
VHF Radio Assessment
Starting from: £30 + £76 licence fee
Safe & Secure Checkout
Once you have completed the VHF Radio (SRC) Course, you will need to take an assessment to get your VHF Radio Licence. This page is about the assessment.
- RYA VHF assessments in either London or Southampton
- Choose to have a separate assessment, or do the course and assessment together
- Assessments sessions take about 3 hours including the admin that goes with it
Safe & Secure Checkout
Brilliant Learning Experience
I have just done the Yachtmaster Coastal theory course which was brilliant. Hosted at LSE Rosebury Hall and with Johnny the instructor I hugely enjoyed the course. I have done my VHF radio course with the same company and will continue to do the rest with them as well.

Charles F
Verified Customer
Once you have taken the Classroom or the Online Course you are eligible to attend an assessment session.
The assessment will consist of a short written paper (30 minutes) followed by a practical session with other candidates.
The whole session will take approximately 3 hours. We will allocate slots in the order in which you book. If you have particular timing requirements please get in touch to discuss.
It Is possible to attend an assessment session with First Class Sailing if you have not taken the Classroom or Online Course with us.

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More Info on the RYA VHF Radio Assessment
Different locations: For your convenience, the RYA VHF Radio course and assessments are both offered in both London and Southampton, making it easy to find a location that suits you best.
Friendly experienced instructors: Learn from the best with our team of friendly and experienced instructors. With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching, our instructors are dedicated to creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment for students of all skill levels.
RYA VHF certificate: The VHF Assessment is usually done on the same day as the course, but sometimes the day after. Once you have your VHF licence, there is no expiry date.
Key Assessment Details
Here’s a breakdown of the most important information about the RYA VHF Radio Assessment:

Pre-requisites
- You must have taken the VHF Course before attending for assessment.
- Minimum Age= 16
- Pay the RYA SRC Licencing fee (details below)

Assessment Duration
- Allow up to 3 hours for the VHF Assessment

Assessment Content
- You will be assessed on content from the VHF course.
- It is a 2 part exam, there is a Practical and a Theory section.

Skills Gained
- RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC).
- Also known as a VHF Radio License.
Get Started In 3 Easy Steps
We make doing your VHF Radio Assessment easy.

Select A Date
Make sure will have done the VHF Course before the assessment and select a date.

Take The Assessment
Turn up and take the assessment.

Receive your Licence
The RYA will send your your VHF Radio Licence. Can take 21 days unless you go for the 48 hour fast track option.
RYA VHF Radio Assessment -
Complete Breakdown

Exam particulars
Fees - To attend an assessment costs £30 unless your are taking the course with us on the same day.
There is also a £76 licence fee payable to the RYA online prior to the assessment (details of which we send out in the course joining Instructions).
It can take up to 21 days to receive your VHF (SRC) Radio Licence. If you pay an additional fee the RYA will turn it around for you in 48 hours. (Very useful if you are chartering a yacht imminently!)
There is no time limit between taking the course and the assessment however you would be advised to take the assessment pretty soon after you complete the course, so the knowledge is fresh in your head.
There is no age limit to take the VHF course however you must be aged 16 and over to take the assessment. Upon completion of the classroom or online course you will be required to fill out an exam application form. You must bring this to the assessment and an assessment.
What to bring:
- Pen & Paper
- Passport photo
- ID (Passport etc)
- SRC Course completion certificate (if taken online/ at another centre)
We will send you an email with exactly what you need to do and bring in advance of your assessment.
What Sailors Say About Us


Well organised and instructed
I have just spent a week on the Solent with 3 of my teenage children doing Day Skipper and CC certificates so that we can sail in Croatia next month. I cannot recommend First Class Sailing highly enough: great customer service, very efficient, excellent and a very well equipped and comfortable yacht. I also used FCS to get my Day Skipper theory and VHF licences in London last Autumn, which were similarly well organised and instructed.
Mark R
Verified Customer

I cannot recommend FCS highly enough. Every course I have completed so far has gone above and beyond my expectations
Jasco74
Verified Customer

Outstanding
I recently booked a course through First Class Sailing, from first communication to completing the course was outstanding. The course was brilliant and the course instructor Geoff was amazing, he takes his time to understand the different ways people learn and even draws it out on a white board to explain and makes sure you understand the practical side before putting it into practise. I would highly recommend First Class Sailing to anyone, the whole team really cares about you from start to finish. Thankyou all and I look forward to seeing you again very soon for my next course.
Peter M
Verified Customer
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Frequently Asked Questions
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