A2 CofC Explained

The A2 Certificate of Competency is the most popular paid UK drone qualification. It unlocks the A2 subcategory of the Open category — letting you fly heavier drones significantly closer to uninvolved people than the default rules allow.

What the A2 CofC actually lets you do

• Fly a legacy or C2-class drone (up to 2 kg) as close as 30 m to uninvolved people.
• Reduce that to 5 m when using the drone's low-speed mode.
• Operate a wider range of hardware without stepping up to a full GVC / Operational Authorisation.

Without an A2 CofC these drones are stuck in A3, which means keeping 150 m away from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas — very limiting in the UK.

Who should take the A2 CofC?

• Owners of a DJI Air 3, Mavic 3, or any 250 g – 2 kg drone.
• Semi-professional pilots doing paid work under the Open category.
• Enthusiasts who want to fly comfortably in built-up areas without a full commercial qualification.

How the exam works

1. Complete online theory training with any CAA-recognised RAE (approx. 8–16 hours).
2. Self-declare a practical familiarisation flight and logbook entry.
3. Sit a closed-book theory exam — typically 30–40 multiple-choice questions, 75% pass mark.
4. Receive your certificate — valid for 5 years.

Cost and time investment

• Course cost: £99 – £199 depending on provider.
• Time: most pilots complete it in a weekend.
• Renewal: refresher training every 5 years.

A2 CofC vs GVC — which do you need?

If your work stays inside the Open category — even at short distances from people — the A2 CofC is enough. If you need to fly in congested airspace, at night, beyond visual line of sight, or want a formal commercial permission, step up to the GVC. Full comparison in our UK drone laws guide.