Remote Pilot Certificate Guide: How to Apply

Remote Pilot Certificate Guide: How to Apply

AIO Answer: The remote pilot certificate application process differs by country. In the US, apply through FAA IACRA after passing the Part 107 knowledge test at a testing center. In the EU, register with your national authority and complete the A1/A3 online assessment. The UK process starts at register-drones.caa.co.uk. Australia requires enrollment at a CASA-approved training facility for RePL. Japan applicants register through DIPS 2.0 and attend approved training institutions. Canada uses the Transport Canada drone management portal. New Zealand does not require individual certification for commercial Part 101 operations.

Your Step-by-Step Application Roadmap

Getting your remote pilot certificate is the gateway to legal commercial drone operations. Each country has its own application process, testing requirements, and timelines. This guide walks you through the complete application process for every country where MmowW operates, from initial registration to receiving your credentials.

Application Process by Country

Detailed Application Steps

United States — Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Step 1: Prepare

Study for the Unmanned Aircraft General knowledge test. Resources include the FAA's Remote Pilot Study Guide (free download), commercial study courses ($50-300), and practice test apps. Plan 15-30 hours of study time. Key topics: airspace classification, weather theory, regulations, loading and performance, operations, and emergency procedures.

Step 2: Schedule and Take the Test

Register at an FAA-approved testing center through PSI Services. The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour time limit. A score of 70% (42 correct) or higher is required. The exam fee is approximately $175. Bring two forms of government-issued identification to the test center.

Step 3: Apply Through IACRA

After passing, create an account in the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. Complete FAA Form 8710-13 online. The application links to your test results automatically.

Step 4: TSA Background Check

The FAA processes a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check. This typically takes 1-10 business days. US citizens and permanent residents proceed automatically. Foreign nationals may face additional processing.

Step 5: Receive Your Certificate

Once the background check clears, your temporary certificate is available in IACRA immediately. The permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 6-8 weeks. The temporary certificate has full legal authority.

Recurrent Requirement: Complete the free online recurrent training every 24 months through the FAA Safety website.

European Union (DE, FR, NL, SE) — EASA Certificates

A1/A3 Certificate (Basic):

1. Register on your national authority's portal (LBA for Germany, AlphaTango for France, RDW for Netherlands, Transportstyrelsen for Sweden)
2. Complete the online training module covering drone regulations, safety, airspace, weather, and operations (approximately 2-4 hours)
3. Pass the online assessment (40 multiple-choice questions, 75% pass mark)
4. Certificate issued immediately upon passing
5. Cost: approximately EUR 25 depending on the member state

A2 Certificate of Competency (Advanced):

1. Hold a valid A1/A3 certificate first
2. Complete self-study of additional material covering A2-specific topics
3. Pass a proctored examination at a recognized Assessment Entity
4. Some providers include practical training (not universally required)
5. Cost: EUR 230-920 depending on the provider and member state
6. Valid for 5 years from date of issue

Specific Category:

No standardized certificate. Competency requirements are defined by the SORA risk assessment for your specific operation and documented in your Operations Manual submitted with the OA application.

United Kingdom — CAA Certificates

Flyer ID:

1. Visit register-drones.caa.co.uk
2. Complete the online theory test (20 multiple-choice questions covering the Drone and Model Aircraft Code)
3. Pass mark: 16/20 (80%)
4. Flyer ID issued immediately
5. Cost: Free
6. Valid for 5 years

Operator ID:

1. Register on the same CAA portal
2. Provide personal or organizational details
3. Pay GBP 10.33 per year
4. Operator ID number issued immediately
5. Must be displayed on every drone you fly

A2 CofC:

1. Hold Flyer ID
2. Complete training with a CAA-recognized Assessment Entity
3. Pass the A2 theory examination
4. Complete practical competency assessment
5. CofC issued by the Assessment Entity

Australia — RePL (Remote Pilot Licence)

Step 1: Choose a Training Provider

Select a CASA-approved RePL training organization. Courses typically run 5-10 days combining classroom theory with practical flight training. Costs range from AU$1,500 to AU$3,000+ depending on the provider and location.

Step 2: Complete Theory Training

Classroom instruction covering Australian aviation law, airspace, meteorology, navigation, human factors, and drone-specific operations. Written examination following the theory component.

Step 3: Practical Flight Assessment

Demonstrate competency in drone operations including pre-flight procedures, normal flight maneuvers, emergency procedures, and operational decision-making. Assessed by a CASA-approved flight examiner.

Step 4: Apply Through CASA

Submit your RePL application with training records and examiner reports. CASA processes the application (typically 2-4 weeks).

Step 5: RePL Issued

Your licence is valid for 2 years with currency requirements. You must then work under a ReOC (organization certificate) for commercial operations. Aircraft registration costs AU$40/year for aircraft over 500g.

Japan — UAS Pilot Certificates

Step 1: Register in DIPS 2.0

Create an account and register your aircraft (JPY 900-1,450 per aircraft, 3-year validity).

Step 2: Enroll in Registered Training Institution

Choose a MLIT-registered training institution. Second Class training typically takes 10-20 hours. First Class training requires additional advanced modules (20-30+ hours).

Step 3: Theory Examination

Pass the knowledge test covering Japanese aviation law, UAS-specific regulations, meteorology, airspace, and operations. Examination fee approximately JPY 8,800.

Step 4: Practical Skills Assessment

Demonstrate flight competency including hover, pattern flight, emergency procedures, and navigation skills. Assessed at a designated testing facility. Fee approximately JPY 20,400 for initial issuance.

Step 5: Certificate Issued

Certificate valid for 3 years. Renewal requires re-examination (theory and/or practical). Second Class enables simplified permission applications for standard specific flights. First Class enables Level 4 (BVLOS over populated areas) operations with type-certified aircraft.

Canada — Basic and Advanced Certificates

Basic Certificate:

1. Register on the Transport Canada drone management portal
2. Study the Transport Canada drone study guide
3. Pass the Small Basic Exam (35 multiple-choice questions, 65% pass mark)
4. CA$10 examination fee
5. Certificate issued upon passing

Advanced Certificate:

1. Hold a Basic certificate
2. Pass the Small Advanced Exam (50 multiple-choice questions, 80% pass mark)
3. Complete a flight review with an approved flight reviewer
4. Certificate issued upon passing both components

Registration: CA$5 per aircraft for 3 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pass rate for drone pilot examinations?

Pass rates vary by country and test level. The US Part 107 first-attempt pass rate is approximately 80-85% with adequate preparation. EU A1/A3 online tests have pass rates above 90%. Australia's RePL practical assessment has a lower pass rate (approximately 70-80%) due to the flight skills component. Adequate preparation using official study materials significantly improves pass rates across all countries.

Can I take the drone pilot test in English if I am in a non-English speaking country?

This varies. Germany's LBA offers the A1/A3 test in German (and sometimes English). France requires French for the DGAC exam. Sweden offers tests in Swedish and English. Japan's examinations are primarily in Japanese. Canada offers English and French. If language is a barrier, check with the specific national authority or consider obtaining your primary credential in an English-speaking country and then seeking recognition or equivalent in your target market.

How much should I invest in exam preparation?

For the US Part 107, free FAA study materials are sufficient for most candidates. Commercial prep courses ($50-300) increase confidence and pass rates. For EU A1/A3, the built-in training module is usually sufficient. For Australia's RePL, the training facility fee (AU$1,500-3,000+) includes all preparation. For Japan, institutional training (JPY 100,000-300,000+) is the primary investment. Budget at minimum 15-30 hours of study time regardless of country.

Do I need a medical examination to fly drones commercially?

No country among the 10 requires a formal aviation medical examination for drone pilots. However, most regulatory frameworks require pilots to self-assess their fitness to fly, including not operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol and being in a physical and mental condition to safely control the aircraft. Australia requires a self-declaration of fitness. Japan's new certification system includes a basic fitness assessment.

What credentials do I need to train other drone pilots?

Instructor credentials are separate from pilot credentials in most countries. The US does not have a specific drone instructor certificate — Part 107 holders can train others, but formal training organizations need FAA approval. The UK has CAA-recognized Assessment Entities for A2 CofC training. EU states use recognized assessment entities. Australia requires CASA-approved training organization status. Japan uses MLIT-registered training institutions. Canada uses approved flight reviewers for the Advanced practical component.

Take the Next Step

Ready to check your drone compliance status? MmowW's free Flight Checker tool helps you verify your credentials and regulatory requirements.

• UK Flight Checker
• DE Flight Checker
• FR Flight Checker
• NL Flight Checker
• SE Flight Checker
• AU Flight Checker
• NZ Flight Checker
• CA Flight Checker
• US Flight Checker
• JP Flight Checker

Loved for Safety.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Drone regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your national aviation authority before conducting operations.

Loved for Safety.