Basic Pilot Certification Pathway

The Basic pathway is your entry point into legal drone flying in Canada.

Step 1: Complete the free Basic Operations Exam Prep course Enroll at academy.rpascentre.com/course/basic-exam-prep. Work through 8 video sections, the workbook, and the mock exam.

Step 2: Earn your RPAS Centre Basic Certificate After completing the course, you'll receive your official RPAS Centre Course Completion Certificate by email.

Step 3: Take the Transport Canada Small Basic Exam

Log in to the Drone Management Portal: tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/drone-management-portal
35 multiple-choice questions, 90-minute time limit
Pass mark: 65% (23 out of 35)
Results are immediate
If you fail, wait 24 hours and retake (unlimited retakes)

What can you do with a Basic certificate?

Fly microdrones (under 250g) and small drones (250g–25kg)
Fly in uncontrolled airspace only
Fly within visual line of sight (VLOS)
Must stay more than 30m from people

What's next? The Advanced Pilot Certification Pathway — also completely free!

Full details: rpascentre.com/basic-pilot-certification-pathway/

Updated on: 06/03/2026