Do Drone Pilots Need a ROC-A in Canada?
By Lesley Pinto, ISED-accredited delegate ROC-A examiner · Last reviewed 18 Oct 2026
Quick answer: If you use an aviation radio, yes: in Canada anyone operating a radio on aeronautical frequencies needs a ROC-A, and ISED lists drone operators among the people it is for. The ROC-A is a radio certificate issued by ISED. It is separate from your drone pilot certificate, so check Transport Canada's drone pages for your type of operation.
Book CA$113 · Study free first
At a glance
What the ROC-A covers | Operating radios on aeronautical frequencies |
Issued by | ISED |
Drone pilot certificate | Separate; see Transport Canada |
Exam | 25 questions, closed book, 70% to pass |
Validity | For life |
Our exam | CA$113, one-on-one on Google Meet, about 30 minutes |
Steps
Check Transport Canada's drone pages for what your operation needs.
If you'll use an aviation radio, plan to get your ROC-A.
Study RIC-21 or the free Study Hub.
Score 70% or more on a practice quiz.
Book CA$113 and take the exam on Google Meet.
Why would a drone pilot use an aviation radio?
Near airports and in airspace shared with crewed aircraft, drone pilots may need to listen to or talk with air traffic services and other aircraft. The ROC-A is what allows you to transmit on those frequencies. Transport Canada's Aeronautical Information Manual (RPA section) notes that a drone pilot may use a radio to monitor air traffic frequencies, and points to section 33 of the Radiocommunication Regulations: operating radio apparatus in the aeronautical service requires a ROC-A (TC AIM, RPA).
ROC-A vs drone pilot certificate
ROC-A | Drone pilot certificate | |
|---|---|---|
What it's for | Using aviation radios | Flying the drone |
Who issues it | ISED | Transport Canada |
Expires? | No, valid for life | See Transport Canada |
What radio skills are tested?
The same as for any pilot: calling and replying to a station, procedural words (ROGER, SAY AGAIN, OVER, OUT), the phonetic alphabet, distress and urgency messages and the rules on privacy and priority. See What's on the ROC-A exam and How to study.
Your next step
Take Practice Quiz 1 (free, 25 questions).
Review weak topics in the free Study Hub.
Pick a live time in the calendar and Book CA$113: one-on-one on Google Meet, about 30 minutes.
FAQ
Do drone pilots need a ROC-A?
If you operate a radio on aeronautical frequencies, you need a ROC-A. ISED lists drone operators among the people the certificate is intended for.
Is the ROC-A the same as a drone licence?
No. The ROC-A is a radio certificate issued by ISED. Drone pilot certificates come from Transport Canada.
Does Transport Canada issue the ROC-A?
No. ISED issues the ROC-A. ISED tells drone operators to check Transport Canada's website for drone pilot licensing.
Is the exam different for drone pilots?
No. It is the same ROC-A exam: 25 multiple-choice questions, closed book, 70% to pass.
Can I take the ROC-A online as a drone pilot?
Yes. With ROCALicence.com you take it one-on-one on Google Meet from anywhere in Canada for CA$113.
Do I need a ROC-A just to fly a drone?
Not for flying itself. To fly, you need the Transport Canada drone pilot certificate for your category of operation. The ROC-A is needed when you operate a radio on aeronautical frequencies.
Related guides
What's a ROC-A? How to Get Your ROC-A in Canada: https://rocalicence.com/post/roca-licence-canada-complete-guide
ROC-A Exam Format: Questions, Pass Mark, What to Expect: https://rocalicence.com/post/roca-exam-format-what-to-expect
ROC-A Exam Cost in Canada (2026) and How to Book: https://rocalicence.com/post/roca-exam-cost-canada
How to Study for the ROC-A: Simple Plan and Checklist: https://rocalicence.com/post/study-roca-in-7-days
Sources
https://tc.canada.ca/sites/default/files/2025-03/aim-2025-1_rpa-e.pdf
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/drone-pilot-licensing/getting-drone-pilot-certificate
Lesley Pinto, ISED-accredited delegate ROC-A examiner · Last reviewed 18 Oct 2026
