Updated for 2026 UK drone regulations
The UK remote pilot qualification framework is changing. RPC-L1, RPC-L2 and RPC-L3 now sit alongside the GVC for Specific Category operations, and the CAA states that new GVCs will stop being issued after 31 December 2027.
Open Category, Near People (A2)
A2 CofC
An additional Open Category competency that allows suitable operations in the Near People (A2) sub category. It is not a general commercial drone licence.
Specific Category competency, transitional qualification
GVC
A recognised remote pilot competency qualification used for suitable Specific Category Operational Authorisations. The GVC remains available during the transition to the RPC framework but will stop being issued after 31 December 2027.
Current Specific Category qualification pathway
RPC
The Remote Pilot Certificate framework provides progressive competency levels for Specific Category operations, from VLOS through increasingly complex BVLOS operations.
Side by side
How the qualifications compare across the current UK framework. Scroll sideways on a small screen.
| Comparison | A2 CofC | GVC | RPC-L1 | RPC-L2 | RPC-L3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory category | Open Category, Near People (A2) | Specific Category competency where accepted by the Operational Authorisation | Specific Category | Specific Category | Specific Category |
| Typical operation type | VLOS Open Category operations within the A2 requirements | VLOS Specific Category operations where accepted by the relevant Operational Authorisation | Part A covers VLOS. Part B covers BVLOS with Visual Mitigations where applicable | More advanced Specific Category operations, including appropriate BVLOS environments where no other air traffic is expected | More complex BVLOS operations with greater integration with other air traffic |
| Does the certificate itself authorise the operation? | It enables operation within the applicable Open Category A2 rules. It does not authorise Specific Category operations | No. The operation must be covered by the appropriate Operational Authorisation | No. The operation must be covered by the appropriate Operational Authorisation | No. The operation must be covered by the appropriate Operational Authorisation | No. The operation must be covered by the appropriate Operational Authorisation |
| Current status | Current | Transitional. Issuance ends 31 December 2027 | Current | Current | Current |
Always check the detail against the CAA Level 1, 2 and 3 Remote Pilot Certificates and GVC guidance.
The job type does not determine the category
A roof inspection, mapping job, thermal survey or construction assignment can potentially be undertaken in the Open Category if the aircraft, location, proximity to people and planned operation comply with the relevant Open Category rules. The same type of job may require the Specific Category where the proposed operation falls outside those limits.
In other words, being paid for the flight does not by itself place the work in the Specific Category. The category follows the proposed operation.
Example 1: property inspection
A suitable drone operation around a property may fall within the Open Category depending on the aircraft, the people present, the location and the operating distances.
Example 2: complex infrastructure inspection
A more complex operation involving greater operational risk, specialist proximity, BVLOS or other factors may require Specific Category authorisation.
Example 3: BVLOS infrastructure work
Longer range infrastructure inspection may require a Specific Category Operational Authorisation and the remote pilot competency specified by that authorisation.
These are illustrations rather than approvals. Every operation needs its own assessment against current CAA rules. If you would rather not manage that yourself, you can hire a drone pilot through the network, or read our guide to CAA approval for drone surveys.
Competency is not the same as authorisation
Holding a GVC or an RPC does not by itself authorise every Specific Category operation. The certificate evidences remote pilot competency. The operator still needs the appropriate Operational Authorisation covering the proposed operation, and the remote pilot must meet the competency requirements written into that authorisation.
Which qualification should you take?
Start by considering the type of flying you expect to conduct rather than the commercial sector you want to work in.
A2 CofC may be appropriate if
- You expect to operate primarily within the Open Category.
- Near People (A2) operating privileges are useful for your work.
- You do not currently need Specific Category operations.
GVC may still be relevant if
- You need a qualification accepted by an existing or intended Operational Authorisation.
- Your training provider and operating route still use the GVC during the transition period.
The GVC is being phased out and will stop being issued after 31 December 2027.
RPC-L1 may be appropriate if
- You are entering the current Specific Category qualification pathway.
- You require VLOS Specific Category competency.
- Or you need BVLOS with Visual Mitigations through the relevant Part B pathway.
RPC-L2 or RPC-L3
These are progressively more advanced qualifications. Pursue them where the intended operation and its Operational Authorisation require that level of competency, rather than for marketing value.
What happens to the GVC?
- The GVC remains part of the UK Specific Category competency framework during the transition.
- The CAA states that new GVCs will stop being issued after 31 December 2027.
- Existing GVC certificates can remain accepted until expiry where the relevant Operational Authorisation expressly accepts them as evidence of remote pilot competence.
- The RPC framework is the longer term qualification route.
Pilots should check both their qualification validity and the competency requirements written into the Operational Authorisation under which they intend to fly.
What are RPC-L1, RPC-L2 and RPC-L3?
RPC-L1
The foundation Specific Category qualification. Part A covers VLOS. An optional Part B covers BVLOS with Visual Mitigations.
RPC-L2
An advanced qualification aimed at more complex operations, including certain BVLOS environments where no other air traffic is expected.
RPC-L3
A higher level qualification intended for more complex BVLOS operations involving greater integration with other air traffic.
Full detail sits with the CAA: remote pilot qualifications overview, Level 1, 2 and 3 Remote Pilot Certificates and GVC, and the A2 Certificate of Competency guidance.
Indicative training costs
These are indicative training provider prices, not regulatory fees. The CAA does not set course prices, and figures vary by provider and course format. We do not publish RPC course prices because we cannot verify a reliable current range.
A2 CofC, indicative provider pricing
£200 to £400
Typically online theory plus an assessment. Provider dependent.
GVC, indicative provider pricing
£600 to £1,000
Theory, practical assessment and an operations manual. Any CAA application fees for an Operational Authorisation are separate.
Training discounts
Discounts on CAA recognised training
Drone Assisted works with UK CAA recognised training providers. Approved pilots on the network get discounted A2 CofC and GVC courses through our partner offers, Discount codes are gated behind the pilot portal so partners can track them properly, and the live list of covered courses is shown there.
Looking for the client side instead? See how we work with a commercial drone pilot on every assignment.
Written and technically reviewed by the Drone Assisted operations team, which manages UK commercial drone assignments day to day. General information only, not legal or regulatory advice. Always confirm requirements with the CAA and with the Operational Authorisation you intend to fly under.