How do I get a Full licence?
A question from a possible newcomer to ham radio:
“I am interested in taking the full licence,and would like some general information regarding the process. I have been advised by full licence operators that I should take a full licence test so I can become an amateur radio operator. Can you steer me in the right direction?”
There are two routes to getting a Full licence:
- Sit the Foundation exam, then the Intermediate exam, then finally the Full exam, or
- Sit the “Direct to Full” exam. This is aimed at those with a solid knowledge of electronics and/or RF theory, who don’t require the 3-step approach, which is aimed at beginners
How you study is up to you: self-study, online course or in-person training by a tutor or club.
The exams can be taken in 3 ways:
- Online from home monitored via webcam
- At a local exam centre on a computer, or
- At a local exam centre, on paper
Of course, you don’t have to go all the way to a Full licence if you don’t want to. You can get started on-air with a Foundation licence – many people are happy to stay at this level without upgrading to a higher licence. Some are happy to stay at Intermediate.
Hopefully that’s a high-level summary of the process.
