Where do I start to get a drone licence?

Always begin with A1/A3 theory - mandatory for all pilots. Then add A2 and/or STS depending on your operations.

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.

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.

How to get a drone licence - step by step

A practical 7-step plan from registration to NAA certificate.

Start preparing for free View pricing

1. Assess your operations

Before starting - define how you will use the drone: hobby, photography, commercial work, surveying. That determines whether A1/A3 is enough or you need A2/STS.

2. Register with your NAA

Create an operator account, register aircraft, obtain your ID number.

3. Learn A1/A3 theory

A2STS - free foundation. Aim for a stable ≥80% in tests.

4. Pass the A1/A3 exam

NAA online test - 40 questions, 40 minutes, 75% pass threshold.

5. If needed - prepare for A2

4-6 weeks of topics and simulations. 30 questions in NAA format.

6. If needed - prepare for STS

6-8 weeks. 60-question simulations.

7. Maintain your qualification

After 5 years - renewal exams. Follow NAA updates.

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

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 free Pricing

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

Where do I start to get a drone licence?: Always begin with A1/A3 theory - mandatory for all pilots. Then add A2 and/or STS depending on your operations.
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

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.