# Becoming a radio amateur

## The Morse Test

The requirement to pass a test in Morse code is no longer laid down by the International Telecommunications Union. The requirement was dropped from international regulations in July 2003, but has been retained by some countries' administrations. It may be required in some countries before a reciprocal licence will be issued. However, the Morse test is no longer provided as a service by the RSGB or any other agency within the UK. This decision follows the removal of the Morse code testing requirement from UK amateur radio licensing conditions in August 2003, and a general anticipation that all other world amateur radio licensing authorities will soon follow suit.

The following is given for historical interest only.

The Morse test is administered by the RSGB and conducted by volunteer examiners who are themselves full license holders who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the use of the Morse code. A list of test dates can be obtained from Amateur Radio Dept. Radio Society of Great Britain, Lambda House, Cranborne Road, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 3JE. They are usually held at radio clubs and these tests must be pre-booked. In recent years, an "on demand" Morse testing service has come into being. These tests are often found at radio rallies. At these testing sessions, you may just turn up, pay your fee and sit the test. Please note that the examiner is not permitted to tell you there and then, whether or not you have been successful.

The Amateur Radio Morse Test consists of a receiving test, and a sending test. The receiving test will normally be from a tape which will have been recorded using a manual key. The sending test must also be done using a manual key. Full details are given in "The Morse Code for Radio Amateurs" published by the RSGB. Testing is available at the speeds of 5 and 12 words per minute.

A pass in the Amateur Radio Morse Test is regarded as valid for life.

Photos 1.5, 1.6. Morse Examiner Bill Raine G4RXR operating the special event station GB0DHM, part of the annual Morse Examiners' Weekend radio event. The station antennas can be seen on the right, dipoles for 80, 40 and 20 metre bands suspended from a single mast. The mast is guyed to Bill's car at one end!

Note that an amateur radio Morse test is not required for any licence class in the UK..

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