Advanced Exam vs. Flight Review: What's the Difference?
The Small Advanced Exam and the Flight Review are two separate requirements for a Canadian RPAS Advanced pilot certificate. Here's what each tests, how they differ, and the order to complete them.
Two Requirements, Two Very Different Evaluations
Canadian pilots pursuing the Advanced RPAS pilot certificate under CARs Part IX face two mandatory gates: the Small Advanced Exam and the Flight Review. These are commonly confused — both are called “the advanced exam” in casual conversation, and some pilots assume the online exam is the only requirement. It isn’t.
Here’s a clear side-by-side on what each one is, what it tests, and how the two fit together.
At a Glance
| Small Advanced Exam | Flight Review | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Online knowledge test | In-person practical evaluation |
| Where | Transport Canada Drone Management Portal | Your site or the reviewer’s |
| Format | Multiple-choice (50 questions) | Structured observation + questioning |
| Duration | Up to 60 minutes | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Pass mark | 80% | Reviewer satisfaction with competency |
| Cost | $10 CAD | $200–$450 CAD typical |
| Administered by | Transport Canada | Certified flight reviewer |
| Validity | One attempt at a time | 24 months recency |
| Required for | Advanced certificate (first gate) | Advanced certificate (second gate) |
What the Small Advanced Exam Covers
The Small Advanced Exam is a purely academic test. It evaluates whether you understand:
- Canadian Aviation Regulations Part IX rules
- Airspace classifications (controlled vs uncontrolled, class A–G)
- Weather and meteorology basics
- Aircraft theory (flight dynamics, lift, stability)
- Aerodrome operations
- Radio procedures in theory
- Emergency procedures in theory
You take it online, unsupervised, through the Transport Canada Drone Management Portal. If you fail, you must wait 24 hours before retaking. There’s a $10 CAD fee per attempt. Transport Canada publishes a study guide (TP 15263).
The exam does not test whether you can actually fly. It tests whether you know the rules and theory.
What the Flight Review Covers
The Flight Review is the practical counterpart. Conducted by a Transport Canada certified flight reviewer — someone authorized to evaluate your competency — it tests:
- Can you plan a flight safely (NOTAMs, METARs, site hazards, airspace conflicts)?
- Can you conduct a proper pre-flight briefing?
- Can you operate the aircraft through planned maneuvers?
- Can you handle emergencies — lost link, lost visual, GPS loss, battery warning?
- Can you communicate with ATC/FSS using proper radio procedures?
- Do you follow your emergency procedures calmly under pressure?
The reviewer doesn’t grade you on a scale. They either sign off on your flight review declaration — certifying you’re competent — or they don’t, and they give you specific feedback on what to practice.
For the full prep checklist, see Preparing for Your Flight Review.
Which Comes First?
The exam comes first, the flight review second. The logic: the flight review assumes you understand the regulations and airspace theory. A reviewer won’t waste your time (or theirs) if you can’t answer basic regulatory questions. Transport Canada’s process is also sequenced this way — you cannot submit a flight review declaration for an Advanced certificate without first passing the exam.
Typical pilot journey:
- Study TP 15263 and supplementary materials (1–4 weeks)
- Pass the Small Advanced Exam ($10, online)
- Practice flying under supervision or solo (2–8 weeks, depending on experience)
- Book a flight review through the Pilot Network ($200–$450)
- Pass the flight review
- Submit flight review declaration + exam pass to Transport Canada
- Receive Advanced certificate
Do I Have to Do Both?
If you want an Advanced certificate: yes.
If you only need Basic: no — the Basic exam alone is sufficient. No flight review required. See Do I Need a Flight Review for Basic or Advanced? for the full breakdown.
If you’re only flying recreationally in uncontrolled airspace, under 250g, or under MAAC club rules: neither. (Though MAAC members get perks via the Pilot Network — see pricing.)
Ongoing — After You Pass
Once you have the Advanced certificate, the exam is permanent. The flight review, however, requires recency every 24 months. You can satisfy recency with a recurrent flight review, a recurrent RPAS training course, or other qualifying activities — see Flight Review Recency Requirements for the rules.
Most pilots opt for a recurrent flight review every two years — it’s the simplest path and keeps you current on feedback.
Common Confusions
“I passed the exam, so I can fly Advanced ops.” Incorrect. The exam alone doesn’t grant Advanced privileges. You need both the exam pass AND a signed flight review declaration submitted to Transport Canada.
“I’ve been flying for 5 years — do I still need the flight review?” Yes. Experience doesn’t substitute for the flight review. The review is how Transport Canada verifies your competency; prior hours don’t count.
“Can one reviewer give me both the exam and the flight review?” No. The exam is administered by Transport Canada online. The flight review is conducted by a separate certified reviewer.
“Does the flight review expire?” The recency does — every 24 months. But your Advanced certificate doesn’t expire as long as you maintain recency.
Bottom Line
Two gates, two purposes: the exam proves you know the rules; the flight review proves you can fly safely. Pass both, maintain recency, and you’re fully Advanced-certified. To start the flight review gate, browse certified reviewers in your region.