Licence for students

Why students should get a drone licence

University UAV clubs, engineering capstone projects and internships in industry increasingly require a valid A1/A3 or A2 certificate. Without one, students cannot participate in commercial UAV-related placements.

A licence strengthens your CV and signals to employers that you understand EASA regulations — particularly valuable in aviation engineering, environmental monitoring and real-estate sectors.

A1/A3 — the fastest starting point

The A1/A3 online competency assessment is the first step: 40 questions, ≥75% pass mark, no NAA visit required. No prior classroom attendance is mandated — self-study using official EASA material is sufficient.

Most students complete preparation in 10–20 hours with a structured mock-exam platform such as A2STS, which mirrors the TKA question bank and lets you review every mistake topic.

Students studying abroad can sit A1/A3 in their country of residence — an EU certificate is valid across all member states, making it easy to use on Erasmus placements.

A2 — unlocking commercial opportunities

The A2 certificate allows flying closer to uninvolved persons with C2-class aircraft: 30 m standard, 5 m in Low-Speed Mode. This unlocks real estate photography, industrial inspections and agricultural work.

The A2 exam adds meteorology, flight performance and human factors to the A1/A3 syllabus. Sit A1/A3 first — the overlap in study material reduces overall preparation time for A2.

Budget planning

A1/A3 costs only the NAA registration fee, which is minimal in most EU member states. Adding A2 means one NAA exam fee. With student discounts on prep platforms, total study costs can stay under €50.

If you plan both A2 and STS, consider a bundle subscription — usually cheaper than purchasing access separately. See /pricing for current A2STS bundle options.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a minimum age for the A1/A3 assessment?

EASA regulations do not specify a minimum age for A1/A3. In Lithuania, check TKA guidance — minors may need parental consent.

Are student discounts available for the NAA exam?

TKA does not currently offer student discounts on exam fees. Discounts may be available through study platforms — check the A2STS pricing page.