Wondering how to get a drone certificate? This guide gives you a complete overview of A1/A3, A2 and STS.

To fly a drone legally in Norway and the rest of the EU/EEA, you need the correct certificate. The rules are risk-based: the greater the risk an operation involves, the stricter the requirements for training, exams and practical skills.

C-marking on drones – what does it mean?

When you buy a drone, it usually has a C-mark (C0–C6). This mark shows which class the drone belongs to and sets the framework for where and how you can fly.

To obtain a C-mark, the drone must meet a number of specification requirements. These requirements ensure that the drone can be used within the limits set by the regulations.

A C2-marked drone, for example, can be flown in the open category A2. To qualify for this mark, the drone must have a maximum take-off weight of 4 kg and be equipped with a “slow mode” that can reduce speed to 3 m/s.

Drones without C-marking can still be used in the open category A3 or in the specific category, as long as they meet the rules.

The drone certificate

In Norway, the Civil Aviation Authority (Luftfartstilsynet) issues the drone certificate once you have passed the required drone exams. The certificate is valid throughout the EU and EEA and documents that you have the competence required to fly a drone within the category endorsed on the certificate.

You can obtain endorsements for:

  • A1/A3 – the basic certificate that everyone starts with

  • A2 – the additional certificate for flying closer to people

  • STS – the certificate for standard scenarios in the specific category

Registration and basic course

The first step is to register as a drone operator on the Civil Aviation Authority’s portal flydrone.no. . Here you receive your operator number, and it is also where you complete the mandatory basic course in the open category (A1/A3).

A1/A3 – the basic certificate

All drone pilots start with the A1/A3 certificate, which provides an introduction to drone regulations, safe use of airspace and pilot responsibilities. After the course, you take an online exam with 40 questions. Passing the exam gives you certification for both A1 and A3 – since these subcategories have a similar risk profile and shared competence requirements.

  • A1 (small drones over people): Allowed to fly over individuals with drones under 250 grams, but never over crowds. Drones must weigh under 250 grams and have a C0 or C1 mark.

  • A3 (larger drones away from people): Flying must take place in areas where people are not exposed to risk, with at least 150 m distance from residential and industrial areas. Drones must be marked C3 or C4. Drones without a C-mark and weighing under 25 kg are also permitted in A3.

For drones under 250 grams, the A1/A3 certificate is not required. However, it is strongly recommended to take the course to gain the necessary knowledge.

A2 – the additional certificate

To fly drones weighing up to 4 kg (C2) closer to people, you need the A2 certificate. This builds on A1/A3 and requires both theoretical and practical competence.

Requirements for A2:

  • Theory exam at the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen): 30 questions testing knowledge of rules, safety and risk assessment.

  • Practical self-training: You declare that you have completed the training in accordance with A3 rules.

Once you have passed the A2 theory exam and declared practical skills in the flydrone.no  portal, the A2 certificate is issued.

STS – the certificate in the specific category

To fly in the specific category under a standard scenario (STS), you need an STS certificate. This certifies that you have the theoretical competence required to operate in these scenarios.

Two standard scenarios apply:

  • STS-01 (within visual line of sight): Requires a C5-marked drone.

  • STS-02 (beyond visual line of sight/BVLOS): Requires a C6-marked drone.

Requirements for the STS certificate:

  • You must already have passed A1/A3.

  • You must complete an STS exam at the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (40 questions).

  • If you already have the A2 exam, you can take the A2STS exam with fewer questions (30).

The STS theory is extensive and covers more topics than A1/A3 and A2.

Courses:

Practical skills

In addition to the STS certificate, you must have accredited practical skills. This is not part of the certificate itself but a separate requirement documented through training at an approved drone school.

Renewal of certificates

All drone certificates are valid for 5 years. After this, you must take a new exam to renew the certificate. This ensures that drone pilots are always up to date with current regulations.

Be a responsible airspace user

Through our courses, you gain the knowledge and training needed to pass the exams and fly safely. We provide you with the tools to understand the regulations, master practical skills and develop the safety culture required of professional drone pilots. Whether you fly for hobby or work, the right competence is the key to using the airspace in a safe and professional way.

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