Training
Courses Overview
If you wish to obtain an amateur radio licence there are a series of examinations you must pass depending on how far you wish to pursue the hobby.
There are 3 different examinations:
Sparks At The Shed Radio Club can currently teach and examine the Foundation and Intermediate levels and provide assistance with and examine the Full.
Each course level takes your knowledge of radio and electronics skills to a greater level and also enables you to use higher levels of power.
The national society (RSGB) provides books to accompany each course which can be obtained directly from their website or Amazon.
The Foundation and Intermediate examinations are marked on site by our examination invigilators and you will be given an indication on the night of your result, the final confirmation will come in the post usually within a week as the answer sheet is optically scanned and marked.
Once you have passed the Foundation/Intermediate examination you may immediately apply for a Foundation / Intermediate call sign which will be available from the OFCOM website after approximately 5 working days.
Each examination consists of a multiple choice paper which as you progress increases in number.
Here are a series of FAQ's which cover most topics, if there is something we have not covered or you wish to ask please use the Contact Us link and we will get back to you as soon as possible..
Do I need a technical background?
No, most of the course is taught assuming you have no knowledge of the subject, if you do have a radio or electronics background we can adapt the course to your requirements.
Is there an age restriction?
No, as long you think you are capable we are prepared to teach you.
Where are the courses held?
At the club premises at the Preseli Men's Shed.
How long does the course last?
Until you and the tutors think you are capable of passing the examination and have completed the practical parts of the course. This could be as little as six weeks if you have the appropriate background.
How much does it cost to do the course?
If you wish to obtain an amateur radio licence there are a series of examinations you must pass depending on how far you wish to pursue the hobby.
There are 3 different examinations:
- Foundation;
- Intermediate; and
- Full.
Sparks At The Shed Radio Club can currently teach and examine the Foundation and Intermediate levels and provide assistance with and examine the Full.
Each course level takes your knowledge of radio and electronics skills to a greater level and also enables you to use higher levels of power.
The national society (RSGB) provides books to accompany each course which can be obtained directly from their website or Amazon.
The Foundation and Intermediate examinations are marked on site by our examination invigilators and you will be given an indication on the night of your result, the final confirmation will come in the post usually within a week as the answer sheet is optically scanned and marked.
Once you have passed the Foundation/Intermediate examination you may immediately apply for a Foundation / Intermediate call sign which will be available from the OFCOM website after approximately 5 working days.
Each examination consists of a multiple choice paper which as you progress increases in number.
Here are a series of FAQ's which cover most topics, if there is something we have not covered or you wish to ask please use the Contact Us link and we will get back to you as soon as possible..
Do I need a technical background?
No, most of the course is taught assuming you have no knowledge of the subject, if you do have a radio or electronics background we can adapt the course to your requirements.
Is there an age restriction?
No, as long you think you are capable we are prepared to teach you.
Where are the courses held?
At the club premises at the Preseli Men's Shed.
How long does the course last?
Until you and the tutors think you are capable of passing the examination and have completed the practical parts of the course. This could be as little as six weeks if you have the appropriate background.
How much does it cost to do the course?
- The costs for the course, examination and the club are as follows:-
- Course Manuals start at £5 from the RSGB or Amazon
- Club Membership for a calendar year (£10 Full member)
- Preseli Men's Shed for a calendar year (£5)
- To assist with our premises rental each member also pays a sub of £1 per visit to the Preseli Men's Shed
- Course fees are payable to the trainer and are typically £2 per lesson
- We normally start at a time to meet the needs of the candidates and tutor.
- Normally just a pen & paper will be sufficient