Open category — A2
Pass Your A2 Drone Pilot Exam
The next step after A1/A3 — fly closer to uninvolved people with a C2 drone up to 4 kg. Requires a theory exam and a practical self-training declaration.
Take the exam in my country →Format
30 multiple-choice questions
Pass mark
75% — 23/30 correct
Cost
Varies by country
Validity
5 years, valid across 31 states
Prerequisite
A1/A3 certificate required
Minimum age
16 years
What the A2 certificate unlocks
Subcategory A2 — fly as close as 30 m horizontally from uninvolved people with a C2 drone (up to 4 kg), or 5 m in low-speed mode
More operational flexibility — fly in areas where an A1/A3 certificate would be too restrictive, such as parks, event perimeters, or urban environments
Stepping stone to STS — the A2 builds the theoretical foundation for complex missions requiring STS authorisation
How to get certified — step by step
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1
Hold a valid A1/A3 certificate
The A2 exam requires you to already hold an A1/A3 certificate. If you haven't taken it yet, start there — it's free and fully online.
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2
Complete practical self-training
Before sitting the theory exam, you must complete practical self-training and self-declare your competency. Log your sessions across the categories defined by EASA — no approved instructor required. Read the self-training guide →
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3
Take the A2 theory exam
Register on your national aviation authority's platform and complete the 30-question exam. You need 23 correct answers to pass. The exam is online in most countries, occasionally in-person.
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4
Download your certificate
Your A2 Certificate of Competency is available from your NAA's platform once you pass. Valid for 5 years across all 31 EASA member states.
What the exam covers
The A2 exam covers 3 topics specific to flying close to people.
Take the exam in your country
Choose your country
The A2 exam is taken on your national aviation authority's platform or via authorised flight schools. Costs and formats vary by country. Select your country for the step-by-step guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the A1/A3 certificate before taking the A2 exam?
Yes. The A1/A3 certificate is a mandatory prerequisite for the A2 exam. You must hold a valid A1/A3 certificate before registering for the A2 theory exam.
What is the practical self-training requirement?
Before sitting the A2 theory exam, you must complete practical self-training and self-declare your competency. This means flying your drone and logging sessions covering the manoeuvres defined in the EASA syllabus. No approved instructor or training centre is required. Read the full self-training guide →
Is the A2 exam free?
It depends on your country. Germany offers the A2 exam free online since June 2025. France charges €30. Spain charges €75. Check your country's guide for the exact cost and format.
How close to people can I fly with the A2 certificate?
With a C2 drone and an A2 certificate, you can fly as close as 30 m horizontally from uninvolved people. If your drone has a low-speed mode activated, this distance is reduced to 5 m. You must always keep a safe distance from crowds and never fly directly over uninvolved people.
Is the A2 certificate valid in all EU countries?
Yes. Your A2 Certificate of Competency 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 comes after the A2?
The next level is the STS (Specific Category Standard Scenario) certificate, which covers complex operations such as flying over people (STS-01) or beyond visual line of sight in sparsely populated areas (STS-02). It requires a separate theory exam and practical training with an approved centre.
Once you have your A2
Next step — STS Certificate
Complex missions — fly near people or beyond visual line of sight with heavier drones