Intermittent flow
The UK license is very useful for Chinese amateur radio operators (HAMs), because:
- Has bilateral agreements with many countries, allowing for short-term operations or obtaining local long-term licenses (covering almost the entire European region, including Russia, as well as the United States, Japan, and numerous Commonwealth nations).
- Both exam verification and setup can be handled online. There are many exam slots available, and there are no long-term maintenance costs.
- The English exam does not have significant language barriers.
- Because political slogans can be written in various ways, you can choose whichever one you prefer.
However, there are also some drawbacks:
- The exam is very difficult and does not have a question bank; it requires a certain level of English proficiency.
- Only "Full License" allows for operation overseas.
- The exam fees are quite expensive.
Introduction
I started my studies in the UK in 2021, and after settling in, I obtained a full license. At that time, the British licensing system was very unfriendly for overseas students (you had to take all levels of exams, Full License required an in-person exam, and setting up the account required sending mail...). However, since the reforms, it has become much more convenient, and you can now obtain a Full License through online exams. It's time to recommend the British license to everyone.
I saw a domestic HAM operating under FCC regulations. & JA licenses are more numerous, but many FCC licenses have bilateral clauses that require the licensee to be a U.S. citizen, making them impractical for use outside of the United States. The number of regions where JA license bilateral agreements are signed is limited, and often requires applications to be submitted to the operating country. Licenses issued under the UK and other CEPT regulations do not have such requirements; simply holding the license entitles you to benefits.
Exam Information
The amateur radio licensing system in the UK is broadly similar to that of other countries, with three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Full. The Foundation level allows the use of frequencies outside of microwave bands, with a power limit of 10W. The Intermediate level allows the use of all frequencies, permits the use of homemade stations, and allows for remote operation (such as EchoLink), with a power limit of 50W. The Full level has a power limit of 400W and also allows operation overseas according to CEPT regulations. Both the Foundation and Intermediate levels can be obtained through local clubs registered with RSGB, while the Full level requires approval from RSGB. Candidates can choose to take the exams for both levels or directly pursue the Full level.
Exam Content
Regarding the exam content, the Foundation level requires completing 26 multiple-choice questions within 60 minutes (which are actually single-choice questions in both simulated and formal exams), with a passing score of answering 19 correctly. The syllabus is similar to the domestic A-level syllabus.
The Intermediate level requires completing 46 multiple-choice questions within 90 minutes (again, these are all single-choice questions), with a passing score of answering 28 correctly. The syllabus is slightly more in-depth than the domestic B-level syllabus, particularly regarding device principles, requiring familiarity with the propagation patterns of different atmospheric layers, color code resistors, and other similar topics.
The Full level requires completing 58 questions within 120 minutes, with a passing score of answering 35 correctly. The overall syllabus is more challenging than the domestic C-level syllabus, requiring a good understanding of modulation and demodulation circuits, as well as concepts related to digital signal processing such as Fourier Transform and Nyquist frequency. While the passing requirements are not excessively high, it does not require mastery of every single concept.
The Full exam itself is 150 minutes long, divided into two parts with different passing requirements for each part. The exam allows the use of reference materials provided by RSGB, which include frequency ranges and common formulas (which do not need to be memorized), as well as a standard calculator. However, unlike the FCC and domestic licensing exams, the exam question bank is not publicly available; instead, only the syllabus, a practice exam, and a "knowledge manual" for each level are provided.
Materials
The syllabus can be viewed at:https://rsgb.org/main/clubs-training/for-trainers/syllabus-2019/
Sample exam questions can be found here:https://rsgb.org/main/clubs-training/training-resources/mock-exams/
The knowledge manual can be obtained from:https://www.rsgbshop.org/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Training_19.html Purchase available; supports global standard mail. If you are interested, I can obtain a digital version.
Exam registration
Online exams can be taken from:https://rsgb.org/main/rsgb-examination-booking/ Registration requires a valid mailing address for the delivery of the "operation certificate". Payment can be made by credit card. The prices for the four exams are £32 (Foundation), £36 (Intermediate), £42 (Full), and £95 (Direct Full exam). You can use services like AnyTime Mailbox or UK Postbox to forward your British mailing address, or you can PM me.
Exam process
For online exams, Zoom is typically used for remote meetings. After making a reservation, all communication will be conducted via email. The proctor will contact you to schedule a preliminary test of your exam equipment. Foundation level only requires that the camera can see your face. Intermediate and higher levels also require you to use another device to record your keyboard in order to ensure that you are not cheating.
After taking the exam, you will immediately know whether you have passed. RSGB will then mail your certificate to the address you provided, which will include your "candidate number," which is also your "operating license."
Setup
Once you have obtained the necessary certificate, you can then apply for a license to operate with Ofcom (the UK communications regulator). For detailed information on the application process, please refer to the Ofcom documentation.https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/96504/Using-the-Ofcom-Online-Licensing-System-for-Amateur-and-Ship-Radio-Licences-User-Guide.pdf), the entire process is online and free, and the license is an electronic PDF that you can obtain immediately. You still need to provide a mailing address and a station address, but Ofcom generally does not contact you by mail. The license does not have a fixed expiration date, but Ofcom requires users to log in to the system every 5 years to verify that the call sign is still in use.
Usage
Due to its political history, the British callsign has a "RSL" associated with it.
Taking my callsign as an example, the callsign on my license is G#3HSO, where # represents RSL, which indicates the region of the callsign owner. Originally, this would be similar to the third digit in a domestic callsign, but in reality, British regulations allow users to use any valid RSL letters. I currently live in Scotland, so I chose the Scottish RSL - M, which is GM3HSO. However, using other RSLs is also legal, such as C for Wales, N for Northern Ireland, and E or omitting it for England.
Overseas operation
Use the Full License issued by the UK under CEPT T/R 61-01 for signatory countries (see:https://docdb.cept.org/download/2ae38a89-e58a/TR6101.pdf) Operation does not require any additional documentation besides proof of identity, only compliance with local regulations for equivalent licenses is necessary. I have operated using a UK license in several Western European countries without encountering any problems.
Similarly, a Full UK license can be used in CEPT T/R 61-02 signatory countries (see:https://docdb.cept.org/download/2569) Switching to a local, long-term license (typically the highest level of license). However, in some areas where the highest level of license requires passing the CW exam, additional CW exams or downgrading may be required.
Additional application is still required when operating in Japan:https://www.jarl.org/English/3_Application/A-3.htm
Other countries with bilateral agreements with the UK include Malaysia, Thailand, Qatar, and India. For specific rules, please refer to local administrative agencies.
Conclusion
Here's a brief overview of the various details used in the UK license exam, which will be helpful for overseas operators (HAMs) who need a license, as well as those who enjoy collecting licenses and want to challenge themselves. I hope everyone has fun!
de 73, GM3HSO / BH5HSO
闽ICP备2021006864号-7
闽公网安备35020602002794号
互联网举报中心