AUVSI Trusted Operator Program (TOP) Certification, Levels 1 to 3
From Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
Go to the official page ↗Direct official link
What you'll learn
Through an accredited provider you build drone operator skills in stages, from air law, airspace, weather and emergency planning at Level 1 to crew resource management, risk management and in person flight assessments at Levels 2 and 3.
- Air law and policies
- Airspace and navigation
- Crew resource management
- Safety and risk management
- Practical flight assessment
Source: the provider's official page ↗
Is this right for you?
- Level
- Intermediate People with some experience who want to go further or prove what they know.
- What you get
- A certification employers can verify, made for the top of your résumé and your LinkedIn profile.
- How you learn
- Live or scheduled sessions, about 30 days.
- How to use it
- Put it at the top of your résumé and under Licenses and certifications on LinkedIn, with the verification link so hirers can confirm it in seconds. Name it in every application that uses this skill, and send it straight to recruiters and hiring managers.
- Why it's worth it
- An industry certification hiring managers recognize by name. It instantly sets you apart from applicants who only claim AI skills, and it travels with you to every job you apply for.
What you will pay$260,Upfront cost. Full details below.
- Time
- NC State ITRE: Level 1 12 instructional hours (30 day access); Level 2 16 hours plus flight evaluation (90 day access); Level 3 6 modules plus flight evaluation.
- Before you start
- Valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; Level 2 requires Level 1, Level 3 requires Level 2 (NC State ITRE).
- How you are tested
- Online modules plus in person (or approved Zoom) flight evaluation
- Renewal
- Not stated on AUVSI or provider pages
- Full cost details
- Set by each accredited provider. Example, NC State ITRE (accredited provider): Level 1 $260, Level 2 $550, Level 3 $700 general registration; $130 per level for public safety, military, veterans and NC government employees; workforce development rate $160 for Levels 1 and 2 combined and $410 for Level 3.
- Where it applies
- United States; industry credential, not an FAA requirement
Jobs asking for this
See live job postings that mention TOP.
Open to work?Join the free Open to Work list so hirers looking for this credential can find you. No phone number needed.
Join the listChecked at the source Oct 14, 2026
Sources and what we verified
AUVSI Trusted UAS Operator: three levels, issued through accredited training providers ↗NC State ITRE TOP: prices, prerequisites, hours; AUVSI Trusted Operator certification awarded ↗What we verified: AUVSI publishes no price; prices are one accredited provider's. Other providers' prices differ.
Fees and eligibility can change. Confirm current terms with the issuer before you pay.
Also listed for: Commercial Drone Pilot