Foundation Radio Amateur Licence - BDARS Online Syllabus

The Foundation Amateur Radio Licence

The Foundation Amateur Radio Licence is part of a structured suite of three examinations designed to give access to the amateur radio bands.
All prospective radio amateurs must demonstrate a suitable level of competence and proficiency as a pre-requisite to holding a licence.
The Foundation Licence is the entry level to amateur radio. It is intended to provide an exciting introduction to the hobby whilst requiring an acceptable minimum level of skill and experience.
This syllabus sets out the requirements for the first tier in the 3 tier structure consisting of Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced licences.
Key Features.
· Part of a progressive system of learning designed to promote an understanding of radio communications science, technology and practise sufficient to allow the licensed operator to work safely on the amateur radio bands.
· Clear presentation of content for easy reference.
· The examination suite as a whole provides a backbone of theoretical knowledge whilst at the same time requiring ‘On-air’ experience and practical skills.
· A Syllabus Guide is available to accompany the syllabus amplifying syllabus points and assessment procedures.
· A student’s workbook is available covering the syllabus and is suitable for self-study if desired.
· Can be used within schools to enrich the Science and Technology curriculum.

The Assessment

Two methods of assessment are used.
A practical assessment detailed in section 8e of the syllabus requires demonstration of setting up a radio transmitter/receiver and correct on-air operating. These items must be assessed by a registered assessor who may also be the tutor. This is followed by a 25 question multiple choice examination, with 4 possible responses, which covers the remainder of the syllabus. The examination lasts 45 minutes. Papers are available at short notice and are marked locally with results normally available the same day.
Prior Learning and Progression.
As the entry point, no prior learning is required and the syllabus does not make any assumptions regarding formal education. There are no set age limits.
Progression is to the Intermediate licence and may be subsequently followed by the Advanced licence examination. The candidate may progress at his or her own pace, but must pass the examinations in ascending order. It is also a requirement that the practical assessment at each level must be completed before sitting that examination. It is permissible to undertake the practical assessment for a higher examination before sitting the lower exam but the candidate should normally sit the higher paper within 12 months of the relevant practical assessment.
Disabled Candidates.
Arrangements can be made for disabled candidates to demonstrate skills and knowledge by whatever means is judged appropriate. Where a physical disability renders a particular process unreasonable, the candidate may describe the process or talk somebody else through it.
Applications for special arrangements should be made to the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) and will normally require a medical certificate.
The syllabus.
The key points of study are shown under Assessment Objectives. The words “recall” and “understand” are used to denote differing levels of comprehension.
Recall indicates the need to recall a fact and apply it fairly directly to a question or situation. An in-depth understanding of why the fact is so and the full range of circumstances in which it is applicable, is not required. It is assumed the basic reasons and context will be covered in the training, if only to aid its retention and accept its truth, but those additional factors are not examined.
An example is objective 3b.1 which requires knowledge of the formula P=V´I, what the letters stand for and the ability to perform a calculation given any two of the factors. The question will not normally require the use of a calculator since no useful purpose is served by making the question arithmetically difficult. Another example is objective 1a.1. The candidate needs to know that amateur radio is non-commercial; and not used to discuss business or negotiate the sale of amateur equipment.
Understand indicates the need for a more detailed knowledge of the subject, understanding why the point is correct and the range of circumstances in which it is relevant and applicable.
Typically, this will be where the candidate will find themselves having to make judgements or apply a practice to a wider range of circumstances. 4b.6 is an example concerning over modulation where the candidate needs to appreciate the cause and effect and its implications so that there is a “personal incentive” to avoid the problems of over modulation. Also, in 9c.1, for example, regarding trailing wires, the student may meet a wide variety of situations and needs to be able to apply the basic rule to whatever circumstances occur. An ability to analyse the safety of the situation is needed which requires an understanding of how problems may develop and what different risks are involved.

Training.

Attendance at a training course is not compulsory but is very strongly advised. Many of the practical activities on-air require the presence of a licensed tutor to guide the candidate and correct errors as they occur. This is not readily achievable with reading material alone although multi-media distant learning materials will be of considerable benefit.
The practical assessments are intended to be interactive, so a candidate who is obliged to be self taught may demonstrate his or her skills and receive guidance should that be necessary. The topic is “signed off” once a good standard has been reached without coaching. Candidates are advised not to place too much reliance on this procedure since time may be limited and several candidates may need to be assessed.
Tutors are advised to read the Syllabus Guide also available from Ofcom (www.ofcom.org.uk). That document gives further explanation of each item and the type of examination questions that may be encountered. A sample question paper is also available.
Updates.
Updates to this syllabus will be made from time to time and the latest version can be obtained from the Ofcom website. Where the update involves a relevant change to the syllabus content, the date shown in the document title will be amended to show the new period of validity of the syllabus