Changes announced to Advanced Licence exam

Following discussions between the RSGB and Ofcom, changes will be made in the Advanced Radio Communications Examination, the examination that qualifies amateurs for the Full licence.

The changes have been made following the current pilot scheme, which has been in effect since the exam’s introduction in February 2004. To bring it into line with current educational practice, a Formula Sheet will be included in the exam material. This will allow candidates to concentrate on the concepts required, rather than having to memorise equations. In addition, the number of questions will be reduced to 62 from the current 68, to shift the emphasis more towards operating rather than electronic theory. The changes will come into effect from the beginning of 2005.

RSGB Board member Ed Taylor, G3SQX, said, “We proposed some amendments in the operation of the Advanced exam, following comments that the new exam was more technical than the old RAE. Ofcom agreed, and we are pleased that a way was found to implement changes without reducing the rigour of the system.”

To allow for the proposed changes to be implemented in March 2005, the Exam Group has requested that the previously-advertised exam timetable for 2005 be amended. The revised dates for the Advanced exam are now:

Wednesday 16 March, 1830 start
Tuesday 17 May, 1830 start
Saturday 9 July, 1430 start
Monday 22 August, 1830 start
Sunday 9 October, 1030 start

The dates of all Intermediate and Advanced examinations can be found on the RSGB website. The Foundation exam is available at 10 days short notice

Source: GB2RS News - Courtesy of the RSGB

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