Drone Flight Review vs. Written Exam: What's the Difference?
Understand the difference between the Transport Canada drone written exam and the RPAS flight review — what each covers, when you need them, and how they work together.
Two Requirements, One Certificate
To obtain an Advanced RPAS pilot certificate in Canada, you must complete two separate assessments: a written exam and a flight review. Both are mandatory, and they serve different purposes. New pilots often confuse them or assume one replaces the other — it does not. Each evaluates a distinct dimension of your competency as a drone pilot.
Understanding the difference between these two requirements helps you prepare effectively for each one and plan your path to certification without surprises.
The Written Exam
The Transport Canada Advanced RPAS written exam is a multiple-choice knowledge test that evaluates your theoretical understanding of drone regulations, airspace, meteorology, navigation, and operations. It is administered at approved testing centres across Canada and must be completed before you can apply for your Advanced certificate.
Key characteristics of the written exam:
- Multiple-choice format with a fixed number of questions
- Administered at a Transport Canada approved testing centre
- Timed — you have a set period to complete all questions
- Pass mark is 80% for the Advanced exam
- Tests theoretical knowledge — regulations, airspace, weather, procedures
- Completed once for initial certification (no recurrent written exam required)
- Results are valid for a set period when applying for your certificate
The exam tests whether you have studied and understood the regulatory framework. It confirms you know the rules — airspace classifications, distance and altitude limitations, controlled airspace procedures, right-of-way rules, weather minimums, and emergency protocols.
The Flight Review
The drone flight review is an in-person competency assessment conducted by a certified flight reviewer. It evaluates whether you can apply your knowledge in practice — whether you can actually fly safely, follow procedures, and demonstrate good airmanship under real-world conditions.
Key characteristics of the flight review:
- Two parts: knowledge conversation and practical flight assessment
- Conducted in person by a certified flight reviewer
- Not multiple-choice — it is an interactive evaluation
- No fixed pass mark — the reviewer assesses overall competency
- Tests both knowledge application and practical flying skills
- Required every 24 months for recency (unlike the one-time written exam)
- Documented with a signed flight review declaration
The flight review goes beyond theoretical knowledge. The reviewer watches you fly, asks you situational questions, and evaluates your decision-making. It is the difference between knowing that you should check NOTAMs before a flight and actually demonstrating that you do.
For a deeper look at the flight review process, see our complete guide on what a drone flight review is.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Written Exam | Flight Review | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Multiple-choice test | In-person assessment |
| Location | Approved testing centre | Field location with reviewer |
| Evaluator | Automated scoring | Certified flight reviewer |
| What it tests | Theoretical knowledge | Practical competency |
| Includes flying? | No | Yes |
| Frequency | Once for initial certification | Every 24 months |
| Cost | Testing centre fee (~$50-100) | Reviewer fee (~$150-350) |
| Pass criteria | 80% score | Reviewer’s professional judgement |
| Documentation | Exam result certificate | Signed flight review declaration |
The Order of Operations
The typical path to an Advanced RPAS pilot certificate follows this sequence:
- Study the Transport Canada Advanced RPAS curriculum
- Pass the written exam at an approved testing centre
- Book and complete your flight review with a certified reviewer
- Submit your application to Transport Canada with both your exam results and flight review declaration
You must pass the written exam before completing your flight review — the exam establishes the baseline knowledge that the flight review then validates in practice. Think of the exam as proving you know the theory, and the flight review as proving you can execute it.
For guidance on finding and booking a reviewer, the RPAS WILCO Pilot Networks platform connects you with over 500 certified reviewers across Canada.
Which One Is Harder?
This depends on your strengths. Pilots who are strong test-takers but do not fly often may find the written exam straightforward but struggle with the practical flight assessment. Pilots who fly regularly but have not studied the regulatory details may breeze through the flight review but find the written exam challenging.
The written exam rewards preparation and study. The flight review rewards practice and airmanship. Both reward taking the process seriously.
The most common mistake with the written exam is not studying the current regulations — using outdated materials leads to wrong answers on questions about recent changes. The most common mistake with the flight review is not practising basic manoeuvres before the assessment. See our guide on preparing for your flight review for specific tips.
Recency: The Key Difference
The most important practical difference between the two is recency. The written exam is a one-time requirement for initial certification. Once you pass it and obtain your Advanced certificate, you do not need to retake the written exam.
The flight review, however, must be renewed every 24 months. This means it is the ongoing obligation you need to plan for throughout your career as an Advanced pilot. Understanding how often you need a flight review and planning your renewals in advance prevents lapses in your certification.
Both assessments serve the same ultimate goal: ensuring that Canadian drone pilots operating under advanced privileges are knowledgeable, skilled, and safe. The written exam establishes the foundation, and the flight review — repeated every two years — confirms you are maintaining the standard.