The A2 Certificate of Competency (CofC) is the UK's intermediate drone qualification — sitting above the free Flyer ID and below the GVC (General VLOS Certificate) used by commercial operators. The CAA introduced it in 2020 to align UK rules with the EU UAS framework, but four years on it's still routinely confused with the Flyer ID, the Operator ID, and the GVC. Here's what it actually is.
What the A2 CofC lets you do
The A2 CofC unlocks A2 subcategory flight under the Open Category. In practical terms, with an A2 CofC and a C2-class drone:
- You can fly as close as 30 m horizontal from uninvolved people (50 m without the CofC, 5 m in low-speed mode)
- You can operate in built-up residential areas where A3 (50 m + 150 m exclusions) would otherwise lock you out
- The aircraft must be C2-marked or "legacy" (transition-period rules). Sub-250 g aircraft don't need the CofC at all — they're A1 by default
What it does NOT let you do
- Fly over crowds or large gatherings
- Fly above 400 ft AGL
- Fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)
- Operate commercially in any way that requires Operational Authorisation
- Enter restricted airspace, FRZs, or NOTAMed Article 239 areas without separate permission
The actual test
The A2 CofC test is run by RAEs (Recognised Assessment Entities) — the CAA delegates examination to private training providers like UAVHub, Coptrz, the Airspace Lawyer, and FlyArgo. Costs in 2026 range £99 to £180, occasionally bundled with the GVC at £600–£900 for the combined package.
The exam is:
- Online theory, 30–40 multiple-choice questions, 75% pass mark
- Topics: meteorology, UAS performance, flight rules, technical limitations, human factors
- Self-declared practical training (no on-site flight test for the A2 CofC, unlike the GVC)
- Valid for 5 years before renewal
Do you actually need one?
Most UK recreational pilots do not. If you fly:
- A sub-250 g drone (DJI Mini 4 Pro, Mini 4K) — A1 default, no CofC required
- In open countryside or designated club fields where A3's 50 m people-clearance is easy to maintain — no CofC required
You should consider getting one if you fly:
- A C2-class drone (Mavic 3 Pro, Air 3) and want to fly in suburban or built-up areas without breaching A3
- Heavier drones over 900 g where A1 is closed off entirely
- Anywhere 50 m from people is impractical for the kind of footage or flight you want
The Operator ID / Flyer ID confusion, settled
- Operator ID — registers you as the responsible person. £10.33/yr. Required for any drone ≥250 g.
- Flyer ID — basic theory test, free. Required for any drone ≥250 g flown by you.
- A2 CofC — separate, paid, 5-year qualification that unlocks A2 subcategory privileges.
- GVC — required for Operational Authorisation (commercial operations). Significantly more involved than the A2 CofC, includes a flight test.
You can hold the Flyer ID without the A2 CofC. You cannot meaningfully use the A2 CofC without also holding the Flyer ID and Operator ID — they're the foundation. A2 CofC certificates issued before 31 December 2025 may need a top-up to align with the new C-class regime; check directly with your issuing RAE.