Starting a drone program requires thorough preparation, and one of the most crucial steps is obtaining certification for yourself and any team members operating the drones. Even if you are simply managing the program without flying, certification is recommended to help you understand the workflow and regulatory limitations.
Transport Canada offers two levels of certification for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) weighing between 250g and 25kg: Basic Operations and Advanced Operations. By the end of this article, you’ll know which certification best fits your needs, steps to obtain the certification, and whether or not you may require a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC).
Basic vs. Advanced Certification: What’s the Difference?
Basic Operations Certificate
If you do not intend to fly near people or airports, a Basic Operations Certificate may be sufficient. With this certification, you can operate a RPAS under the following conditions:
• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) in uncontrolled airspace (Class G);
• At least 30 meters (horizontal distance) away from bystanders; and
• More than 3 NM from a certified aerodrome or 1 NM from a heliport
If you plan to operate near airports or in controlled airspace, a Basic Certificate will not be enough. To determine what airspace you’ll be flying in, use the NRCC Drone Site Selection Tool (link).
Requirements to Obtain a Basic Certificate:
• Be at least 14 years old
• Have a drone registered with Transport Canada that meets basic or advanced operations standards
Steps to Obtain a Basic Certificate:
1. Pass the Transport Canada Small Basic Exam
• 35 multiple-choice questions
• 90-minute time limit
• Minimum passing score: 65%
Tip: If you think you may eventually upgrade to advanced certification, consider taking the advanced exam right away. You’ll automatically qualify for the basic certification upon passing the online advanced exam.
Looking for free resources? Check out our partner, RPAS Centre, for free online courses that can help you prepare for the online exam (RPAS Centre).
Advanced Operations Certificate
An Advanced Operations Certificate is necessary if you plan to fly near people or in controlled airspace. With this certification, you can:
• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) within controlled airspace (Class C, D, or E) with the required airspace manager approvals (NAV Canada)
• Fly within 3 NM of certified aerodromes or 1 NM of a heliport
• Fly within 30 meters of, or over, bystanders, provided your drone is approved under Transport Canada’s RPAS Safety Assurance Standard (TC Standard 922)
To see if your drone qualifies, check the manufacturer’s details on the Transport Canada Choosing the Right Drone page (link).
Requirements to Obtain an Advanced Certificate:
• Be at least 16 years old
• Have a drone registered with Transport Canada that meets advanced operations standards
Steps to Obtain an Advanced Certificate:
1. Pass the Online Exam
• 50 multiple-choice questions
• 1-hour time limit
• Minimum passing score: 80%
You can register for the test via the Transport Canada Drone Management Portal (link).
2. Complete a Flight Review
• Conduct the review with a Transport Canada certified flight reviewer
• Focus is primarily on knowledge and procedures rather than flying skills
• The review will cover site surveys, emergency procedures, checklists, and compliance with Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)
Tip: Make sure your drone is registered with Transport Canada and clearly marked in compliance with CARs 901.03.
We recommend taking a comprehensive training course to prepare for the advanced certification. Our two-day, in-person course covers checklist use, site surveys, emergency procedures, and practical flight control.
Looking for free resources? Check out our partner, RPAS Centre, for free online courses that can help you prepare for both the online exam and flight review (RPAS Centre).
Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC)
If you plan to operate drones professionally, you will most likely need an Advanced Certificate and, in some cases, a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC). Here’s an overview of when these certifications apply:
If your drone operation falls outside the scope of CARs 901, you’ll need an SFOC-RPAS. Operations requiring an SFOC include:
• Flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)
• Operating a drone over 25 kg
• Flying more than five RPAs from a single control station
• Flying at an advertised event
• Flying higher than 400 feet AGL
• Flying within 3 NM of a military aerodrome
Types of SFOC-RPAS Applications:
1. Lower-Risk Environments
• Operating within 5.6 km of a military aerodrome
• Flying more than five drones simultaneously from a single control station
• Operating at an advertised event
2. Higher-Risk Environments
• Operating a drone weighing more than 25 kg
• Flying beyond visual line of sight
• Flying more than five drones simultaneously within 5 NM of an aerodrome or in controlled airspace
• Carrying hazardous payloads
SFOC Application Requirements:
For lower-risk applications, you’ll need:
• Purpose of the RPAS operation
• Pilot qualifications
• Operational and maintenance procedures
• Weather minima
• Collision avoidance procedures
• Coordination with air traffic control services
For higher-risk environments, all lower risk application items are required plus the following additional documents are required:
• Advanced operations certificate
• Specific Operational Risk Assessment (SORA)
• RPAS equipment capabilities
• Crew qualification and training manuals
Tip: SFOC applications can be complex, but we’ve helped clients navigate the process since 2016. Contact us today for personalized support and assistance with your application.
Get Certified and Take Flight. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional drone operator, having the right certification is essential to safely and legally operate in Canadian airspace. By understanding the different certification options — Basic, Advanced, and SFOC — you can determine what’s needed for your operations and ensure your team is fully compliant.
Let us help you get started! Reach out for expert advice, training, and SFOC application support.