A2 CofC Explained: Is the A2 Certificate of Competency Worth It?
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The A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) is the next step up from the Flyer ID. It lets you fly bigger drones closer to people — but it's not for everyone.
What does the A2 CofC let you do?
It unlocks the A2 subcategory of the Open category:
| Drone | Without A2 CofC | With A2 CofC |
|---|---|---|
| UK2 class-marked (under 4kg) | A3: 50m from people, 150m from built-up areas | As close as 30m from uninvolved people, or 5m in low-speed mode |
| Legacy, 250g–2kg (no class mark) | A3 distances | 50m from uninvolved people |
| Sub-250g | Already in A1 | No change — you don't need it |
In short: it's most useful if you fly a heavier drone (like a DJI Air or Mavic) and want to use it in or near towns.
Who should get one?
Worth it if you:
- Fly a 250g+ drone and keep hitting the 150m-from-built-up-areas limit
- Are thinking about starting paid drone work (it's a common stepping stone)
- Want to deepen your knowledge of airspace, meteorology and risk
Probably not needed if you:
- Fly a sub-250g drone (DJI Mini, Lito, Flip, Neo) — you already have A1 freedoms
- Only fly in open countryside
How to get an A2 CofC
- Hold a valid Flyer ID first. (How to get one)
- Choose a CAA-recognised training provider (known as an RAE). Most offer online courses.
- Complete the theory training — topics include meteorology, drone performance and ground-risk mitigation.
- Pass the theory exam — a remotely-invigilated multiple-choice exam of at least 30 questions.
- Complete and declare your practical flight training — you self-declare that you've practised the required flight skills.
The certificate lasts 5 years. Course prices vary between providers, so shop around and check exactly what's included (exam fee, resits, study materials).
Useful study kit
A good general reference makes the theory easier, especially the meteorology section:
Browse UK drone theory books on Amazon
And if you're stepping up to a heavier drone, you'll want it to carry a UK2 class mark to get the full 30m/5m A2 benefit. Check the listing — or the manufacturer's site — before buying.
A2 CofC vs GVC
The GVC (General VLOS Certificate) is a bigger qualification for the Specific category, typically for commercial operators who need an Operational Authorisation. For most hobby pilots, the A2 CofC is the natural ceiling.
Always check the latest requirements on the CAA website. For the bigger picture, see our UK drone rules guide.