Certificate renewal exams - extend your EU drone licence

Shorter NAA knowledge tests at the end of the 5-year cycle - practise A1/A3, A2 and STS renewal formats before you book.

Typical validity
5 years
A1/A3 renewal
20 q / 20 min
A2 renewal
35 q / 35 min
STS renewal
50 q / 50 min
Start renewal simulationView pricing

What is a certificate renewal exam?

EU remote pilot competencies issued under Regulation (EU) 2019/947 generally expire after five years. Before the end of that period you must pass a renewal knowledge test - sometimes called validity extension - administered by your National Aviation Authority.

Renewal exams are shorter than initial certification. They focus on regulatory updates, safety culture and scenario-specific knowledge rather than teaching everything from scratch.

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 to renew?

Every remote pilot who wants to keep operating legally after the printed validity date must renew the corresponding certificate level: A1/A3 for open-category baseline, A2 for subcategory A2 privileges, and STS for Standard Scenario operations.

If you let competency lapse, you may need to repeat initial training and full exams - far more costly than planning renewal during the extension window your NAA publishes.

Requirements and prerequisites

You do not need to re-earn A1/A3 from zero if you only renew A1/A3, but combined papers may still include cross-topic questions. Read the format table on this page and match simulations in the learning hub.

  • Existing certificate approaching expiry (check your NAA profile)
  • Booking within the national extension window (often final 3 months)
  • Refresher study on changed EU and national rules since your first pass
  • For A2/STS renewal: retained familiarity with open-category and risk topics

Renewal exam formats (typical NAA)

Formats below reflect commonly published NAA structures aligned with EASA guidance. Always confirm the live bulletin from your National Aviation Authority before booking.

A1/A3 validity extension

  • 20 questions · 20 minutes · 75% pass (15/20)
  • Usually online remote exam
  • Six thematic areas with regulatory refresh

A2 validity extension

  • 35 questions · 35 minutes · 75% pass (27/35)
  • Often classroom delivery
  • Typically 20 A1/A3 + 15 A2 questions

STS validity extension

  • 50 questions · 50 minutes · 75% pass (38/50)
  • 20 A1/A3 + 30 STS; extra items if A2 renewal combined

What happens after you pass renewal

Your NAA updates the competency validity in the EU system for another five-year period (subject to national implementation). You may continue open-category or specific-category operations matching your certificates, provided operator registration and operational declarations remain valid.

Planning the next five-year cycle

Set a calendar reminder 6 months before expiry. Use free A1/A3 renewal practice where available and premium renewal simulators for A2 and STS. Pair renewal prep with our A1/A3, A2 and STS exam hubs if you also train new team members.

Start renewal simulation

Run renewal simulations in the same NAA question counts before your validity extension window closes. One-time plans - no subscription.

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Topics covered on this page

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Frequently asked questions

How long is an EU drone licence valid?
Remote pilot competency is generally issued for 5 years under EASA rules. Renewal before expiry avoids repeating full initial exams.
Are renewal exams easier than initial exams?
They are shorter but not necessarily easy - regulators expect you to know recent rule changes. Focused practice beats assuming your old notes are enough.
Can I renew A2 without renewing A1/A3?
National rules vary. Many renewal papers still include A1/A3 questions because open-category knowledge stays foundational.
Does A2STS replace the NAA renewal booking?
No. We provide renewal-format simulations and study tools. You must still pass the official test with your NAA.
Where do I start if I hold multiple certificates?
Renew each level you need for ongoing operations. Start from the A1/A3 exam hub if your baseline is oldest, then A2 and STS pages for higher tiers.

Related pages

Certificate validity extension exams

At the end of the 5-year cycle - shorter formats. Full renewal simulations in the learning hub after sign-in.

Available in the learning hub for all eligible plans.

Start renewal simulation