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100+ Free A2 CofC Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: A2 CofC Exam

30 questions

Minimum Exam Length

UK CAA A2 CofC requirements

75%

Pass Mark

UK CAA

30 m / 5 m

A2 Separation (normal / low-speed)

UK Open category 2026 rules

120 m

Open Category Height Limit

Retained UK Reg (EU) 2019/947

5 years

Certificate Validity

UK CAA

UK0-UK6

UK Drone Class Marks

UK CAA class marks

1 Jan 2026

Near People (A2) Rules Start

UK CAA

The A2 CofC is the UK CAA remote-pilot certificate for the Open category's Near People (A2) subcategory. Candidates first obtain a Flyer ID and Operator ID and self-declare practical skills, then pass a theory exam of at least 30 multiple-choice questions at a 75% pass mark, set and delivered by an RAE(PC). The fixed additional syllabus covers meteorology, UAS flight performance, and technical/operational mitigations for ground risk, alongside UK air law and Open-category limits. From 1 January 2026 the A2 CofC lets holders fly a UK2/C2 class-marked drone (below 4 kg) as close as 30 m from uninvolved people in normal mode and 5 m in low-speed mode, or a legacy drone up to 2 kg at 50 m, all within the 120 m height limit and VLOS. UK class marks run UK0-UK6, with EU C-class drones usable until 31 December 2027. The certificate is valid for five years and is separate from the EASA A2.

Sample A2 CofC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your A2 CofC exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under UK rules from 1 January 2026, what is the new name of the A2 subcategory of the Open category that an A2 CofC unlocks?
A.Near People (A2)
B.Over People (A1)
C.Far from People (A3)
D.Specific category (PDRA)
Explanation: From 1 January 2026 the UK Open category subcategories are renamed; A2 becomes 'Near People (A2)', which the A2 Certificate of Competency authorises.
2What is the minimum number of multiple-choice questions the UK CAA mandates for the A2 CofC theory examination?
A.20
B.25
C.30
D.40
Explanation: The CAA requires the A2 CofC theory test to contain at least 30 multiple-choice questions, set by the Recognised Assessment Entity.
3An A2 CofC holder is flying a 3 kg UK2 class-marked drone in normal flight mode. What is the minimum permitted horizontal distance from uninvolved people from 2026?
A.30 metres
B.5 metres
C.50 metres
D.150 metres
Explanation: From 2026, a UK2 (or transitional C2) class-marked drone flown by an A2 CofC holder must keep a minimum 30 m horizontal separation from uninvolved people in normal mode.
4When a UK2/C2 class-marked drone's low-speed mode is engaged, to what minimum horizontal separation from uninvolved people may an A2 CofC holder reduce the distance?
A.5 metres
B.3 metres
C.15 metres
D.30 metres
Explanation: Low-speed mode caps the drone's speed (typically 3 m/s), allowing the A2 separation from uninvolved people to be reduced to a minimum of 5 m.
5What is the pass mark a candidate must typically achieve in the A2 CofC theory examination?
A.60%
B.70%
C.75%
D.80%
Explanation: The A2 CofC theory test pass mark is 75%; on a 30-question paper that requires at least 23 correct answers.
6For how long is the A2 Certificate of Competency valid before it must be renewed?
A.2 years
B.3 years
C.5 years
D.It never expires
Explanation: The A2 CofC is valid for five years, after which the remote pilot must re-sit the theory examination to maintain the privilege.
7Which credential must a remote pilot already hold as a prerequisite before sitting the A2 CofC theory examination?
A.A Flyer ID
B.A GVC (General VLOS Certificate)
C.A Part-FCL pilot licence
D.An Operational Authorisation
Explanation: A valid Flyer ID is a prerequisite for the A2 CofC; it confirms the pilot has passed the CAA's basic online theory test.
8Which three subject areas form the fixed syllabus of the A2 CofC additional theory examination?
A.Meteorology, UAS flight performance, and technical and operational mitigations for ground risk
B.Air law, navigation and radio telephony
C.Human factors, airspace and emergency procedures
D.Battery chemistry, photography and data protection
Explanation: The CAA fixes the A2 additional theory syllabus on three areas: meteorology, UAS flight performance, and technical and operational mitigations for the ground risk.
9What does the abbreviation 'RAE(PC)' stand for in the context of A2 CofC assessment from 2025 onward?
A.Recognised Assessment Entity for Remote Pilot Competency
B.Registered Aviation Examiner (Private Certificate)
C.Remote Aircraft Examination (Practical Component)
D.Regulated Air Examiner Council
Explanation: RAE(PC) means Recognised Assessment Entity for Remote Pilot Competency, the CAA-approved bodies that assess and issue the A2 CofC under the scheme that replaced the old RAE arrangement in March 2025.
10From 1 January 2026, which UK class mark must a new drone carry to be eligible for Near People (A2) operations with an A2 CofC?
A.UK0
B.UK1
C.UK2
D.UK3
Explanation: A UK2 class mark (drones below 4 kg with the required safety features) is the class that an A2 CofC holder may fly in the Near People (A2) subcategory.

About the A2 CofC Exam

The UK CAA A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) is the remote-pilot qualification that authorises flight in the Open category's A2 subcategory, renamed Near People (A2) from 1 January 2026. It is assessed by Recognised Assessment Entities for Remote Pilot Competency (RAE(PC)), the scheme that replaced the former RAE arrangement in March 2025. Candidates must already hold a Flyer ID and Operator ID and self-declare their practical skills, then pass a theory test of at least 30 multiple-choice questions at 75%. The certificate is valid for five years and is distinct from the EASA A2 because the UK left EASA.

Questions

30 scored questions

Time Limit

Set by the RAE (commonly around 75 minutes)

Passing Score

75% (at least 23 of 30 questions correct)

Exam Fee

Set by each RAE(PC), typically GBP 49-150 (Recognised Assessment Entities for Remote Pilot Competency (RAE(PC)) approved by the UK CAA)

A2 CofC Exam Content Outline

30%

UK Air Law & Open Category Rules

A1/A2/A3 subcategories and the 2026 Near People (A2) rename, the 120 m height limit measured from the closest surface point, VLOS requirements, uninvolved persons and the prohibition on flying over assemblies of people, Flyer ID/Operator ID, flight restriction zones, and giving way to manned aircraft under retained UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and CAP 722

22%

Ground Risk Mitigations

Technical mitigations (propeller guards, parachutes, geo-awareness) and operational mitigations (site selection, briefing, reacting to approaching people); the 30 m normal-mode and 5 m low-speed-mode separation for UK2/C2 drones, the 50 m legacy separation, the 1:1 rule linking height to horizontal distance, and kinetic-energy concepts

18%

UK Class Marks & Transition

UK0-UK6 class marks and MTOM limits (UK0 <250 g, UK1 <900 g, UK2 <4 kg, UK3-UK6 <25 kg), which subcategories each may fly in, the EU C-class transition until 31 December 2027, legacy weight-based rules from 1 January 2028, and Remote ID requirements

16%

UAS Flight Performance

Mass and balance and payload effects on flight time and stability, LiPo battery management, cold-weather capacity loss, safe storage and swollen-battery handling, failsafe and return-to-home, GNSS position hold and drift, compass/magnetic interference, firmware updates, braking distance and the causes of a flyaway

14%

Meteorology

Comparing wind speed and gusts to the drone's limits, the wind gradient increasing with height, mechanical turbulence near buildings and terrain, air density and temperature/humidity effects on lift and performance, visibility and icing hazards, and go/no-go weather decisions near people

How to Pass the A2 CofC Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75% (at least 23 of 30 questions correct)
  • Exam length: 30 questions
  • Time limit: Set by the RAE (commonly around 75 minutes)
  • Exam fee: Set by each RAE(PC), typically GBP 49-150

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

A2 CofC Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorise the A2 separation distances from 2026: 30 m from uninvolved people in normal mode and 5 m in low-speed mode for a UK2/C2 drone, and 50 m for a legacy drone up to 2 kg
2Learn the UK class marks and their MTOM limits cold: UK0 <250 g, UK1 <900 g, UK2 <4 kg (the A2 class), and UK3-UK6 <25 kg, plus the EU C-class transition to 31 December 2027
3Understand the 1:1 rule: the horizontal separation from an uninvolved person should be at least equal to the drone's height, so higher flight needs more distance
4Know the prerequisites and validity: a Flyer ID and Operator ID are required first, the pass mark is 75% on at least 30 questions, and the certificate lasts five years
5Study how weather affects performance: gusts versus the drone's wind rating, stronger wind higher up, turbulence near obstacles, and lower lift in hot, humid, low-density air
6Be confident on flight performance: LiPo storage at 40-60%, cold-weather capacity loss, swollen-battery disposal, failsafe/return-to-home behaviour, and GNSS drift when positioning is lost

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UK A2 CofC?

The A2 Certificate of Competency is the UK CAA remote-pilot qualification that authorises flight in the Open category's A2 subcategory, renamed Near People (A2) from 1 January 2026. It lets you fly eligible drones closer to uninvolved people than the basic Flyer ID allows.

How many questions are on the A2 CofC exam and what is the pass mark?

The CAA mandates a minimum of 30 multiple-choice questions with a 75% pass mark, meaning at least 23 correct answers on a 30-question paper. Individual RAE(PC) providers set the exact format, time allowed and retake policy within this framework.

What does the A2 CofC let me do from 2026?

With a UK2 or transitional C2 class-marked drone (below 4 kg) you may fly as close as 30 m from uninvolved people in normal mode and 5 m in low-speed mode. With a legacy drone up to 2 kg you may fly 50 m from uninvolved people, all within the 120 m height limit.

What do I need before taking the A2 CofC?

You must hold a valid UK CAA Flyer ID and an Operator ID, and self-declare your practical flying skills. The Flyer ID is a free online theory test valid for five years, and the Operator ID is renewed annually.

Is the UK A2 CofC the same as the EASA A2 certificate?

No. Since the UK left EASA, the UK A2 CofC is a separate national certificate. Holding the EASA A2 does not automatically grant UK privileges, and vice versa, so pilots flying in both regions need the relevant qualification for each.

How long is the A2 CofC valid?

The A2 CofC is valid for five years. After it expires, the remote pilot must re-sit the theory examination with an RAE(PC) to continue exercising the A2 (Near People) privileges.

What subjects are tested on the A2 CofC?

The CAA fixes the additional syllabus on three areas: meteorology, UAS flight performance, and technical and operational mitigations for ground risk, alongside UK air law and Open-category operating limits such as separation distances and the 120 m height ceiling.