Is the A2 CofC Worth It? An Honest UK Assessment

The A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) is one of the most discussed qualifications in UK drone flying, and the question pilots ask most often is simply: is it worth it? The honest answer depends entirely on the drone you fly and what you want to do with it. This guide weighs up the cost against the benefits so you can decide.

What the A2 CofC actually gives you

The A2 CofC is a qualification awarded by a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE), not by the Civil Aviation Authority directly. It sits at the upper end of the Open Category. With it, you can fly a C2-class drone in subcategory A2, which permits operations as close as 30 metres horizontally from uninvolved people, reducing to 5 metres when using a slow-speed (low-speed) mode where the drone provides one.

Without an A2 CofC, a C2-class drone would have to be flown in the A3 subcategory, keeping you well away from people, residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas. The A2 CofC therefore buys you proximity and flexibility, not new airspace privileges.

The cost picture (as of May 2026)

A2 CofC training and assessment packages from RAEs typically range from modest online-only courses to more thorough offerings with study materials and support. Prices vary between providers, so it is worth comparing several. The certificate is valid for a fixed period after which it must be renewed. Factor in renewal when judging long-term value.

When it is genuinely worth it

• You own a heavier C2-class drone. If you fly a drone in the 250g to 900g range that carries a C2 class mark, the A2 CofC lets you operate much closer to people than the A3 subcategory allows.
• You shoot in semi-built environments. Photographers and videographers who want to work nearer to bystanders benefit from the reduced separation distances.
• You want a structured introduction to the rules. The syllabus covers airspace, meteorology, human factors and operating procedures, which builds genuine competence.

When it may not be worth it

• You fly a sub-250g drone such as a DJI Mini. These lightweight aircraft already enjoy relaxed separation rules, so the A2 CofC adds little for most casual flyers.
• You only fly in open countryside. If you naturally keep your distance from people, the A3 subcategory may already cover your needs without any certificate.

Common misconceptions

The A2 CofC does not let you overfly crowds or assemblies of people. No Open Category qualification permits that. It is also not the same as the General VLOS Certificate (GVC), which is the entry point to the Specific Category for higher-risk operations. The A2 CofC stays firmly within the Open Category.

Making your decision

Start by identifying your drone's class mark and weight. If it is sub-250g, you probably do not need the A2 CofC. If it is a C2-class drone and you want to fly closer to people, the cost is usually justified. Map the qualification to your actual flying habits rather than buying it speculatively.