Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate in Canada: Exam, Flight Review and Privileges

The Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations is the next step after Basic. It unlocks flights in controlled airspace (with permission), closer to people and in many professional situations. It also takes more work: a harder online exam plus an in-person flight review. Here is the full path.

What Advanced lets you do

A flight becomes an advanced operation when you can’t meet every condition of basic operations. Typical advanced scenarios include:

• Flying in controlled airspace, with authorization from NAV CANADA — see controlled airspace and NAV Drone.
• Flying closer than 30 m horizontally to bystanders, within the limits allowed for your drone — see flying near people.
• Flying over bystanders, if your drone has the required safety declaration.

Advanced holders can also conduct basic operations. The certificate is also the starting point for some newer categories introduced in 2025, such as Level 1 Complex.

Eligibility

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Pass the online Advanced exam.
• Pass an in-person flight review with a flight reviewer recognized by Transport Canada.
• Use a registered drone suitable for the review.

The Advanced exam at a glance

Check current details on Transport Canada’s Advanced exam page.

What to study

• Air law: Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations, operating rules, categories of operation.
• Airspace: controlled airspace classes, aerodromes, how to read aeronautical charts and NOTAMs.
• Meteorology: reading forecasts, wind, icing, density altitude.
• Navigation and radio: coordinates, distances, communicating with air traffic services when required.
• RPAS systems and human factors: failure modes, lost link, fatigue, decision-making.
• Flight operations: site surveys, emergency procedures, crew roles and record keeping.

The flight review

After the exam, you book a flight review with a recognized reviewer. You’ll demonstrate pre-flight planning, normal flight manoeuvres and emergency procedures. Our guide to preparing for the flight review details what to expect.

Getting the certificate

1. Pass the Advanced exam.
2. Pass the flight review.
3. Apply for the certificate in the Drone Management Portal and pay the fee.
4. Download it and carry it whenever you fly.

Staying current

The certificate doesn’t expire, but you can only exercise its privileges if you meet the 24-month recency requirements. See recency requirements explained.

Is Advanced worth it?

If you live in or near a city with controlled airspace, want to do paid work, or need to fly closer to people, the answer is usually yes. If you fly mostly in rural, uncontrolled airspace for fun, Basic may be all you need.