Drone certificate - types, validity and how to obtain one

EASA remote pilot certificates: what A1/A3, A2 and STS mean for your operations.

Start preparing for freeView pricing

Types of drone certificate

EASA issues different qualification levels. A1/A3 is the basic Open Category competency. A2 is an additional Open Category level. STS is Specific Category competency for standard scenarios.

The certificate is confirmed by an NAA exam and stored in your national UAS account. It is a digital document - not a physical card.

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

Validity and renewal

The standard validity period is 5 years. Before expiry you need renewal exams - shorter formats (e.g. A1/A3 renewal: 20 questions in 20 minutes). A2STS includes renewal preparation.

  • 5-year validity cycle
  • Renewal exams - shorter formats
  • Regular knowledge updates recommended
  • Expired certificate - you cannot conduct operations requiring it

How to book your NAA drone exam

First, register as a drone operator in your national UAS portal and obtain an operator registration number. Without it you cannot fly registered aircraft legally or book a qualification exam.

When ready, select the qualification level (A1/A3, A2 or STS), pay the NAA fee and receive your exam slot. Format (online or in-person) depends on your authority.

  • Register operator and aircraft in the national UAS system
  • Choose qualification level (A1/A3 → A2 → STS as needed)
  • Prepare with timed simulations (A2STS)
  • Book the official exam and follow NAA rules on the day

Certificate vs licence - terminology

In everyday language people say "licence" and "certificate" interchangeably. Officially EASA refers to remote pilot competency - a certificate of competency. Both terms mean the same NAA-issued document.

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.

Start preparing for freePricing

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

Licence vs certificate?
In EASA terms you hold a remote pilot certificate of competency - not a traditional manned-aviation licence.
Is an EU drone certificate valid across the EU?
Yes - EASA qualifications are recognised in EU member states when you hold a valid operator registration and the matching certificate.
How much does a drone licence cost in the EU?
A1/A3 theory is often free or low-cost at the NAA. A2 and STS exam fees are set nationally - check your authority's website. A2STS is preparation only, not the exam organiser.
Can I study online?
Yes - A2STS provides theory, tests and simulations online. You still take the official exam at your NAA.
How long is the certificate valid?
Most EASA qualifications last 5 years. Renewal requires shorter exams per national rules.

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

Related pages

Register and start learning

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

Register for freePricing