Module 1 - Licensing & SRC Exam
Course, Exam, and Fees
What you will learn
Describe the current RYA training and assessment route without confusing online study, this revision product, the practical assessment or changeable booking details.
The published RYA SRC course is ten hours plus exam time and may be studied online or in a classroom, but the exam includes both written theory and practical radio use at an RYA Recognised Training Centre.
The RYA currently publishes a ten-hour course plus exam time. Classroom learners train and assess through a centre; online learners still arrange the practical exam in a classroom setting. The exam combines a written theory paper with assessment in the practical use of marine VHF radios.
On the day of the exam, candidates must meet the RYA's current age and eligibility-document rules. At this review, the published minimum age is 16 and the accepted routes include evidence of completing an RYA SRC course, an RYA Restricted VHF certificate, or a suitable aviation radio operator certificate.
Exam fees, payment instructions, forms, photographs and centre charges can change. Use the live RYA exam page and the chosen centre's joining instructions rather than memorising a price or relying on an old screenshot. Compass Revision's one-time access payment is separate from official course and exam charges.
| Part of the route | What it contributes | What it does not prove |
|---|---|---|
| RYA SRC course | Required learning and practical preparation | An exam pass by itself |
| Compass Revision | Independent explanation, practice and testing | Course completion, assessment or certification |
| Written paper | Theory evidence within the official exam | Practical radio operation by itself |
| Practical assessment | Observed use of marine VHF radios | A licence for the vessel's equipment |
Book the whole route, not only the online study
A learner buys online study for an exam next month and assumes the certificate will be issued automatically when the online material is complete.
1. Confirm eligibility
Check the current RYA age and document requirements before paying or travelling.
2. Confirm the practical venue
Book or verify the RYA Recognised Training Centre that will conduct the practical assessment.
3. Check current joining details
Use the current RYA and centre instructions for the exam fee, application form, photograph, eligibility evidence and arrival time.
Sense check: Completing online study is evidence for the route; it is not the certificate and does not remove the practical assessment.
Common mistake or limitation
- Assuming an online lesson or revision score is the official SRC exam.
- Booking online study without checking where and when the practical assessment is available.
- Memorising a fee or paperwork list that may have changed instead of checking the live RYA and centre instructions.
Recap
- The published course length is ten hours plus exam time.
- The exam combines written theory with practical marine-VHF use.
- The exam is conducted through an RYA Recognised Training Centre.
- Check current eligibility, fee and paperwork details before attending.
Optional quick check
Section 2 of 9
A learner completes an online SRC course. Which remaining step is still part of obtaining the certificate?
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 31 August 2026 - Compass Revision editorial review.
Continue studying Licensing & SRC Exam
This public lesson is part of Revision Module 1. Full revision access adds the guided Learn, Practise and Test flow, flashcards and revision progress.