Open category — A1/A3
Pass Your A1/A3 Drone Pilot Exam
The entry-level certificate to fly legally across Europe — 100% online, free, and the mandatory first step before any other certification.
Take the exam in my country →Format
40 multiple-choice questions
Pass mark
75% — 30/40 correct
Cost
Free in most EU countries
Validity
5 years, valid across 31 states
Retakes
Unlimited, no waiting period
Minimum age
16 years
What the A1/A3 certificate unlocks
Subcategory A1 — fly over uninvolved people with a C0 drone (under 250g) or a C1 drone (under 900g) with restrictions
Subcategory A3 — fly far from people with any drone up to 25 kg, at least 150m from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas
Access to A2 and STS — mandatory prerequisite before sitting any other EASA drone exam
How to get certified — step by step
-
1
Register as a drone operator
Create an account with your national aviation authority (NAA). This gives you an operator registration number, required before flying any drone over 250g or equipped with a camera.
-
2
Prepare for the exam
Study the 9 knowledge areas covered by the official EASA syllabus. Most pilots take a few days to a week of preparation. No prior flying experience required.
-
3
Take the online exam
Log in to your NAA's platform and complete the 40-question test. You need 30 correct answers to pass. Retakes are unlimited with no waiting period.
-
4
Download your certificate
You'll receive your A1/A3 certificate immediately or within a few days by email. Valid for 5 years across all 31 EASA member states.
What the exam covers
Take the exam in your country
Choose your country
The A1/A3 exam is taken directly on your national aviation authority's platform or via authorised flight schools. Select your country for the step-by-step registration guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any prior flying experience to take the A1/A3 exam?
No. The A1/A3 is a theory exam only — no practical flying is required. It is your first step as a drone pilot, and no prior knowledge or experience is needed to take it.
Is the A1/A3 exam really free?
Yes. The official exam is taken directly on your national aviation authority's platform and is free of charge in most EU countries. Our platform helps you prepare and pass on your first attempt.
How long does it take to prepare and pass?
Most pilots complete the training and pass the exam in a few hours to a few days. The official training module takes approximately 2 hours. Retakes are unlimited with no waiting period.
Is the A1/A3 certificate valid in all EU countries?
Yes. Your A1/A3 certificate is valid across all 31 EASA member states for 5 years. You do not need to retake the exam when flying in another EU country.
What is the minimum age to take the A1/A3 exam?
The minimum age is 16 across most EASA member states. France is an exception — the minimum age is 14. Minors generally require a declaration of consent from a legal guardian.
Do I need to renew my A1/A3 certificate?
Yes. The A1/A3 certificate is valid for 5 years. Renewal requires passing the exam again — there is currently no alternative renewal method defined by EASA.
What comes after the A1/A3?
The A1/A3 is the mandatory first step. Once certified, you can pursue the A2 certificate (fly closer to people with a drone up to 4 kg) or the STS certificate (complex missions with heavy drones or BVLOS operations).
Once you have your A1/A3
Next step — A2 Certificate
Fly closer to people with a C2 drone up to 4 kg