Drone pilots must carry a valid drone pilot certificate at all times while operating their drone. A valid drone pilot certificate is a printed or electronic document issued by Transport Canada. No other form of certification will be accepted.
There are three types of pilot certificates: basic, advanced and Level 1 complex. The type of licence you need depends on what you want to fly, how you want to fly, and where you want to fly. Find your category of operation.
On this page
- Getting a drone Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations
- Getting a drone Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations
- Getting a drone Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations
Getting a drone Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations
To get your Basic operations certificate, you need to take the online exam.
If you pass the Small Basic Exam, you will be issued a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations. You can download and print your certificate through the Drone Management Portal.
Your pilot certificate does not expire, but you need to keep your skills up-to-date.
Getting a drone Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations
To get your Advanced operations certificate, you need to:
- pass the online exam for advanced operations
- pass a flight review
- apply for a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations
About the Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations
Drone pilots who hold a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations can conduct both basic and advanced operations.
Once the fee is paid when you apply, you will be issued a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations. You can download and print your certificate through the Drone Management Portal.
Your pilot certificate does not expire, but you need to keep your skills up-to-date.
Getting a drone Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations
To get your Level 1 Complex operations certificate, you need to:
- pass the online exam for advanced operations
- complete at least 20 hours of ground school through a flight school
- pass the online exam for Level 1 Complex Operations
- pass a flight review for Level 1 Complex Operations
- apply for a Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations
About the Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations
Drone pilots who hold a Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations can conduct basic and advanced operations. For complex operations, pilots must also fly under an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC).
Once the fee is paid when you apply, you will be issued a Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations.
Your pilot certificate does not expire, but you need to keep your skills up-to-date.