full amateur radio licence exam will be available to sit from 21 Jan 2023.
Is EssexHam developing an online course for studying towards this Direct-to-Full exam?
If so, is there an anticipated launch date for the new EssexHam Direct-to-Full online course?
Thank you for your kind attention!
No plans for a Direct-to-Full course. This new exam is intended for those who already have a solid knowledge of electronics and RF, so a course may not be needed for most candidates taking this route. For those not confident in the material, there are courses for Intermediate and Full.
Passed the foundation exam in amateur radio this week.
I have used radios most of my working life and never had any kind of radio licence or training other than learning the phonetic alphabet, radio codes, call signs, changing channels and knowing how to use a repeater. I never ever came close to a soldering iron or resistor and never once had a case of someone abusing the airwaves.
Until recently I never knew what was in a radio, how it worked, frequencies, bands, the ionosphere or where the signals were coming from until studying this course. I also now know why, on many occasions in the 1980’s, I was listening to french trawler captains coming out the speaker!
For me the magic of radio is the gradual understanding and knowledge of communication through thin air without wires; so if I want to progress I will probably take it in two exams instead of one.
My only final comment is that having seen many changes in all walks of life in education , work or hobbies you must always remember to keep looking forward, you can’t go back to the good old days because they never existed.
Anyone reading the above may want to understand the motivations behind posts by individuals like this. They should also appreciate that these are the views of a very tiny number of individuals who disagree with the decision made over 20 years ago to introduce a 3-tier system, and haven’t been able to move on.
There are 3 individuals out there who appear to enjoy attacking or ridiculing anyone who’s decided to take up the hobby this century. They don’t appear to appreciate that if no new people took up the hobby, it would cease to exist, and appear to prefer to see the hobby die, than to evolve and move with the times. Rather than quietly getting on with enjoying their hobby and letting others enjoy it in a different way, they gain enjoyment from belittling others and taking out their frustrations at losing a battle 20 years ago. Be assured that this is a very minority view, and in all walks of life, there are people who enjoy conflict for the sake of conflict.
Readers may be interested to know that the old RAE exams which have been referred to here are far more simple than today’s exams. An RAE exam is roughly comparable to an Intermediate exam today. A Full exam today is considerably more challenging than a ‘back in the day’ RAE, and covers a much wider range of topics.
The idea that anyone who’s passed the entry level exam to get started this century must therefore automatically be ‘an idiot’ is patently ridiculous, and hopefully readers will be able to see the true colours of anyone who shares such views.
The best advice is to ignore the handful of individuals who wish to drag the hobby backwards decades in time – enjoy the hobby along with the other 99.9% of the amateur radio community.
I note that M5ADW appears to visit idiot websites, and quite rightly so. In the not too distant future, he/ she will be leading a very lonely life because there will be very few other amateurs left. Not everybody has the desire to understand how a radio works, no more than I need to know the intricacies of how a telephone works or, indeed, a computer with which I can send messages all over the world. If I wanted to know how a radio works I would have studied the subject many years ago. However, I would just like to contact individuals by radio in various parts of the world. I fail to see why it is important to know how to construct a radio before I can do that. Surely, the correct operating procedure would be sufficient but I am sure M5ADW will set me straight on that.
I have used radios almost every day of my working life. Apart from having brief instructions in their use I managed to do so quite adequately without incinerating myself or others. In addition, as the holder of a pilot’s licence I managed to operate aircraft without flying into mountains or into areas where I shouldn’t have gone, admittedly after passing an examination in the use of the radio. That was years ago and no separate exam is required today. At one time, in my youth, I was also the owner of a CB radio, for which, of course, no exam pass was required. Many occupations require the use of radios, such as bus drivers, taxi drivers, security officers etc. The list is endless. So why are they not required to sit any exam?
Perhaps it is because the RSGB are making out the very important matter (not) of understanding exactly how a radio is put together, how antennae’s are constructed, propagation etc. I will acknowledge that it is important that individuals understand the consequences of failing to set up correctly the radio and antenna but the obvious course of action is for everything to be examined by the proper authorities or individuals before it is put to use.
I am a reasonably intelligent individual and have passed lots of exams and courses in my 71 years on this planet. I have had jobs which others can only dream of. But I am not an electronically minded person. I would not describe myself as an idiot, as inferred by M5ADW. Just as there are many dyslexic individuals in the world, I must have a form of dyslexia concerning electronics and radio block diagrams.
I should be able to pass the Foundation Licence examination, but not by memorising the manual as outlined by M5ADW, but by studying it and understanding it. As for the Intermediate exam, I must admit to being in a bit of a quandary. Is it worth the effort, what with the likelihood of forthcoming changes to the syllabus approaching ? Perhaps I will sit it, but I am not building up my hopes. As for the full licence……..
For your info, I sat the RSGB two tier exam about 35 years ago, passed one failed the technical one as expected.
73’s
David G
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Sounds like my G7 licence (which the government kindly upgraded, when they scrapped the morse requirement, which I hadn’t done, as I went off to university, shortly after getting my licence. then didn’t return to amateur radio for a few years).
The academic year at night school once a week, at the local college, was useful to gain actual technical knowledge, and was paid for by my employer, as I worked in business radio systems.
Just after I got the licence the foundation etc licences were introduced.
I’m guessing my employer would of stuck me on one of those instead, if available.
The full technical licence training was challenging but enjoyable.
Not sure about being able to just rock up online, and take the exam without formal training.
You could literally use Chat GPT or similar AI, to answer all the questions, with zero knowledge or study beforehand.
Last year only 44% of people who sat Direct-to-Full passed. This would seem to indicate that students are going into this exam unprepared.
The exam is monitored over webcam by an invigilator, so no access to Chat-GPT.
There’s a mock paper on the RSGB site if you fancy giving it a go?