Specific category — STS
STS Drone Certification
The Specific Category Standard Scenarios cover complex missions that go beyond what the Open category allows — flying over populated areas or beyond visual line of sight. Two scenarios, one theory exam.
Find my scenario →Theory exam
Single exam — covers STS-01 & STS-02
Practical
in-person training required
Prerequisite
A1/A3 certificate required
Validity
5 years, valid across 31 states
Minimum age
18 years
Cost
Varies by country
Choose your scenario
STS-01 or STS-02?
Both scenarios require the same theory exam. The difference is your mission type. Start by answering: where do you need to fly, and do you need to go beyond line of sight?
You need to fly over a controlled ground area in a populated environment.
Ideal for aerial photography at events, inspections above crowds, or cinematography in urban settings — always within visual line of sight.
- ✓ VLOS only (within visual line of sight)
- ✓ C5 drone — up to 25 kg MTOM
- ✓ Requires a controlled ground area
- ✓ Max speed 5 m/s near people
You need to fly beyond visual line of sight in sparsely populated areas.
Designed for long-range missions such as infrastructure inspection, powerline or pipeline surveys, and large-scale mapping — away from people.
- ✓ BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight)
- ✓ C6 drone — up to 25 kg MTOM
- ✓ Sparsely populated areas only
- ✓ Trained ground observer required
How to get certified — step by step
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1
Hold a valid A1/A3 certificate
The STS 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
Pass the STS theory exam
A single theory exam covers both STS-01 and STS-02. Take it on your national aviation authority's platform. The exam costs vary by country and is sometimes in-person.
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3
Choose STS-01 or STS-02
Once you hold the theory certificate, decide which scenario you need based on your mission. You can obtain both — each requires a separate practical assessment.
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4
Complete practical training with an approved centre
Find an EASA-approved training organisation (DTO or ATO) in your country to complete your practical training and assessment for the chosen scenario. Once passed, you receive your accreditation of completion of the practical skill training for the given STS.
Frequently asked questions
What is STS?
STS stands for Specific Category Standard Scenario. It is an EASA certification framework for complex drone operations that go beyond the Open category — such as flying over controlled ground areas or beyond visual line of sight. There are two scenarios: STS-01 (VLOS over populated areas) and STS-02 (BVLOS in sparsely populated areas). Both require the same theory exam plus a separate practical assessment with an approved training centre.
What does STS unlock that A1/A3 and A2 don't?
STS-01 allows you to fly over a controlled ground area within a crowd or populated zone — something neither A1/A3 nor A2 allow. STS-02 allows beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations in sparsely populated areas, enabling long-range missions such as infrastructure inspection, pipeline surveys, or large-area mapping that no Open category certificate covers.
What is the difference between STS-01 and STS-02?
STS-01 is for flying over a controlled ground area in a populated environment — always within visual line of sight, with a C5 drone up to 25 kg. STS-02 is for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations in sparsely populated areas, with a C6 drone up to 25 kg and a trained ground observer. They share the same theory exam but each requires a distinct practical assessment.
Do I need STS-01 or STS-02?
It depends on your mission. If you need to fly near crowds or events in urban environments while staying within visual line of sight — choose STS-01. If your missions require going beyond what your eyes can see (mapping, infrastructure, BVLOS corridors) in areas away from people — choose STS-02. You can also obtain both, since they share the same theory exam.
Do I need the A2 certificate before STS?
No. The only mandatory prerequisite for STS is the A1/A3 certificate. A2 is not required. You can go directly from A1/A3 to the STS theory exam.
Is the STS certificate valid across Europe?
Yes. Your STS declaration of competency is valid across all 31 EASA member states for 5 years. However, specific national regulations may apply in some countries — always check local airspace rules before flying.
First step
STS Theory Exam
Find the platform, cost, and step-by-step guide for your country