About the Drone (UAV/UAS) Operator Certificate Program
Our Drone (UAV/UAS) Operator Certificate program is a multi-workshop program that is offered from UNH Professional Development & Training under the UNH Drone Academy. Our program currently include numerous elective workshops held at our training locations in Portsmouth, Durham, Manchester, and even online.
The program is designed so that students can complete and obtain their certificate over a 12-month period. Students are required to attend & complete a minimum of 4 workshops within a 2-year period to receive their certificate.
This certificate is designed for those who would like to familiarize themselves with UAS equipment and safety protocol while learning more about how UAS technology is being used in different contexts. Our course offerings are tailored to the current spectrum of UAS applications, and prepare people of all experience levels for confident and safe flight. While the FAA only requires a Part 107 license for commerical flight, our certificate has proved to be well worthwhile for those looking to bring UAS applications into their business and/or expand their professional flight log. The FAA currently does not administer any type of user flight test in regards to UAV operation, which is where the UNH Drone Academy has come in.
This program and all attributed courses have been recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration's UAS Collegiate Training Initiative Program, which certifies our curriculum in providing various aspects of UAS training, and preparing students for careers in UAS technology. Learn more about the initiative here.
Please note that the UNH Drone (UAV/UAS) Operator Certificate is a non-credit, continuing education certificate program. This certificate is not intended to replace any certificate and/or licensure provided by the FAA or any other federal organization.
Certificate Requirements
Participants who wish to earn the Drone (UAV/UAS) Operator Certificate must complete all four elective workshops from the list below.
*Certificate structure, format, and requirement is subject to change.
- Completion of four (4) elective modules (choose any four):
- Introduction to UAV/UAS/Drones
- Part 107 Drone (UAV/UAS) Pilot Test Prep Workshop
- Drone sUAS Operations & Applications
- Introduction to Drone (sUAS) Videography & Photography
- Drone (UAV/UAS) Business Applications
- The Basics of Photogrammetric Processing of UAV Data
- Drone (sUAS) Photography
- Drone (sUAS) Videography
- Dealing with Multiple Datums, Different Realizations, Velocity in Coordinates, and Changes in Map Projections
- More to be announced soon!
Sign up to be notified of when enrollment opens and new workshops become available.
- Introduction to Drone (sUAS) Videography & Photography | July 10, 11, 12 | Live Online & Durham
- Part 107 Drone (UAV/UAS) Pilot Test Prep Workshop | August 15 | Portsmouth - Hybrid (in-person or live online)
Frequently Asked Questions
Each individual workshop varies in cost. You may view the tuition price of each workshop by following the links above. Payment when registering can be completed on a class-to-class basis, or all together. There is also a one time $50 certificate administration fee.
Select your workshop(s) above and continue to "Enroll Now." Follow the steps provided to register for the workshop and reserve your seat. To enroll in the certificate program, add the "Certificate Enrollment fee" to your cart at checkout when signing up for any of the elective workshops.
We highly recommend registering for these workshops early as they tend to fill up. Some workshops may have limited seats/spots available. Enrollment may close up to five days prior to the workshop start date.
You may view the location of each workshop above and/or when registering for a workshop. Specific directions to the workshop location will be provided upon registration or can be found here.
If the workshop you are registering for is listed as "Live Online," the workshop will take place in a live virtual format via Zoom. More information will be provided upon registration.
For specific information and necessary materials, please view the individual workshop page for the workshop you would like to register for. You may be required to have certain materials and/or applications downloaded to participate in the workshop. Reminders about this will be provided via email upon registration. You may also contact us with any questions.
This may be due to the workshop being at maximum capacity, canceled, or not currently scheduled. We recommend checking back routinely for updates. You may also contact us for further information.
The UNH Drone Academy
UNH Professional Development & Training is the leading drone operator training solution in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The UNH Drone Academy offers open enrollment programs for engineers, land surveyors, city planners, photographers, academics or hobbyists and can also offer custom programs that can be brought to you or your area.
All Experience Levels
The UNH Drone Academy was created in effort to offer training for all levels of experience. From beginner to expert, our instructors are always prepared to tailor our trainings to your needs.
Hands-On Flight Time
Our priortization of hands-on flight time, crucial one-on-one instructional support, and customizable programming is what sets UNH apart from the rest. Take flight with UNH and our own fleet of UAV/UAS models.
Certificate & Exam Prep
Earn your UNH Drone Academy Certificate to demonstrate your flight and operation skills to employers/organizations. Commerical pilots can pass the Part 107 exam with ease with our exam preparation workshop.
