Do Drone Pilots Need ROC-A in Canada?

RPAS / Drone
May 03, 2026•3 min read

Do Drone Pilots Need ROC-A in Canada?

This is one of the most common questions from Canadian drone operators: “I already have a drone pilot certificate. Do I also need ROC-A?” The answer depends on what kind of operation you are doing and whether you need to operate or communicate using aeronautical radio frequencies.

Quick links: Free ROC-A Study Hub • Free ROC-A Quiz • Book ROC-A

Quick answer

Not every drone pilot automatically needs ROC-A. Transport Canada drone pilot certification and ISED ROC-A are separate things. ROC-A may be relevant when a drone operator needs to operate radios using aeronautical band frequencies or work in an aviation environment where aeronautical radio communication is required.

Drone pilot certificates are issued by Transport Canada

Transport Canada states that drone pilots must carry a valid drone pilot certificate while operating a drone, and that certificate types include Basic, Advanced, and Level 1 Complex. The type of certificate depends on what, how, and where the pilot wants to fly.

Official source: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/drone-pilot-licensing/getting-drone-pilot-certificate

This is different from ROC-A. A drone pilot certificate is about drone operation privileges. ROC-A is about aeronautical radio operation.

ROC-A is issued through ISED

ISED describes ROC-A as a radio operator certificate intended for aircraft pilots, drone operators, airport radio operators, and ground staff working on or near landing strips. ISED says ROC-A allows operation of radios on aircraft, land vehicles, or base stations using aeronautical band frequencies.

Official source: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/licences-and-certificates/radio-authorizations/radio-operator-certification/restricted-operator-certificate-aeronautical-roc

When ROC-A may matter for drone pilots

ROC-A may matter if:

  • your drone work involves aviation radio communication
  • your operation is connected to airport or aerodrome activity
  • your employer requires aeronautical radio capability
  • you work in public safety, inspection, survey, emergency, or airport-adjacent operations
  • you need to understand aviation phraseology and radio procedures
  • you are building a professional RPAS operation and want radio readiness

When ROC-A may not be needed

ROC-A may not be needed for every routine drone operation. For example, a basic recreational or commercial drone pilot operating in permitted uncontrolled airspace without using aeronautical radio frequencies may not require ROC-A. The correct answer depends on the operation, airspace, equipment, employer, and communication requirements.

Do not confuse NAV Drone authorization with ROC-A

NAV CANADA says RPAS operators must request NAV CANADA authorization to fly in controlled airspace. NAV Drone helps operators review guidelines, discover where they can fly, schedule flights, and request permission for controlled airspace.

Source: https://www.navcanada.ca/en/flight-planning/drone-flight-planning.aspx

That authorization process is separate from ROC-A. NAV Drone is for airspace planning and authorization. ROC-A is for aeronautical radio operator certification.

Practical decision checklist

Ask yourself:

  1. Am I operating a drone only under Transport Canada drone rules?
  2. Will I use an aviation radio frequency?
  3. Does my employer or client require ROC-A?
  4. Am I operating near an airport, aerodrome, or airside environment?
  5. Do I need to communicate with aviation personnel?
  6. Would aviation radio knowledge reduce operational confusion?

If the answer to radio-use or aviation-communication questions is yes, ROC-A is worth completing.

Where ROCALicence.com fits

ROCALicence.com helps drone operators complete the ROC-A step with less confusion. You can study free, practise with a quiz, and book the exam when ready.

Helpful links

Final takeaway

A drone pilot certificate and ROC-A are not the same. Drone pilots should complete Transport Canada drone certification for drone operations and consider ROC-A when aeronautical radio communication is part of the operation or career path.

Start free: https://rocalicence.com/study-hub
Book ROC-A when ready: https://rocalicence.com/roca

General educational information only. Confirm operation-specific requirements with Transport Canada, ISED, NAV CANADA, employers, and clients.

drone pilots ROC-A CanadaRPAS radio licencedrone licence CanadaROC-A drone operators
Lesley Pinto

Lesley Pinto

ISED-appointed ROC-A examiner helping candidates complete aviation radio licensing in Canada.

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