Officer Certification Requirements
Under the SAFER SKIES Act, every officer who operates counter-drone equipment must hold individual certification. Here is everything your agency needs to know about getting certified.
KEY DISTINCTION
Certification Is Per Officer, Not Per Agency
A critical point many agencies overlook: SAFER SKIES Act certification is individual. It is not enough for your agency to be authorized — each officer who will operate C-UAS equipment must independently complete certification through the FBI National Counter-UAS Training Center (NCUTC).
Officers must be certified BEFORE operating any counter-drone equipment. Operating C-UAS technology without current certification is a violation of federal law.
Where Officers Get Certified
FBI National Counter-UAS Training Center (NCUTC)
Redstone Arsenal, Alabama
The NCUTC is the sole federally designated body for administering SAFER SKIES Act officer certifications. The training center provides standardized curricula and evaluation to ensure all certified officers meet uniform federal standards.
TRAINING CURRICULUM
What Certification Covers
Legal Authorities
A thorough understanding of the statutory authorities and limitations governing SLTT counter-drone operations under Sections 8601 through 8607 of the FY2026 NDAA.
Equipment Operation
Hands-on training in the safe and effective operation of counter-drone equipment and technologies listed on the Authorized Technologies List.
Incident Response Procedures
Standard operating procedures for responding to unauthorized UAS activity, including threat assessment, decision-making frameworks, and inter-agency coordination protocols.
Reporting Requirements
Training on the 48-hour incident reporting obligation, including the four statutory report fields, submission procedures, and chain-of-custody documentation.
Certification Validity and Renewal
Certification validity period and renewal requirements to be established in implementing regulations due June 15, 2026. Agencies should monitor regulatory updates and plan for ongoing certification management across their rosters.
Track every officer's certification status
VectAero's certification tracker gives your agency a real-time view of who is certified, who needs renewal, and who is not yet cleared for C-UAS operations.
Request Early AccessCompliance obligations reflect current statutory requirements under Sections 8601–8607 of the FY2026 NDAA. Implementing regulations due June 15, 2026 will provide additional specificity.