Guide · 10 min read
EASA A2 vs A1/A3 Drone Licence – Which One Do You Need? (2026)
Most new drone pilots need A1/A3 first — free, online and mandatory for open-category flying. A2 is the paid upgrade for C2-class drones and closer operations.
Side-by-side comparison
| A1/A3 | A2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Paid (varies by country) |
| Exam format | Online, ~40 questions | In-person, 30 questions |
| Expiry | No expiry | 5 years |
| Drone class | C0, C1 (A1) / C2, C3, C4 (A3) | C2 |
| Min distance to uninvolved people | 50m (A3) / close (A1 under 250g) | 30m (reducible to 5m) |
| Administered by | NAA online portal | NAA authorised centre |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Higher |
| Required practical training | No | Yes (self-declaration) |
What is the A1/A3 licence?
The A1/A3 certificate is proof that you completed the mandatory online training for the EU open category. You take it through your National Aviation Authority (NAA) portal — usually free — and it does not expire.
A1 covers lighter operations, including many drones under 900 g flying near (but not directly over) uninvolved people. A3 covers heavier open-category drones flown away from residential and industrial areas with larger stand-off distances.
What is the A2 licence?
The A2 subcategory certificate lets you fly C2-class drones (typically 900 g–4 kg) as close as 30 m from uninvolved people, reducible to 5 m in low-speed mode when your drone supports it.
The theoretical exam is paid, taken in person at an NAA-approved centre, and valid for five years. You must already hold A1/A3 and complete a practical self-assessment on your operating procedures before flying under A2.
Do you need both?
Yes — A2 requires A1/A3 as a prerequisite. Most pilots who need A2 already passed the free online test. If you only fly sub-250 g drones recreationally in open fields, A1/A3 alone is usually sufficient.
Which exam is harder?
A2 is significantly harder in practice: eight applied technical areas (airspace, mitigations, meteorology) with a timed in-person exam. A1/A3 has ten broader topics but is taken online at your own pace with more introductory wording.
Cost comparison by country
A1/A3 remains free in most EASA states. A2 fees vary — from about €25 in several eastern EU countries to €70+ in Germany. See our full A2 exam cost comparison for every NAA.
How to prepare for each
A1/A3: work through topic-based practice on A2STS, then pass the official NAA test when mock scores stay above the pass mark. Start on our A1/A3 exam page.
A2: study each syllabus area, run full 30-question timed simulations, then book with your NAA. See the A2 exam overview.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I fly commercially with just an A1/A3 licence?
- A1/A3 covers many open-category recreational flights. Commercial work often needs Specific category authorisation (STS or an operational authorisation). A2 alone does not replace a full commercial approval for complex jobs.
- Does A2 replace A1/A3?
- No. A2 builds on A1/A3. You must complete A1/A3 first; A2 adds permission to operate C2-class drones closer to uninvolved people.
- What happens if I fly a C2 drone with only an A1/A3?
- Operating a C2 drone within A2 distances without an A2 certificate is not compliant. You would need to stay at A3 separation distances (typically 150 m from residential areas) or obtain A2.
- Is A2 worth it if I only fly recreationally?
- Only if your drone is C2-class and you want to fly closer than A3 limits allow. Sub-250 g recreational pilots often need only A1/A3.