How much does a ham radio licence cost in the UK?

RSGB exam fees as of October 2026

The fee is the same whether you sit the exam at home with a remote invigilator or at a club. Direct to Full is a single two-part exam for people who already know related technical subjects well. You pay each level separately, so going from Foundation to Full the usual way costs £119.50 in exam fees.

The licence itself is free

After you pass, you apply for your licence on Ofcom’s online licensing system with your candidate number. There’s no charge online, and you can print your licence and use your call sign straight away.

Paper applications by post may cost a fee, and so may getting back a licence you let lapse. To keep it valid, you must confirm your details with Ofcom at least once every five years, and that’s free online.

Ways to pay less

• Free courses: the Essex Ham and OARC Foundation courses cost nothing, and many local clubs don’t charge either.
• Exam funding: the Radio Communication Foundation pays for the Foundation exam for people under 21 in full-time education.
• Free study material: the RSGB syllabus, mock papers and EX307 reference booklet are free to download.

Books and equipment

The RSGB’s Foundation Licence Manual for Radio Amateurs (2025 edition) is £7.99, or £5.99 for RSGB members. It covers everything in the Foundation exam.

Equipment is a separate cost, and you don’t need any to pass. Some people start with a cheap handheld for 2 m, others spend much more on an HF station. Ask at a local club before you buy. Members often lend or sell second-hand kit.

If you sit more than one exam on the same day

You can book several levels for one day. But if you fail the lower one, you can’t sit the higher ones and you lose their fees. It’s usually safer to pass one level before booking the next.