The A2 CofC (A2 Certificate of Competency) is a qualification for remote pilots in the United Kingdom that allows you to fly in the A2 subcategory of the Open Category, closer to uninvolved people than you could otherwise.
Since the UK class marking system came into force on 1 January 2026, the A2 subcategory applies as follows:
UK2 class marked drones (under 4kg) may be flown at a horizontal separation of 30 metres from uninvolved people, reducing to 5 metres when low speed mode is enabled
Legacy drones under 2kg may still be flown in A2 by an A2 CofC holder, but must maintain a greater horizontal separation distance
Without an A2 CofC, a UK2 drone defaults to A3, meaning you must stay well away from people and built-up areas
To obtain the certificate you complete an online learning course, hold a valid UK CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID, and pass a theory exam.
There is no flight test. Instead you must log a minimum of 4 hours of A2 CofC training flights within the 90 days before you upload your logbook. These must be flights flown for the purpose of A2 training, not general flying or commercial work. If you already hold a GVC, or an RPC-L1, L2 or L3, the requirement is reduced to 2 hours of training flights.
The A2 CofC is issued under the UK Civil Aviation Authority framework and is valid for 5 years.