Is the A1/A3 EASA drone exam the same in every EU country?

The EU learning objectives are harmonised, but booking systems, fees and language options are set by each National Aviation Authority. Always confirm local instructions on your NAA website before the test.

Can I prepare for the drone exam Europe online with A2STS?

Yes. A2STS offers free A1/A3 theory, topic drills and practice tests aligned with NAA-style counts. We help you study; only your NAA certifies the result.

Do I need an EU drone licence before buying a drone?

You need operator registration and remote pilot competency where the regulations apply to your aircraft and operation. The A1/A3 certificate is the usual first step for open-category pilots.

Is A1/A3 really free on A2STS?

Yes - registration and the A1/A3 learning base are free. Premium plans add A2 and STS simulators when you are ready to upgrade.

What is the difference between A1 and A3 subcategories?

They reflect different operational limits (e.g. proximity to people and aircraft characteristics). The same A1/A3 exam covers both; your actual flights must match the subcategory and class of your UAS.

A1/A3 drone exam - EU open category foundation

Understand the EASA A1/A3 certificate, exam format and what you may fly after passing - then practise with free theory and tests.

Official exam: 40 questions
Time limit: 40 min
Pass mark: 75%
Practice bank: 545+

Start A1/A3 training View pricing

What is the A1/A3 drone exam?

The A1/A3 qualification is the entry-level remote pilot competency for the EU open category under Regulation (EU) 2019/947. It confirms that you understand airspace, safety, privacy, insurance and operational limits for small unmanned aircraft in subcategories A1 and A3.

In most Member States this is delivered as an online EASA drone exam through your National Aviation Authority (NAA) after you complete recognised training. The result is recorded in your operator and remote pilot profile - it is not a separate plastic card, but a legal competency you must hold before flying in the open category.

A2STS is an online preparation and training platform only. We do not issue EU remote pilot certificates or replace your National Aviation Authority (NAA). Official EASA drone exams are booked and delivered by your NAA under Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945.

Who needs an A1/A3 certificate?

Anyone who flies a drone in the EU open category and is not covered by a specific exemption needs remote pilot competency at A1/A3 level as a minimum. That includes hobby pilots, content creators, surveyors flying small UAS, and many commercial operators before they add A2 or move to the specific category.

Beginners and recreational pilots

If you fly for leisure in uncontrolled airspace, stay below height limits and away from crowds, A1/A3 is usually your starting point. The exam checks that you can read maps, respect geofencing, and apply basic risk thinking - not advanced meteorology or STS risk assessments.

Commercial pilots building a career path

Many professional workflows still begin in the open category. You will often progress from A1/A3 to the A2 drone licence when you need to fly closer to uninvolved people, then to STS drone certification if standard open rules are not enough. See our A2 exam and STS exam pages for the next steps.

Requirements and prerequisites

EASA rules require online training on the open-category syllabus before you sit the official test. Your NAA may integrate training and exam booking in one portal; formats can differ slightly by country but the underlying EU learning objectives stay aligned with 2019/947.

Minimum age and registration rules follow national transposition - check your NAA
UAS operator registration when required for your aircraft class
Proof of completion of online training (where mandated) before the knowledge test
No A2 or STS prerequisite for the initial A1/A3 exam

A1/A3 exam format

The typical initial A1/A3 knowledge test is 40 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes with a 75% pass threshold (30 correct answers). Renewal exams at the end of the 5 years cycle are shorter - often 20 questions in 20 minutes - and focus on regulatory updates and safety reminders.

Questions cover EU airspace basics, operational limitations, human performance, privacy, insurance, and technical knowledge appropriate to open-category UAS. A2STS mirrors these counts in free practice modes so you learn the rhythm before paying NAA exam fees.

What you are allowed to do after passing

With A1/A3 competency you may operate in open subcategories A1 and A3 within the limits defined in 2019/947 and 2019/945 - including maximum take-off mass, height limits, and distance from people depending on subcategory and C-class marking of your drone.

You may not automatically fly close to assemblies of people or conduct specific-category missions; those require A2 or STS pathways. Always check local implementing rules, temporary restrictions and any additional NAA notifications.

Validity (5 years) and renewal

Remote pilot competency in the EU is generally valid for 5 years, after which you must pass a renewal knowledge test within the window set by your NAA (often in the final months before expiry). Renewal is shorter than the initial exam and is designed to refresh rules that changed since your first pass.

Plan renewal preparation early: our certificate renewal exams page summarises combined A1/A3, A2 and STS extension formats and links to full simulations in the learning hub.

Start A1/A3 training

Practice in NAA-style timed simulations with explanations. A2STS is a preparation platform only; your National Aviation Authority issues the official EU drone licence.