Is A3 enough for commercial work?

Rarely - commercial operations usually need A2 or STS depending on the mission.

What are C0, C1, C2 classes?

Aircraft mass and power classification - linked to permissions for flying closer to people.

Can I upgrade from A1/A3 to A2 later?

Yes - A2 is an additional exam on top of your A1/A3 foundation.

Drone categories - full EASA framework

A1, A2, A3 and STS - understand the differences and choose the right path.

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EASA categories explained

EU drone operations are classified by risk. Open Category covers A1, A2 and A3 subcategories - each with different distance and environment limits.

When standard Open Category rules do not allow your planned operation, you need Specific Category - typically STS scenarios with a risk assessment.

A1 and A3

A1 allows certain operations closer to people with compliant aircraft (e.g. C0, C1). A3 covers flights further away (≥50 m) from uninvolved persons, often in industrial areas.

A2

A2 lets you fly closer to people than A1/A3 in Open Category - but requires an additional theory exam and usually a C2-class aircraft.

STS (Specific Category)

STS-01, STS-02 and other scenarios apply to commercial operations needing deeper risk management and procedural knowledge.

Open vs Specific Category

Open Category operations are standardised with predefined limits. Specific Category applies when you need individual risk assessment or an STS scenario.

Open - A1, A2, A3 subcategories
Specific - STS, SORA, individual authorisations
Certified - highest risk (rare in hobby segment)

How to choose a category

Ask: what is the aircraft weight and class? Are you flying over people? Is the operation commercial? Do you need beyond VLOS? See the decision guide on our how-to-choose-drone-category page.

EU drone exam formats (NAA)

Across the EU, remote pilot qualifications are assessed by your National Aviation Authority. Each category has a different test format - prepare for the exact exam you plan to sit.

A1/A3: 40 questions in 40 minutes (renewal: 20/20). A2: 30/30 min. STS: 60/60 min. All require ≥75% to pass.

A1/A3: 40 q, 40 min, 75% threshold
A2: 30 q, 30 min, 75% threshold
STS: 60 q, 60 min, 75% threshold
5-year renewal - shorter formats per NAA rules

Why prepare with A2STS?

Official-format exam simulations
A1/A3, A2 and STS practice tests match official question counts, time limits and the 75% pass threshold - you prepare for the real exam, not a random quiz.
545++ question bank
Comprehensive questions with explanations, topics and spaced repetition (SRS). See weak areas and track progress in real time.
Free A1/A3 foundation
Sign up in about a minute. Full A1/A3 theory and tests are free with no expiry. Premium unlocks A2/STS full simulations only.
Prepare anywhere
Study on phone, tablet or desktop. You still take the official exam at your National Aviation Authority (NAA) - A2STS helps you prepare more efficiently.

Prepare for your NAA exam today

Start free with the A1/A3 foundation. Premium A2 and STS simulations - one-time payment, no subscription.

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Trust and transparency

Not an NAA partner - clear role: A2STS is a preparation platform. Official certificates and exams are organised by your National Aviation Authority. We are not affiliated with any NAA.
EASA regulations kept current: Content follows EU Part-UAS requirements and common NAA practice. Transparent information on categories, validity and renewal.
9 in 10 candidates pass: Structured preparation with simulations and topic drills delivers stable results. Start free and benchmark your level before booking the official test.

Frequently asked questions

Is A3 enough for commercial work?: Rarely - commercial operations usually need A2 or STS depending on the mission.
What are C0, C1, C2 classes?: Aircraft mass and power classification - linked to permissions for flying closer to people.
Can I upgrade from A1/A3 to A2 later?: Yes - A2 is an additional exam on top of your A1/A3 foundation.

Pilot reviews

“The timed simulator mirrors the official 30-question, 30-minute session. I passed A2 on the first attempt after two weeks of topic drills - far more reliable than scattered PDFs.”
Marcus W. - A2 passed
“Question wording and pacing felt like the real exam. Wrong-answer explanations fixed my airspace gaps in days, not weeks - I walked in knowing exactly where I stood.”
Sofia R. - First attempt
“The learning hub kept STS prep alongside A2 without juggling tools. Progress tracking and one-time access - no subscription churn - made it easy to justify to my team.”
James P. - A2 + STS

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Sign-up takes about a minute. You still take the official exam at your NAA - A2STS helps you prepare more efficiently.