No certificate is required to fly drones under 250g. Nevertheless, it is strongly recommended to complete at least the A1/A3 training. For all people flying drones over 250g, a certificate is mandatory. The amount of training and testing depends on the subcategory (A1, A2, A3) in which the drone is flown. More information can be found in the open category.
Overview of the certificates
A1/A3: Persons who want to operate a drone in subcategory A1 or A3 need the A1/A3 certificate for this. The training and as well as the exam for the A1/A3 certificate of competence can be completed from home via dLIS. [open category]
A2: People who want to operate a drone in the subcategory A2 need the A2 certificate for this. Anyone wishing to take a remote pilot certificate (A2) must first pass the certificate of competence exam (A1/A3). For the A2 exam, additional learning content must be learned, as well as a practical training course completed independently. The remote pilot knowledge acquired through self-study is then self-declared in dLIS. The A2 examination itself is a written multiple-choice examination, which is taken at the FOCA examination locations in Ittigen, Illnau and Lausanne. [open category]
STS: A theory exam for remote pilots that intend to fly according to an STS is available via UAS Gate and provided by FOCA. More information about STS theory exam content and about the practical assessment can be found under specific categeory european standard scenarios. Please note that in order to fly according to the STS an authorization is still necessary. [specific category]
Summary and dependencies of the certificates (STS certificates will only be available in Switzerland from 2024 onwards)
Do you have questions about how to obtain your certificate, where to register for exams, and what the process involves? Click here for all the information!
To pass the exams, you must answer at least 75% of the exam questions correctly. If you fail, you can retake the exam twice without repeating the payment. After the third failure, the examination fee of 20 francs must be paid again, giving access to three new attempts. This process can be repeated as many times as necessary. The
examination results cannot be consulted.
To pass the exams, you must answer at least 75% of the exam questions correctly. If you fail the exam, you can currently retake it as many times as necessary. The exam results cannot be viewed.
You must always be able to show the certificate when flying. The format does not matter - you can carry the certificate digitally or print it out.
A2 and STS drone exam on site
The A2 and STS exams, which are conducted on site, can now be taken at 3 different locations in Switzerland. The existing Ittigen site will be joined by Hotzehuus in Illnau and La Blécherette airfield in Lausanne.
Next available exam dates 2025
Mai
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Ittigen (BE)
15.05.2025
10.06.2025
08.07.2025
14.08.2025
08.09.2025
15.10.2025
04.11.2025
04.12.2025
Illnau (ZH)
08.05.2025
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Lausanne (VD)
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02.06.2025
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20.08.2025
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02.10.2025
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10.12.2025
*The examination dates for Illnau (ZH) will be announced soon.
The examinations are held in the FOCA building. The entrance to the examination centre is on the side of the building, see map below. Regarding the car park situation, you will find the relevant information here: FOCA site location
IMPORTANT: Please check that you have registered for the desired location!
The exams take place at Hotzehuus in Illnau. From the Illnau railway station it is about a 2-minute walk. Public parking spaces are available on Talgartenstrasse and Kempttalstrasse. You can find more information here: Hotzehuus
IMPORTANT: Please check that you have registered for the desired location!
