Nationally Recognized Drone Credentials

Industry Provider: Blue Ridge Mountain Drones (BRMD) and LAPSEN

BRMD and LAPSEN have collaborated to create an industry recognized credential for drones. BRMD courses are designed by industry experts with extensive field experience.

BRMD and LAPSEN have been working together to provide the best offering in drone training for secondary and post-secondary education. Schools are able to offer a cohesive program of study that certifies their students.

 Drone service entities hire at 18 years old

LAPSEN Drone Certification Course

LAPSEN has put together the pieces of drone training. While the course has a focus on Public Safety applications of drones, the skills and certification can apply to a broad range of jobs. 

Process to certification:

  • FAA Part 107 pilot certification – anyone operating an commercial drone must pass the FAA pilot test. 
  • NFPA 2400 Standard for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Used for Public Safety Operations – the section that certifies drone operation. 
  • ESRI Drone 2 Map – is a training that teaches the drone operator how to properly integrate Drone2Map flight operation. This skill set is used across industry from agriculture to engineering to film. 

FAA Part 107

LASPEN does not offer the FAA Part 107 because there is already a host of companies with online and in-class options. Also, students can study independently to take the test. There are no course requirements to test. Click Here to learn more about FAA requirements. 

FAA Part 107 test is only offered at FAA-authorized testing centers. Cost of the test – $175. Click Here to learn more. 

Implementation options:

  • Plan on 60 hours in a drone course to review content and prepare students to test with plenty of flight time – this is what we recommend. 
  • Have students complete the FAA Part 107 independently
  • Enroll students in an online preparation course

The FAA Part 107 is basic licensing for commercial drone use.

Instructors do not need any special training for this section, however it is recommended teachers complete FAA Part 107 certification. 

States, districts or schools that would like to schedule training for a group of teachers or students (of 10 or more) can reach out to BRMD – blueridgemountaindrones@gmail.com 

NFPA 2400 Standard for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Used for Public Safety Operations (2019 edition) 

This part of the certification process begins to focus on public safety skills sets. This part requires 25-30 hours of class time including skills practice and evaluation. To read more on NFPA 2400 Click Here. 

Instructor Certification

  • Teachers must complete the NFPA 2400 Certification and Train the Trainer Class. It is a 1 day, 8 hour class. Cost $350. We often offer NFPA 2400 and ESRI Drone2 Map combined for $600. Click Here to learn more.

Student Certification 

  • The NFPA certification test covers part of the requirement.
  • Cost – $25 or $20 for LAPSEN members.
  • Cut Score – 70
  • To order tests Click Here. 
  • Teachers will sign off on student skill achievements to complete the certification. 

Implementation equipment:

For more specific information on instructor training: Click Here

ESRI Drone2Map

This part of the certification process begins to focus on integrating drone data into 2D and 3D mapping applications. This part requires 25 hours of class time. To read more about Drone2Map Click Here. 

Instructor Certification

  • Instructors must complete the Drone2Map Certification and Train the Trainer Class. It is a 1 day, 8 hour class. Cost $350. We often offer NFPA 2400 and ESRI Drone2 Map combined for $600. Click Here to learn more.

Student Certification 

  • Passing the Drone2Map test results in certification.
  • Cost – $25 or $20 for LAPSEN members.
  • Cut Score is 70
  • To order test Click Here
  • Teachers will sign off on student skill achievements to complete the certification. 

Implementation equipment:

  • Robust computer running Microsoft operating system.
  • Drone2Map software – Visit ESRI to request free usage Click Here

For more specific information on instructor training: Click Here

Support Materials 

LAPSEN provides materials and resources for instructors to prepare their students for 1) entry level career success and 2) industry recognized credential success. Much of our drone material is still be developed. 

Standards

Review the National Course Standards for a drones supplement from LAPSEN.

Lesson Plans

For instructors who have completed certification. Password protected.

Links

Here are some websites that are useful in teaching courses aligned to this credential.

Training and Testing Materials 

NFPA 2400 NIST Props 2020B including Disks

The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) developed a comprehensive set of standard test methods and associated performance metrics to quantify key capabilities of emergency response robots. This is the drone training prop recommended by NIST.

Click Here to learn more