Free certificate guide

Which EU drone pilot certificate do I actually need?

It depends on your drone and how close you fly to people. Most pilots need the A1/A3 certificate. Flying a C2 drone close to people needs A2. Professional operations under STS-01 or STS-02 need the STS certificate, and anything beyond that needs an operational authorisation. Take the 3-question quiz or get the free guide.

50,000+ pilots trained · Online and asynchronous · Certificates valid in 31 countries

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Tell us how you want to fly

Three quick questions. We'll match you to the right EASA pilot certificate.

How heavy is your drone?

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Where do you plan to fly?

Where you fly changes which subcategory you fall under.

What do you want to use it for?

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A1/A3 Pilot Course

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The EU pilot certificate system

Four levels of EU drone pilot certification

Since 2021, all 31 countries apply the same drone rules under Regulation (EU) 2019/947. This is how the certificates fit together.

Level	Typical use	How you get it
Open: A1/A3	C1 drones in subcategory A1, and any open category drone in A3 away from people	Online training and online theory exam
Open: A2	C2 drones closer to people: 30 m, or 5 m in low-speed mode	A1/A3, practical self-training and an additional theory exam
Specific: STS	STS-01 and STS-02 professional operations	STS theory exam and practical skills training
Specific: authorisation	PDRA or SORA operations beyond the standard scenarios	Training defined in the authorisation

Source: Regulation (EU) 2019/947, Annex Part A and Appendix 1.

Open category: A1/A3

The starting point for almost every pilot. Needed for C1 drones in subcategory A1 and for any open category drone flown in A3, at least 150 m from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas.

Open category: A2

For C2 drones flown closer to people: down to 30 m from uninvolved people, or 5 m in low-speed mode. Requires A1/A3 first, plus practical self-training and an additional theory exam.

Specific category: STS

For professional operations under STS-01 (VLOS over a controlled ground area in a populated environment) or STS-02 (BVLOS in a sparsely populated environment). Theory plus practical training.

Specific category: authorisation

For operations outside the standard scenarios, such as swarms, heavy lifters over 25 kg, BVLOS beyond 2 km or dock operations. Requires a PDRA or SORA authorisation and the training it specifies.

Do drones under 250 g need a certificate?

Not under EU law. For drones under 250 g (class C0 or legacy) you must read the manufacturer’s instructions, and register as an operator if the drone has a camera. Training is still the fastest way to learn where you can and cannot fly.

What you’ll get

Everything you need to know, in one clear PDF

The four certificate levels explained simply
A decision flowchart for your drone and use
Which drone classes need which certificate
How the official exams work
A 10% discount code for your first course

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EU Drone Port training

Get your drone pilot certificate online

EU Drone Port is an Official Designated Training Entity. Theory is online and asynchronous, and certificates are valid in 31 countries.

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A1/A3 Course

The entry certificate for the Open Category. Online, asynchronous theory and the official exam.

€49.99 + VAT

A2 Course

Fly closer to people with C2 drones. Builds on your A1/A3 certificate.

€79.99 + VAT

Full Pack: A1/A3 + A2 + STS

Every Open Category certificate plus the STS course, for pilots who want to work professionally.

More free guides

More free guides for drone pilots

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions

Do I really need a pilot certificate to fly a drone?

For drones under 250 g (C0 or legacy), EU law does not require a certificate, but you must register as an operator if the drone has a camera. For heavier drones you need at least the A1/A3 certificate. Even when it is optional, A1/A3 teaches the no-fly zones and rules that keep you out of trouble.

Is my pilot certificate valid in other countries?

Yes. EU drone pilot certificates are recognised in all 31 EASA countries: every EU member state plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Get it once and fly anywhere in Europe.

Is the theory really online and asynchronous?

Yes. There are no scheduled classes or live sessions. Modules are short, you study from any device at your own pace, and many pilots finish A1/A3 in a single afternoon.

Which certificate does my drone need?

Every drone has a class (C0 to C6) or a legacy weight category. The quiz on this page matches your drone and use to a certificate. If you are unsure, start with A1/A3: it is the foundation for everything else.

What is the minimum age?

The EU minimum age for remote pilots is 16. Some countries set a lower age, and younger pilots may fly under supervision in some cases. Your national authority sets the final rule.

Which languages are the courses in?

Course content is available in several languages. After signing up you can choose your language inside the platform.

How does the STS exam work?

STS has two parts. The theory exam is taken with your national aviation authority or an entity it recognises, and our online course prepares you for it. Practical training takes place at our facility, where we issue the practical skills certificate. Practical sessions run for groups of at least 8 pilots; if you are on your own, contact us and we will place you in an upcoming group.

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