How to Pass the EASA A2 Drone Exam — Complete Guide 2026

So you've passed your A1/A3 drone certificate and you're ready for the next step — the EASA A2 Certificate of Competency. This certificate allows you to fly drones closer to people in the EU's Open Category, unlocking more operational flexibility for both commercial and recreational pilots.

This guide covers everything you need to know: what the A2 certificate is, who needs it, the exam format, the topics you'll be tested on, and how to prepare effectively so you pass on your first attempt.

What is the EASA A2 Certificate?

The A2 certificate — officially called the Certificate of Competency of Remote Pilot — is the advanced qualification within EASA's Open Category. While the A1/A3 certificate covers basic drone operations, the A2 allows you to fly closer to uninvolved people:

• 30 metres horizontal distance from uninvolved people (standard mode)
• 5 metres horizontal distance if using low-speed mode on a C2 class drone

This is particularly important for commercial pilots, real estate photographers, event coverage, and any urban drone operation where maintaining 150 metres from people (as required in A3) isn't practical.

Who Needs the A2 Certificate?

You need the A2 certificate if you want to:

• Fly a C2 class drone (typically 900g to 4kg) near uninvolved people
• Operate drones in urban environments and built-up areas
• Fly legacy drones (without C-class marking) between 500g and 2kg at a minimum of 50 metres from people

If you only fly in remote areas (subcategory A3) or only use lightweight drones under 250g (subcategory A1), you don't need the A2 certificate.

Prerequisites

Before you can take the A2 exam, you must:

1. Hold an A1/A3 certificate — this is mandatory. You cannot skip straight to A2.
2. Complete practical self-training — you must declare that you've practised flying under A3 conditions (open areas, away from people). There's no formal test for this, but you'll need to sign a self-declaration.
3. Be at least 16 years old (or have parental permission if required by your national authority).

The A2 Exam Format

The exam is a multiple-choice theory test administered either by your national aviation authority (NAA) or an approved training provider. Here's what to expect:

What Topics Are Covered?

The A2 exam goes deeper than A1/A3, focusing on the additional knowledge needed for operations near people. The main topic areas are:

1. Meteorology

Understanding weather conditions is critical when flying near people. You'll need to know about wind effects in urban environments (channelling between buildings), visibility conditions (fog vs. mist definitions), thermals, temperature inversions, and how weather affects your drone's flight performance at different altitudes.

2. UAS Flight Performance

This covers how your drone behaves in different conditions. Key topics include the relationship between altitude and air density, how payload and battery affect performance, maximum speed specifications and their real-world limitations, and propeller efficiency at various speeds.

3. Technical Specifications of C2 Drones

You need to understand C2 class drones specifically: what low-speed mode means and when it's required, the geo-awareness and Remote ID requirements, maximum take-off mass limits, and the fail-safe mechanisms that C2 drones must have.

4. Ground Risk Mitigation

This is arguably the most important A2-specific topic. It covers the 1:1 rule — which states that the horizontal distance from uninvolved people must be at least equal to the flight altitude. You'll also need to understand buffer zones, how to assess ground risk in different scenarios, operations near children and vulnerable people, and emergency procedures when uninvolved people enter your operational area.

5. Operating in A2 Subcategory

Practical knowledge about A2 operations: the 30-metre and 5-metre distance rules, when low-speed mode is required vs. optional, defining your operational volume and ground risk buffer, and how to plan a flight near populated areas.

How to Take the Exam — Country by Country

The process varies depending on where you are in Europe. In some countries you book directly with the national aviation authority, while in others you go through an approved training provider. Here's an overview of the major markets:

Remember: your A2 certificate is valid in all 30+ EASA member states, regardless of where you take the exam. So if online exams are available in another country, you can take it there and use the certificate at home.

5 Tips to Pass the A2 Exam

1. Master the 1:1 Rule

This comes up repeatedly. If your drone is flying at 20 metres altitude, the minimum horizontal distance from uninvolved people is 20 metres (with a floor of 30 metres in standard mode, or 5 metres in low-speed mode). Practice calculating these scenarios quickly.

2. Understand Low-Speed Mode

Know exactly when low-speed mode allows you to reduce the distance to 5 metres vs. when you must maintain 30 metres. The distinction between C2 drones with and without low-speed mode is a common exam question.

3. Study Meteorology Thoroughly

Many candidates underestimate the weather questions. Pay special attention to urban wind effects, fog vs. mist visibility thresholds (1,000 metres), and how altitude affects air density and drone performance.

4. Take Practice Exams Under Timed Conditions

30 questions in 30 minutes gives you just 60 seconds per question. Practice with a timer so the time pressure doesn't surprise you on exam day. The questions often involve scenario-based calculations that take time to work through.

5. Don't Overthink the Answers

The exam tests whether you can operate safely near people. When in doubt, the safest answer is usually the correct one — increase distance, reduce speed, abort the operation. EASA prioritises safety in their question design.

After the Exam

Once you pass, your national authority will issue your Certificate of Competency of Remote Pilot (A2). This is usually delivered as a digital PDF within a few days. The certificate is valid for 5 years across all EASA member states.

Before your certificate expires, you'll need to pass the exam again to renew it. Start reviewing the material a few weeks before your renewal date — regulations and best practices may have changed.

Summary

The EASA A2 exam is manageable with the right preparation. The pass rate across Europe is well above 75%, and the 30-question format is straightforward once you've studied the material. Focus on the 1:1 rule, meteorology, and C2 drone specifications, take multiple practice exams under timed conditions, and you'll be well-prepared for exam day.

Good luck — and fly safe! ✈️