How to Pass
the Canadian
Drone Exam

Last edited on January 25th 2023

Introduction

If you want to operate a drone 250 grams of above, for any purposes in Canada, you'll need to obtain a drone operator certificate from Transport Canada. There are two types of operator certificates available: the basic operator certificate and the advanced operator certificate. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between these two certificates, provide tips on how to prepare for the exam, and explain the benefits of using an online exam preparation course.

It's important to familiarise yourself with the Transport Canada regulations and the material covered on the exam.

Basic Operators Certificate

First, let's take a look at the two types of drone operator certificates available in Canada. The basic operator certificate is designed for those who are new to flying drones and want to use them for small, low-risk operations. This certificate allows you to fly drones weighing 25 kilograms or less, during the day, and at least 30 metres away from people. You are also restricted to flying in uncontrolled airspace and must stay at least 3 nautical miles away from the centre of airports and 1 nautical mile away from the centre of heliports. To obtain a basic operator certificate, Transport Canada recommends that you complete a basic course and you must pass Transport Canada's basic exam.

Advanced Operators Certificate

The advanced operator certificate is designed for those with more experience flying drones and who want to use them for more complex or risky operations. This certificate allows you to fly drones weighing 25 kilograms or less, at night, even within 30 metres of people not involved in the operation. The advanced drone operators certificate allows you to operate in controlled airspace, near airports and heliports, as long as you have the proper clearance. To obtain an advanced operator certificate, Transport Canada recommends that you complete an advanced course, you must pass Transport Canada's advanced exam, and complete a flight review.

Choosing a Certificate

So, which operator certificate is right for you? It really depends on your experience level and the type of operations you plan to conduct with your drone. If you're new to drone flying and just want to use your drone for small, low-risk operations, the basic operator certificate may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you have more experience and want to use your drone for more complex or risky operations, the advanced operator certificate may be a better fit.

Preparing for the Exam

Now that you know a bit more about the different operator certificates available in Canada, let's talk about how to prepare for the exam. The Canadian drone exams consist of multiple-choice questions and are administered online by Transport Canada. To prepare for the exam, it's important to familiarise yourself with Part 9 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), and all the other knowledge requirements set by Transport Canada.

Some of the key topics that may be covered on the exam include airspace classification, meteorology, and emergency procedures. To review this material, Transport Canada recommends studying with a drone training program. We offer online exam preparation courses for basic or advanced operations.

In addition to reviewing the material, there are a few other things you can do to increase your chances of success on the exam. Here are a few tips:

• Practice test-taking strategies: Familiarise yourself with the format of the exam and practice answering multiple-choice questions under time pressure. Our courses offer multiple-choice quizzes at the end of each section.
• Manage anxiety or stress: Taking a test can be stressful, especially if you're not well-prepared. To reduce anxiety, try to relax and focus on the task at hand. You can also try deep breathing or other relaxation techniques to calm your nerves.
• Use online exam preparation courses: Our online exam preparation courses provide you with access to sample test questions and expert instruction. These resources can be extremely helpful in helping you understand the material and improve your chances of success on the exam.

So, why should you consider using an online exam preparation course to help you pass the Canadian drone exam? There are several benefits to using these courses:

• Expert instruction: Online exam preparation courses are usually taught by experienced drone pilots or industry experts who can provide you with valuable insights and guidance on how to prepare for the exam.
• Sample test questions: Many online exam preparation courses include access to sample test questions and explanations, which can help you gauge your understanding of the material and identify areas where you need further review.
• Convenience: Online exam preparation courses are typically self-paced, which means you can study at your own pace and on your own schedule. This can be especially helpful for those who have busy schedules or live in areas where in-person classes are not available.

Drone Exam Details

The Canadian drone operator exams have time restrictions and a specific number of questions that must be completed within that time frame. The basic operator exam is limited to 1 hour and 30 minutes and consists of 35 questions. The advanced operator exam is limited to 1 hour and has 50 questions. To pass the basic operator exam, you must achieve a score of at least 65% on the multiple-choice questions. To pass the advanced operator exam, you must achieve a score of at least 80%. Both exams cost $10 each, and if you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you must wait 24 hours before attempting it again. However, you can retake the exam as many times as you wish until you pass.

In summary

Obtaining a drone operator certificate from Transport Canada is essential if you want to legally operate drones in Canada. There are two types of operator certificates available: the basic operator certificate and the advanced operator certificate. To prepare for the exam, it's important to familiarise yourself with the Transport Canada regulations and the material covered on the exam, practice test-taking strategies, and manage anxiety or stress. Our online exam preparation courses can also be a valuable resource, providing you with access to the knowledge you need, sample test questions and expert instruction. With the right preparation and resources, you can increase your chances of success on the Canadian drone exam and take the first step towards flying confidently.