The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has confirmed its updated exam fees for 2026. These fees apply across the Yachtmaster qualification scheme, radio certification, partial re-exams and commercial endorsements, reflecting routine adjustments to the cost of administering RYA examinations.
Below is a clear overview of the RYA exam fees for 2026, together with an explanation of how the fees apply when booking courses and assessments.
RYA Exam Fees for 2026
| Type of Exam | Fee Charged to Applicant |
|---|---|
| Yachtmaster Offshore | £266 |
| Yachtmaster Coastal & Advanced Powerboat | £230 |
| Yachtmaster Ocean | £199 |
| Partial Re-exam | £132 |
| Short Range Certificate (SRC) | £76 (no change) |
| Commercial Endorsement | £49 |
Yachtmaster Practical Exam Fees
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore exam fees 2026 in practice
The core Yachtmaster practical exams have all been updated for 2026:
-
Yachtmaster Offshore: £266
-
Yachtmaster Coastal and Advanced Powerboat: £230
-
Yachtmaster Ocean: £199
These qualifications remain internationally recognised benchmarks for experienced sailors, whether pursuing advanced cruising, offshore passage making, or professional skippering. Exam fees are set centrally by the RYA and apply uniformly across all recognised training centres.
Partial Re-exams
RYA partial re-exam fee 2026 during Yachtmaster assessment
For candidates required to retake only part of an assessment, the partial re-exam fee for 2026 is £132. This allows specific elements of the syllabus to be reassessed without repeating the full examination.
Short Range Certificate (SRC) Fee
RYA Short Range Certificate SRC exam fee 2026 unchanged
The Short Range Certificate (SRC) exam fee remains unchanged for 2026 at £76. The SRC continues to be a key requirement for operating marine VHF radios and is often the first formal RYA qualification undertaken by sailors and powerboaters.
Commercial Endorsement Fee
RYA commercial endorsement fee 2026 for professional skippers
The RYA Commercial Endorsement fee for 2026 is £49. This endorsement is required for those wishing to use RYA qualifications in a professional capacity, whether working as a skipper or crew.
How RYA Exam Fees Are Paid
For anyone signing up to a course that leads to an RYA exam, full details of how exam fees are paid directly to the RYA will be provided by email. This includes clear guidance on payment methods, timing, and any deadlines set by the RYA ahead of the assessment.
Summary
RYA exam fees for 2026 introduce updated costs across much of the Yachtmaster scheme, while retaining stability for qualifications such as the Short Range Certificate. The structure of RYA training and assessment remains unchanged, continuing to offer clear progression routes from entry-level certificates through to advanced and professional qualifications.
With fees set nationally by the RYA, candidates can expect consistent pricing and clear communication around exam arrangements when booking courses for 2026.
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