Overview of drone certificates

On this page, you can read more about the rules for drone certificates and how to obtain a drone certificate.

Which certificate should you get?

When you acquire a drone, you will, in most cases, need to obtain a drone certificate. The type of certificate required depends on your drone’s weight class and whether it has a C-marking.

There are two types of drone certificates:

  • A theoretical certificate (A1/A3), which is obtained by passing an online theory test. This applies to the lightest and heaviest drones.
  • A competency certificate (A2), which differs from the theoretical A1/A3 certificates, as it allows for higher-risk flights in urban areas.

Under the European Drone regulation, all drone pilot certificates issued by any of the EASA Member States is recognised in all other EASA Member State countries.

So, if you completed the necessary trainings, passed a drone’s pilot exam and got a remote pilot certificate in any EASA Member State, you can fly a drone in any other EASA Member State.

If you do not already have a European certificate, you will need to obtain one—depending on the drone you intend to fly. At present, it is not possible to obtain one through our national portal unless you have MitID. However, Eurocontrol, in collaboration with Luxembourg's CAA, offers an A1/A3 online exam:

Go to online exam

 

The two types of drone certificates

You can obtain a drone certificate by passing the online theory test for the A1/A3 theoretical certificate.

The theory test for the A2 competency certificate can only be taken after obtaining the A1/A3 theoretical certificate and completing practical self-training.

Read more about the certificates:

A1/A3

If you have a C1–C4 marked drone or a legacy drone under 25 kg, you must obtain a theoretical A1/A3 certificate to fly in subcategory A1 or A3.

To obtain a theoretical certificate A1/A3, you must:

  • Read the drone’s user manual
  • Read the drone regulation
  • Pass an online theory test for the A1/A3 theoretical drone certificate

A2

If you have a C2 marked drone or a legacy drone under 25 kg, you must obtain a certificate of competency, A2, if you would like to fly in subcategory A2.

To obtain certificate of competency A2, you must:

  • Read the drone’s user manual
  • Read the drone regulation
  • Possess a theoretical A1/A3 certificate
  • Complete practical self-training
  • Pass an A2 exam conducted by a recognised A2-entity

Subcategories

The ‘open’ category is divided into three subcategories: A1, A2, and A3.

Each subcategory has its own specific rules. Therefore, it is essential to determine which subcategory your operations fall under to understand the applicable rules and the required training for you as the remote pilot.

 

  • You may fly legacy drones under 250 g, C0, marked drones and C1-marked drones weighing up to 899 grams (these drones can also fly in subcategory A3)
  • No flight expected over uninvolved people (if it happens, overflight should be minimised);
  • No flight over assemblies of people
  • Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level.
  • You must adhere to the Danish Order on Drones and the EU drone regulation.

  • You may fly C2-marked drones weighing between 900 grams and 3.99 kg.
  • You must follow the 1:1 rule, meaning your safety distance from uninvolved persons must be equal to your flight height. For example, if flying at 100 metres, you must maintain a 100-metre safety distance. However, a minimum horizontal distance of 30 metres from uninvolved persons must always be maintained. If flying at 10 metres, the safety distance must still be 30 metres.
    • If flying at a speed of 3 m/s or lower, the required horizontal distance from uninvolved persons is reduced to 5 metres.
  • You must not overfly uninvolved people
  • If you plan to fly over or within 2.5 metres of residential properties, you must obtain consent.
  • You can apply for permission or an exemption to fly in geographical drone zones.
  • You must adhere to the Danish Order on Drones and the EU drone regulation.

  • You may fly drones weighing under 25 kg, including legacy drones
  • You must maintain a minimum horizontal distance of 150 metres from areas used for residential, commercial, or recreational purposes.
  • You must follow the 1:1 rule, meaning your safety distance from uninvolved persons must be equal to your flight height. For example, if flying at 100 metres, you must maintain a 100-metre safety distance.
  • If uninvolved persons enter the operational area within the 1:1 rule distance, you must abort the operation—no later than at 30 metres horizontal distance.
  • Flying over gatherings of people is strictly prohibited.
  • If you plan to fly over or within 5 metres of residential properties, you must obtain consent. Read more about consent requirements here.
  • You must adhere to the Danish Order on Drones and the EU drone regulation.
Senest opdateret 09-04-2025