In some cases it is not enough to have just a drone pilot certificate. You then also need a certificate of competency (vaardigheidsbewijs). With the certificate of competency you show that you have certain extra knowledge, for example about the flight performance of a drone and the influence of weather conditions on flying a drone. This page describes the situation in the Netherlands.
Obtaining a certificate of competency
If you want to fly in subcategories A1 and A3, you need a drone pilot certificate. If you fly in subcategory A2, you also need a certificate of competency. You can only obtain this certificate of competency after you have obtained the drone pilot certificate. You apply for the certificate of competency from the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW).
Subcategory A2
When you fly in subcategory A2, the flight is a low-risk flight. Within this subcategory you can fly closer to people with a drone with a C2 label (maximum take-off mass of less than 4 kg, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945, Annex, Part 3). Flights in subcategory A2 are subject to special rules on top of the general rules for low-risk flights. For example, the pilot must keep a horizontal distance of at least 30 metres from uninvolved persons, or 5 metres if the drone's low-speed mode is active (Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, Annex, UAS.OPEN.030). In addition, the pilot must have a certificate of competency. It makes no difference whether this is private drone use or professional drone use.
All about low-risk flightsAdditional knowledge test and the certificate of competency for a drone
To obtain the certificate of competency for a drone, you must take an additional knowledge test. You can prepare for this on your own. It is also possible to take a course. In any case, practical self-training is required. For this, you can train yourself in flying and controlling a drone under the conditions of subcategory A3. Once you have done all this, you can apply for the certificate of competency from the RDW.
Applying for the certificate of competency from the RDW
To apply for the certificate of competency from the RDW, you must have the proof of completion, as well as proof that you have passed the additional knowledge test and that you have completed the practical self-training. For the latter, a declaration on your honour is sufficient. You can apply for the certificate of competency online and it is sent to you by email. The pilot must carry this certificate while flying: printed out, on a mobile phone or in the RDW app. If you have the certificate of competency for a drone, you can fly in subcategory A2 as well as in subcategories A1 and A3.
These are the steps to obtain your certificate of competency
You cannot obtain a certificate of competency for a drone straight away. You first need to obtain the drone pilot certificate. After that, you have to go through a number of extra steps. Among other things, an additional knowledge test is required to be able to get the certificate of competency for a drone.
- Obtain a drone pilot certificate
If you want to fly a drone in one of the subcategories, you must have a drone pilot certificate. For this you follow an (online) training course at a flight school. Then you take a knowledge test. After passing this knowledge test, you can apply for the drone pilot certificate from the RDW. With the drone pilot certificate you can fly in subcategories A1 and A3.
Obtain a drone pilot certificate - Take the additional knowledge test
After you have obtained the drone pilot certificate, you take an additional knowledge test. You can prepare for this yourself or follow an (online) course. The additional knowledge test is a questionnaire. So there is no practical exam. You take this test at a flight school again. After passing the knowledge test, the flight school sends you an email containing your personal link to the RDW. Keep this email safe, because you apply for the certificate of competency through this link.
- Complete practical training
After completing the additional knowledge test, you also need to gain practical experience. You can do this in various ways. For example, you can take a practical course at a flight school. However, this is not compulsory; practical self-training is also permitted. Because you already have the drone pilot certificate, you may fly the drone according to the rules of subcategory A3 and practise on your own.
- Apply for the certificate of competency
Once you feel that you are sufficiently skilled with the drone, you can apply for the certificate of competency from the RDW. Use the personal link in the email from the flight school to do this. You must declare that you have completed the practical (self-)training. Log in with DigiD and pay with iDEAL. You receive the certificate of competency by email. The pilot must carry this certificate while flying, printed out or digitally (RDW).
Frequently asked questions about obtaining the certificate of competency
The new European drone rules apply when flying drones. In some cases, these require you to obtain a certificate of competency for a drone. There are often still many questions about the certificate of competency for a drone that need an answer.
Do I first have to obtain my drone pilot certificate before I can obtain my certificate of competency?
Yes, to obtain the certificate of competency, you must first have the drone pilot certificate. After that, you take an additional knowledge test and you can start practising with the drone pilot certificate. Once you have practised enough, you apply for the certificate of competency.
I took the online knowledge test in another EU country. Can I apply for a certificate of competency from the RDW?
If you have successfully completed the online knowledge test in another EU country, you must apply for the certificate of competency in that EU country. The certificate of competency you receive there is simply valid in the Netherlands and in the other EU countries.
What does it cost to obtain the certificate of competency?
Each flight school sets its own prices. For following an online course and taking the two exams, you should expect to pay around €150 to €200. Bear in mind that some flight schools offer an unlimited number of resits, while other flight schools offer only one resit, for example. When you apply for the certificate of competency, you also have to pay the RDW: applying for a drone pilot certificate, including the A2 certificate of competency, costs €10 (RDW).
Do I have to carry the certificate of competency with me during the flight?
Yes, when flying in subcategory A2 you must always have the drone pilot certificate and the certificate of competency with you. This can be printed out, but according to the RDW a digital version (on your mobile phone) is also fine.
What should I do if I have lost my certificate of competency?
That is not a disaster. You do not have to take the exam again. You can download the certificate of competency again, just like the drone pilot certificate, through the RDW website. If the drone has also been lost or stolen, it is advisable to contact the RDW.