What Certifications Should a Drone Pilot Have Before You Hire? Part 107, EASA, RPAS & CAA Explained
Part 107, EASA, CAA and RPAS explained for employers. Know exactly which drone pilot certification to require before you hire in the US, UK, EU or Canada.
The biggest risk in hiring a drone pilot is hiring one who is not properly certified for the work. In every major market, commercial drone operations are regulated, and using an uncertified pilot can expose your business to fines and shared liability. This guide explains the main certification systems so you know exactly what to ask for.
Regulations change, so treat this as an employer's overview and confirm the current rule for your specific operation.
United States — FAA Part 107
In the US, anyone flying a drone commercially must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. The pilot passes an aeronautical knowledge exam and the certificate is the baseline for paid work. Operations such as flying beyond visual line of sight, at night or over people may require additional waivers. Ask to see the certificate and confirm any waivers relevant to your job.
United Kingdom — CAA framework
The UK does not use a single commercial licence. Instead the CAA sets competency certificates tied to the category of flight. For lower-risk work close to people, pilots hold an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC). For higher-risk Specific category work — such as flying in busy areas, at night or beyond visual line of sight — pilots need a General VLOS Certificate (GVC), which the CAA is transitioning to the Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L1), plus a CAA Operational Authorisation. Commercial operators must also carry third-party insurance.
EU / Europe — EASA categories
Across EASA states, drone operations fall into Open, Specific and Certified categories by risk. Most commercial work sits in the Open category, where pilots hold A1/A2/A3 remote pilot competency, or in the Specific category, which needs an operational authorisation from the national aviation authority. Operators also register and receive an operator number. Certifications from one member state are generally recognised across EASA states, but there is no automatic reciprocity with non-EU countries.
Canada — Transport Canada RPAS
Transport Canada issues an RPAS Pilot Certificate at two levels: Basic and Advanced. The level depends not on commercial intent but on where and how the drone flies — Advanced is required for controlled airspace, flying near or over bystanders. More complex operations require a Level 1 Complex certificate and an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC) held by the business. As with everywhere else, commercial operators should carry liability insurance.
Quick reference for employers
| Market | Ask the pilot for | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| US | Part 107 certificate; relevant waivers | No certificate for paid work |
| UK | A2 CofC or GVC/RPC-L1 + Operational Authorisation; insurance | Specific-category job with no authorisation |
| EU | A1/A2/A3 competency or Specific authorisation; operator number | Flying in the EU on a non-EU certificate only |
| Canada | RPAS Basic or Advanced; RPOC where required | Advanced operation with only a Basic certificate |
One rule applies everywhere: a certification earned in one country does not automatically permit work in another, and the pilot's licence is separate from insurance. Confirm both.
Want to reach pilots who already hold these credentials? Post your role on DroneJobs and filter by certification and country. → Post a Drone Pilot Job
For the full hiring process, see our pillar guide, How to Hire a Drone Pilot.