How Long Is the A2 CofC Valid For in the UK?

One of the most common questions among Open Category pilots is how long the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) remains valid. Knowing your expiry date matters, because flying on a lapsed certificate means you may no longer hold the privileges you think you do.

The standard validity period

The A2 CofC is issued for a defined period rather than for life. The certificate carries an expiry date, and the period of validity has commonly been set at five years from the date of issue. Because the exact figure can be updated, the authoritative source is the date printed on your own certificate.

Why certificates expire

Time-limited validity exists so that pilots periodically refresh their knowledge of the rules. Drone regulations evolve, class markings change, and transitional arrangements come and go. A renewal cycle helps ensure that certificate holders are aware of the current framework rather than rules that may have applied years earlier.

Checking your expiry date

• Look at the certificate document itself, which states the issue and expiry dates.
• Check any account you hold with the Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE) that issued it.
• Set a personal reminder well before the expiry date so you have time to renew.

What happens when it expires

If your A2 CofC lapses, you no longer hold A2 subcategory privileges. You may still be able to fly under the more open A3 subcategory rules, keeping the required distances from people and built-up areas, but you cannot rely on the reduced distances that the A2 CofC unlocks until you renew.

Relationship to Operator ID and Flyer ID

It is worth remembering that the A2 CofC is separate from your Operator ID and Flyer ID, which have their own validity and renewal cycles. The Flyer ID in particular is generally valid for a set period and is renewed through the CAA's own registration service, whereas the A2 CofC is renewed through your RAE. Keeping track of all three avoids an unexpected gap in your permissions.

Planning ahead

Because renewal can involve refreshing your knowledge or repeating elements of the assessment, it is sensible not to leave it to the final week. Treat the expiry date as a planning milestone, and confirm the current validity period and renewal route with CAA and RAE guidance.