What is the difference between A2 and STS?

A2 is open category near people with class-marked drones. STS is specific category under published Standard Scenarios with stricter operational and risk requirements.

Is the STS drone exam harder than A2?

Yes - more questions, broader syllabus and risk-focused scenarios. Most candidates prepare longer and use full 60-question mocks weekly before booking.

Do I need STS-01 and STS-02 separate exams?

EU framework defines scenarios; your NAA may issue one theoretical certificate covering STS knowledge. Confirm which scenarios you will declare before studying.

Can I practise STS online in Europe?

Yes on A2STS - timed STS simulations, topic drills and 545+ question bank coverage. The official test remains with your NAA.

Does passing STS replace an operational authorisation?

No. You still need the operational declaration, operator compliance and scenario conditions. STS addresses remote pilot theoretical knowledge for those scenarios.

STS exam - Standard Scenarios certification prep

60 questions, 60 minutes, 75% pass mark - prepare for STS-01 and STS-02 specific-category theory with full simulations.

Questions: 60
Time: 60 min
Pass mark: ≥75%
Syllabus areas: 8

Prepare for STS certification View pricing

Key terms: STS, Specific category, VLOS, BVLOS, Ground risk. Full EASA glossary →

What is the STS drone exam?

Standard Scenarios (STS) are pre-defined specific-category operations in Regulation (EU) 2019/947 - commonly STS-01 (VLOS over controlled ground area) and STS-02 (BVLOS with observers). The STS exam is the theoretical knowledge test for the remote pilot theoretical knowledge certificate referenced in those scenarios.

Passing proves you understand operational risk, communications, human factors, technical requirements and procedures beyond open-category A2 limits. The official STS drone certification is granted by your NAA after you pass; A2STS helps you train with realistic mocks.

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 STS drone certification?

Operators who want to fly under a published Standard Scenario without a full bespoke operational authorisation need STS competency. Typical sectors include surveying, agriculture BVLOS with observers, infrastructure inspection and some media workflows that exceed open-category limits.

Hobby pilots rarely need STS. If you only fly low-risk open-category missions, A1/A3 and possibly A2 are enough.

Requirements and prerequisites

Because STS sits in the specific category, regulators expect deeper risk literacy than the open-category EASA drone exam. Build a solid A2 foundation first unless your NAA explicitly allows a parallel path.

A1/A3 remote pilot competency (mandatory baseline)
A2 competency when your NAA or scenario requires ground-risk knowledge
Declared training on the STS syllabus (length set nationally)
Understanding of your intended STS-01 or STS-02 operation

STS exam format

The usual STS theoretical exam is 60 questions in 60 minutes with a 75% pass mark (45/60). Content spans eight syllabus areas including law, human performance, meteorology, UAS knowledge, procedures, navigation, risk and aerodromes.

Some NAAs offer a combined STS sitting that includes additional A2 ground-risk items when you have not already passed A2 - check local guidance. A2STS STS simulations follow the 60/60 structure with per-area analytics.

What you are allowed to do after passing

STS competency lets you act as remote pilot for operations conducted under the applicable Standard Scenario declaration, together with an operational declaration and operator responsibilities defined in EU law.

You must still respect the scenario geometry, equipment requirements, observer rules (for STS-02), insurance and any national conditions. STS does not grant unlimited BVLOS or flight over crowds - only what the scenario authorises.

Validity (5 years) and renewal

STS certificates follow the same 5 years validity cycle as other remote pilot competencies. Renewal tests often combine A1/A3 refresher questions with STS-focused items (for example 20 + 30 questions). Pilots who also hold A2 may see additional ground-risk questions on renewal.

See certificate renewal exams for format tables and start renewal simulations before your NAA booking window closes.

Prepare for STS certification

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