UK

United Kingdom · Technology and data · Mid-Level (2-5 years)

5G Specialist

As a 5G Specialist, you become the network's personal doctor, diagnosing and fixing all sorts of ailments.

Here is the whole job, in plain words. What it is, a real day, what you decide, how you're judged, how people get here and where they go next. Then the part no course gives you: twelve AI tutors who learn your work.

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Free to start: a plan built for this role, and a Future Fluency module to try first. No card.

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One email: what AI is changing in this job, and where to start free. With a link back here. Nothing else follows unless you confirm your address.

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  • Experience bandMid-Level (2-5 years)
  • Direct reportsNo direct reports
  • Reports toSenior 5G Specialist or Lead 5G Engineer
  • UK framework levelUsually a coordinator, or early in a professional job

Also advertised as RF Optimisation Engineer · Network Performance Engineer · Field Optimisation Specialist

Built on 43,079 real UK job descriptions we analysed · grounded in qualifications employers recognise

Two short quizzes about you

1From this job to a course

The qualifications matched to this job

EAL Level 3 Diploma in Rail Engineering Technician Competence Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited · Level 3 · covers 4 of 8 standards
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles Pearson Education Ltd · Level 3 · covers 2 of 8 standards
EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering - Technical Support Technician (Development Competence) Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited · Level 3 · covers 1 of 8 standards
ETCAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Engineering Technical Support ETC Awards Limited · Level 3 · covers 1 of 8 standards
EAL Level 3 Diploma in Aerospace Manufacturing (Development Competence) Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited · Level 3 · covers 1 of 8 standards
City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Engineering Technical Support City & Guilds Limited · Level 3 · covers 1 of 8 standards

Matched from the standards this job is measured against: a suggestion, not an official ruling.

The units you would start with

Test traction and rolling stock communication-electronic systems EAL Level 3 Diploma in Rail Engineering Technician Competence
Telecommunications Technology Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles
Monitoring engineering activities EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering - Technical Support Technician (Development Competence)
Monitoring engineering activities (Aerospace and Aviation) EAL Level 3 Diploma in Aerospace Manufacturing (Development Competence)

The future skills this job leans on

AI Fluency working with AI as a thinking partner
Data Fluency turning numbers into a decision
Sustainability Fluency building care for people and planet into the work
Start my 5G Specialist plan, free
Your Plan Illustration

Built for 5G Specialist

4 units that map to this job, from the qualifications that cover it.

  1. Test traction and rolling stock communication-electronic systems Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited · covers 4 of 8 standards Level 3
  2. Telecommunications Technology Pearson Education Ltd · covers 2 of 8 standards Level 3
  3. Monitoring engineering activities Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited · covers 1 of 8 standards Level 3
  4. Monitoring engineering activities (Aerospace and Aviation) Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited · covers 1 of 8 standards Level 3
These are the real units behind this job, in the order they rank for it. Nothing here is marked done, because this plan has not been started by anyone yet. Yours would fill in as you go.

2AI and this work

Will AI change your work as a 5G Specialist?

Nobody can say exactly how. Here is what this job is being asked for next, and where to start.

How the AI economy is changing work like this

A broad read on this kind of work, not an analysis of this job on its own. Roles that share a pattern get the same answer here.

Fading: AI does more of this

AI is taking over routine data correlation and initial analysis, freeing you from the busywork of manual data crunching.

→
Rising: worth more because of AI

Your ability to interpret nuanced data and make strategic decisions becomes more valuable, as AI handles the repetitive tasks.

The new skills this role is being asked for

  • Prompt Engineering for Network AI
  • Cloud-Native Network Function (CNF) Troubleshooting
Why each one is rising

The future skills this job leans on

We'll only ever tell you what we can actually back up. No hype, no scare tactics.

What happens when you start

Next, a free account. We build your 5G Specialist plan as you set up, starting with a Future Fluency module on using AI in your job. No card.

Your first Future Fluency module is free. After that, your AI tutor is £70 a month.

Start my 5G Specialist plan, free Ready to pay? Subscribe for £70 a month

3What this role really is

We see you

You wonder if AI will eventually take over the intricate troubleshooting that you pride yourself on. Yet, you feel a thrill knowing that your expertise is still crucial in interpreting complex network data.

A 5G Specialist keeps a section of a mobile network running well, diagnosing and fixing problems that affect customers.

4A day in the life

Not a job advert. A real day, built from what this role actually holds.

08:45
You start your day by reviewing performance dashboards, looking for any anomalies in your designated 5G cluster.
11:00
Armed with a spectrum analyser, you head out to conduct interference hunting, pinpointing sources of RF interference.
14:30
You dive into deep log analysis, using tools like TEMS, to diagnose a recent spike in dropped calls.
16:00
With a junior engineer by your side, you provide informal guidance, explaining complex technical concepts in a digestible way.

5What you'd actually use

The tools this job runs on, and how well you'd need to know each one.

Forsk Atoll / Infovista Planet (RF Planning & Simulation) Intermediate

Running pre-defined prediction models, generating coverage plots for your cluster, and making minor parameter adjustments for optimisation scenarios.

TEMS Investigation / Accuver XCAL/XCAP (Drive Test & Post-Processing) Advanced

Designing complex test plans, executing drive routes, performing deep log analysis (L2/L3 signaling), and correlating UE and network-side logs to find root causes.

NetScout / Viavi Observer (Performance Monitoring & Assurance) Intermediate

Configuring custom alerts and dashboards, using deep packet inspection (DPI) to troubleshoot complex E2E service degradation issues (e.g., VoNR jitter).

Keysight FieldFox / Anritsu Site Master (Spectrum Analysers & Test Gear) Intermediate

Independently conducting complex interference hunting, characterising novel RF environments, and performing routine PIM and sweep tests.

Python (with Pandas, Scapy, Matplotlib) Intermediate

Writing custom scripts to automate complex data correlation, analysis, and report generation from various network data sources.

Ansible (Automation) Basic

Running existing Ansible playbooks for automated parameter audits and changes; making minor modifications to existing playbooks.

AWS Wavelength / Azure for Operators (Cloud & Edge Platforms) Basic

Understanding the basic concepts of vRAN and MEC, accessing and monitoring cloud-based network functions relevant to your cluster.

6What you get to decide, and how that grows

Power in a job isn't your title. It's what you're allowed to decide. Here's how it grows as you move up.

The choiceComing in Where you are nowThe step above
Network Parameter Optimisation Proposes changes, requires full review and approval from a Senior Specialist. Independently implements routine parameter changes within defined guidelines for assigned cluster; consults Senior Specialist for non-standard or high-impact changes. Designs and approves complex parameter optimisation strategies across multiple clusters; mentors junior staff on best practices.
Troubleshooting Methodology Follows pre-defined troubleshooting guides; escalates if root cause isn't immediately obvious. Develops and executes own troubleshooting plans for complex issues; consults with other teams for cross-domain problems. Defines troubleshooting best practices and methodologies for the team; leads resolution of critical, systemic network issues.
Tool & Script Usage Runs existing scripts and tools as instructed; makes minor modifications under guidance. Selects appropriate tools for analysis; writes custom scripts for automation of routine tasks; proposes new tool evaluations. Evaluates and recommends new tools/platforms for the team; architects automation solutions and API integrations.
Informal Mentorship Receives mentorship and guidance. Provides informal guidance and support to new joiners or junior colleagues on specific tasks. Formally mentors 1-2 junior engineers; leads training sessions and knowledge sharing.

7How you'll be judged

The scoreboard, and what is not on it. The hard targets, how often each is actually looked at, and the quiet signals that never reach a dashboard.

Network KPI Adherence
Keeping key performance indicators (KPIs) like call accessibility and drop call rate within acceptable limits for your assigned network cluster.
Target · >99.8% Accessibility, <0.5% Drop Call Rate (DCR)

If your cluster's DCR spikes to 0.7% on Tuesday, you'll need to figure out why and get it back under 0.5% by end of week.

Tier 2 Trouble Ticket Resolution
How quickly and effectively you resolve the more complex network issues escalated to your team.
Target · Resolve 90% of assigned Tier 2 tickets within a 48-hour SLA.

You get 10 tickets in a week; you'll need to close 9 of them within two days each, making sure the fix actually holds.

Data Collection & Analysis Efficiency
The speed and accuracy with which you complete field data collection (like drive tests) and process the resulting logs.
Target · Complete assigned drive test routes and process logs within 24 hours of collection.

After a morning drive test, you'll have the logs analysed and a preliminary report ready by the next morning at the latest.

Optimisation Impact
The measurable improvement in user experience or network efficiency achieved through your optimisation efforts.
Target · Deliver a measurable >5% improvement in average user throughput or spectral efficiency in a target area per quarter.

After a month of tweaking parameters in the city centre, you can show average download speeds have gone from 150Mbps to 165Mbps.

Problem Solving Effectiveness
Your ability to methodically identify root causes for complex, intermittent network issues, rather than just applying quick fixes.
  • You'll be able to clearly articulate the steps taken to diagnose a fault, provide evidence for the root cause, and propose a lasting solution. Other teams will come to you for help with their trickiest problems, knowing you'll actually get to the bottom of it.
Collaboration Quality
How well you work with other teams—like Transport, Core, and Field Ops—to resolve end-to-end network problems.
  • You're seen as easy to work with, sharing information proactively, and coordinating effectively. You'll get positive feedback from colleagues in other departments, and projects involving multiple teams will run smoothly because of your involvement.
Documentation Clarity & Completeness
The quality of your technical documentation, ensuring others can understand your analysis, changes, and troubleshooting steps.
  • Your colleagues can pick up your work and understand it without needing to ask a dozen questions. Your reports are concise, accurate, and include all necessary context. Frankly, future-you will thank current-you for good documentation.

8Would you like it

Both sides. What people enjoy, and what grinds them down.

What people enjoy
Solving Complex Puzzles

You get a real kick out of untangling a tricky network fault, especially when it's been baffling everyone else. The satisfaction of finding the root cause is what gets you going.

Spending a day correlating logs from three different systems to finally pinpoint why a specific cell site keeps dropping VoNR calls.

Seeing Direct Impact

You love knowing that your work directly improves the experience for thousands of customers. There's a tangible reward in seeing KPIs improve and knowing you made that happen.

After optimising a congested area, you see a clear jump in average user throughput and fewer customer complaints for that cluster.

Continuous Technical Growth

You're always reading up on the latest 3GPP standards, experimenting with new tools, or trying to understand how the next big thing in 5G works. Stagnation is your enemy.

Spending your lunch break watching a webinar on Open RAN architecture or trying out a new Python library for data analysis.

What frustrates people
  • The 'Heisen-bug': Intermittent network problems that disappear when you investigate.
  • Vendor Finger-Pointing: Being stuck between multiple vendors blaming each other during an outage.
  • Chasing Ghosts: Spending days on interference hunting only to find a trivial source.
  • The 'Magic Bullet' Request: Pressure to fix complex issues with simple, free solutions.
  • Explaining RF Physics to Sales: Trying to justify technical limitations to non-technical teams.
  • Outdated Documentation: Relying on old site drawings or configuration files that don't match reality.
What this role does not give you
  • A predictable, routine workday—expect curveballs.
  • Complete control over all variables; you'll often depend on other teams.
  • An immediate, obvious solution to every problem; many require deep, patient investigation.
  • A quiet, desk-bound job; you'll be in the field sometimes, and on calls frequently.

9Who you work with

This role directly impacts customer satisfaction, network reliability, and our ability to meet regulatory and commercial performance targets. Your work keeps our network competitive and our customers happy, which, let's face it, is pretty fundamental to the business.

Inside the business
  • Your immediate team (other 5G Specialists)
  • Transport Network Engineers (for backhaul issues)
  • Core Network Engineers (for central network element problems)
  • Field Operations Teams (who install and maintain equipment)
  • Customer Service (for escalations and feedback)
Outside the business
  • Network equipment vendors (Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei for support)
  • Customers (indirectly, through their experience)

10What you need before you start

Not a wish list. The things you would be expected to already have.

  • At least 2 years of hands-on experience in 4G/5G network operations, optimisation, or field engineering.
  • Proven ability to analyse network performance data and identify root causes of issues.
  • Experience with drive test tools and post-processing software (e.g., TEMS, XCAL).
  • Basic scripting skills (e.g., Python) for data manipulation and automation.
  • A good grasp of RF propagation principles and antenna theory.
  • Comfortable working both independently and as part of a wider team.

11What to practise next

Where the job is going, and what to do about it starting this week.

Advanced Python for Network Automation

As networks become more software-defined, the ability to automate complex tasks, from configuration audits to data analysis pipelines, becomes critical. You'll move beyond running scripts to writing robust, maintainable code.

API Integration (REST, gRPC) · Data Visualisation Libraries (Plotly, Bokeh) · Testing & Debugging · Version Control (Git)

  • This week: Review existing team Python scripts and understand their structure.
  • This month: Build a new script that automates a small, repetitive task you currently do manually.
  • Month 2: Learn about API interactions in Python and try pulling data from a network element's API.
  • Month 3: Contribute a well-tested, documented script to the team's automation library.

Quick win: Refactor one of your existing simple scripts to make it more robust and readable. Small improvements add up.

Advanced 5G QoS & Slicing Optimisation

With more sophisticated 5G services (e.g., private networks, URLLC), understanding and optimising network slices and QoS parameters will be crucial for guaranteeing service level agreements (SLAs) and unlocking new revenue streams.

Slice Management & Orchestration · Dynamic QoS Adjustment · SLA Assurance for Slices · Multi-Vendor Slice Interoperability

  • This week: Read up on the latest 3GPP specifications for 5G network slicing.
  • This month: Identify a specific use case (e.g., IoT, enterprise private network) and research how 5G slicing could support it.
  • Month 2: Work with a Senior Specialist to analyse QoS parameters for an existing service and propose improvements.
  • Month 3: Present your findings on a potential new slicing service to the team.

Quick win: Understand the difference between 5QI and ARP and how they impact service prioritisation. It's a foundational step.

12Staying current once you are in

What people here do to keep up
  • Attending industry conferences and webinars focused on 5G advancements, Open RAN, and network automation.
  • Participating in online forums and communities dedicated to mobile network engineering and optimisation.
  • Undertaking advanced training courses in specific 5G domains (e.g., Massive MIMO, mmWave, Network Slicing).
  • Setting up a home lab environment to experiment with virtualised network functions or automation scripts.
  • Regularly reading 3GPP specifications and whitepapers on emerging 5G technologies.

13The rising capability

The rising capability

Zavmo analysis

What's rising in its place

This is where the work is heading, and the higher pay with it. Get fluent here and the shift stops being a threat and starts being your edge.

Prompt Engineering for Network AI

AI tools are becoming indispensable for analysing vast amounts of network data and generating insights. Knowing how to 'talk' to these AI models effectively—getting them to give you exactly what you need—will be a massive differentiator. Analysts who master this will outproduce peers 3:1.

  • Context Windows & Token Limits
  • Temperature Settings
  • RAG Architectures
  • Output Validation & Hallucination Detection

Cloud-Native Network Function (CNF) Troubleshooting

More and more 5G core and even RAN functions are moving to cloud platforms. Troubleshooting these virtualised, containerised environments requires a different mindset and skillset than traditional hardware-based networks. You'll need to understand the underlying cloud infrastructure.

  • Kubernetes Basics
  • Microservices Architecture
  • Cloud Observability (Logging, Monitoring, Tracing)
  • Service Mesh Concepts

14What you’ll use

What you’ll use

Skills this role draws on

Technical

  • 5G NR Air Interface Analysis
  • End-to-End (E2E) Call Flow Tracing
  • RF Propagation & Link Budget Analysis
  • Network Slicing & QoS Implementation
  • Interference Hunting & Mitigation
  • RAN Virtualisation (vRAN/Open RAN)

15The pathway

The pathway

How you actually get there, here

How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.

  1. 1

    Associate 5G Field Engineer

    1-2 years

    Skills to master

    • Basic drive testing, initial log collection, routine site maintenance checks, understanding of network components, clear documentation.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Can independently execute assigned field tasks without constant supervision.
    • Consistently produces accurate and timely data collection reports.
    • Demonstrates foundational troubleshooting skills for basic network issues.
    • Proactively seeks to understand the 'why' behind tasks, not just the 'how'.
  2. 2

    Network Operations Centre (NOC) Engineer

    2-3 years

    Skills to master

    • Alarm monitoring, initial fault diagnosis, ticket management, understanding of network topology, basic scripting for automation.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Consistently resolves Tier 1 and Tier 2 network alarms within SLA.
    • Shows a strong understanding of alarm correlation and impact assessment.
    • Can effectively communicate network status and issues to various stakeholders.
    • Has a good grasp of the end-to-end network architecture.
  3. 3

    Graduate RF Engineer Programme

    2-3 years

    Skills to master

    • Theoretical knowledge of RF principles, basic network design tools, data analysis techniques, project support, learning specific vendor platforms.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Successfully completed all rotations and projects within the graduate programme.
    • Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
    • Has a foundational understanding of 5G network architecture and optimisation principles.
    • Shows initiative in learning new technologies and tools.

16How people get here · where they go next

Came from
Associate 5G Field Engineer
1-2 years
You mastered independently executing field tasks and developed foundational troubleshooting skills for basic network issues.
You are here
5G Specialist
Mid-Level (2-5 years)
A 5G Specialist keeps a section of a mobile network running well, diagnosing and fixing problems that affect customers.
Goes to
Senior 5G Specialist
3-5 years
This role involves leading complex optimisation projects and providing strategic technical input, while mentoring junior engineers.

The long view: This work can lead to lead engineering roles designing network solutions, or management roles setting standards for network design.

The ten Future Fluencies

Zavmo analysis

The credential is what you can do today. These are what keep you valuable.

A qualification proves you can do the job as it's defined today. These ten are what decide whether you're still the obvious person for it in five years. They're the capabilities employers are now writing into senior roles faster than people are learning them. Zavmo weaves them through whatever you study, so you come out with both: the credential and the fluency.

The highlighted ones are the Fluencies your role leans on hardest, from how 5G Specialist is actually changing.

Where it leads

Roles this leads to

How you would learn this

One to one, on the work you already do

A tutor sets the task against your own job and marks the reasoning, at your pace. There is no cohort to fall behind.

A lesson from Test traction and rolling stock communication-electronic systems, worked against 5G Specialist.

Test traction and rolling stock communication-electronic systems Level 3

Applied to your work in 5G Specialist

The objective of this unit is to equip learners with the skills and knowledge to safely and effectively test traction and rolling stock communication-electronic systems. This includes planning testing activities to minimise disruption, using appropriate tools and equipment, and adhering to relevant health and safety regulations and documentation.

The Explorer Last time, we looked at how AI can assist in initial log analysis. How did your experiments with prompt chaining go?

You It was interesting, but I'm still figuring out the best prompts.

The Explorer Let's build on that by trying a multi-step analysis on a more complex dataset from your recent drive tests. This will help you refine your approach.

How the thinking builds
  1. 1 Remember
  2. 2 Understand
  3. 3 Apply
  4. 4 Analyse
  5. 5 Evaluate
  6. 6 Create
An illustration of a Zavmo lesson, built from this role’s own route. The unit, its objective and every criterion above are the awarding body’s own words, not an example.

It is £70 a month, billed monthly. Your free first module is Future Fluency, and you can cancel any time.

Start my 5G Specialist plan, free
A year from now

A year from now, you see yourself as a go-to expert in AI-enhanced network optimisation, confidently leading projects and mentoring the next wave of specialists.

See Your Progress Grow Illustration
5G Specialist
  • 5G NR Air Interface Analysis
  • End-to-End (E2E) Call Flow Tracing
  • RF Propagation & Link Budget Analysis
  • Network Slicing & QoS Implementation
  • Interference Hunting & Mitigation
  • RAN Virtualisation (vRAN/Open RAN)
This is your Mind Palace on learn.zavmo.ai. Every skill above comes from this role's own record, not an example borrowed from another job. A node lights up when you evidence it, and what you build stays yours between jobs. That is the part a course cannot do.

17The detail, folded away

Everything else the record holds

The career branches in full, how AI is already showing up in the day-to-day, and the questions people ask about this job. Here when you want them, out of the way while you decide.

Where it leads next, rung by rung

Where it leads

The career path, and where it branches

5G Specialist is a start, not a ceiling. Each step below asks for new skills and hands back more autonomy.

  1. Senior 5G Specialist

    3-5 years (from 5G Specialist)

    Level 3 (Senior Professional)

    • Advanced RF Design & Planning Designing solutions for new sites, specific venues, or new spectrum bands.
    • Complex Data Modelling Building more sophisticated models for network performance prediction and optimisation.
    • Vendor Management (Technical) Working directly with vendors on feature requests, bug fixes, and technical roadmaps.
    • Open RAN & Virtualisation Expertise Deep understanding and hands-on experience with vRAN/Open RAN deployments and troubleshooting.
Working with AI on the job

Working with AI

Where AI is starting to help

Imagine having a super-smart assistant that handles the grunt work of network analysis, freeing you up to focus on the truly interesting and challenging problems. That's exactly what AI can do for a 5G Specialist. It's not about replacing you; it's about making you incredibly more effective.

In the world of 5G, data is king, but there's just so much of it. AI and machine learning tools are rapidly changing how we analyse network performance, detect issues, and even predict future problems. For a 5G Specialist, this means less time sifting through logs and more time actually solving problems and innovating.

Automated Log Analysis

Use AI to automatically parse terabytes of gNB logs, identifying anomalies and correlating events across thousands of cells. This means pinpointing the root cause of systemic issues in minutes, not days. No more manually sifting through endless text files.

Predictive Network Optimisation

AI analyses historical traffic and RF data to predict congestion hotspots before they happen. It then recommends proactive parameter changes, like load balancing or beam adjustments, to mitigate issues before they even impact users. It's like having a crystal ball for your network.

Intelligent Interference Detection

AI/ML algorithms continuously analyse spectral data to automatically classify and locate sources of interference—think PIM, external jammers, or even faulty equipment. This gives you a prioritised 'hit list' for the field teams, cutting down on wasted time chasing ghosts.

KPI Anomaly Report Generation

AI monitors thousands of KPIs in real-time. When it detects a significant deviation, it auto-generates a preliminary incident report with charts, impact analysis, and probable causes. This means you can start solving the problem straight away, rather than spending hours just investigating.

Common questions

Common questions

How do you become a 5G Specialist?

Common routes in include Associate 5G Field Engineer (1-2 years), Network Operations Centre (NOC) Engineer (2-3 years) and Graduate RF Engineer Programme (2-3 years). Times vary with prior experience.

Where can a 5G Specialist progress to?

This role can lead on to Senior 5G Specialist (3-5 years (from 5G Specialist)), depending on the skills you build.

What new skills matter most for a 5G Specialist?

Increasingly, Prompt Engineering for Network AI and Cloud-Native Network Function (CNF) Troubleshooting. These are the skills our record of this role lists as growing.

Free tools

Want a read on where you stand?

Three free tools, no account needed. Each one ends with a role, a level and a way in.

Read the Zavmo manifesto to understand how you will be taught Meet your tutors

Or try another one

18Where to go from here

Other roles at Level 3

Same depth of qualification, different job. Useful if the work appeals but this particular role does not.

 More jobs in technology and data

Stay in the field you know and move sideways rather than up.
If you leave this industry

The skills involved carry across the mobile industry. They can lead to network planning, product development for 5G services, technical consulting, or work with companies that build 5G equipment or software. Deep 5G expertise stays in demand.

This role profile is © 2026 Growth Engineering Technologies Ltd. Built from UK occupational standards and regulated qualification data, and written for Zavmo.

You're not behind. You're right on time. The shift is only just beginning. Your role won't look the same in two years. Be the one who leads the change, not the one it happens to. Start my 5G Specialist plan, free What happens next: a free account, then we build your plan as you set up. No card. Build your plan, see your roadmap and meet the twelve tutors matched to you. All free. When you're ready to start learning, it's £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.