Foundation Study Guide 2026

Description

Are you studying for the UK amateur radio Foundation licence? The HamTrain Foundation Study Guide is designed to help you pass the Foundation exam with clear, focused explanations based on the current RSGB syllabus v1.6b.

Based on the popular Essex Ham Foundation Online course, which has helped more than 14,000 people prepare for their first amateur radio licence, this guide covers everything you need to pass the exam — and nothing you don’t.

Inside, you’ll find clear coverage of all key Foundation topics, including radio theory, transmitters, antennas, propagation, station setup, operating procedures, safety, interference, and the rules set by Ofcom. The guide is structured around the main exam sections, making it easy to revise in a logical and manageable way.

To support your preparation, the book also includes:
• a 26-question mock exam
• a glossary of common amateur radio terms and acronyms
• frequently asked exam questions
• diagrams, tables, and photos to support revision
• hints and tips on passing the exam and getting started after you qualify

The 2026 edition includes a new section on avoiding common exam pitfalls, extra clarification based on student feedback, and an improved layout for exam reference material. It also reflects the Ofcom licence updates introduced in 2024 and fully covers the current RSGB Foundation syllabus for exams from April 2025 onwards.

For best results, use alongside the HamTrain Foundation Mock Tests for realistic exam practice.