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Remote pilots operating an sUAS in flight at dusk
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sUAS Safety Level 1™ Certification

Fundamentals of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)
Build the technical foundation for the future of uncrewed aviation, robotics, and remote sensing.

The USI Safety Level 1 (SL1) Certification is an industry-developed credential that validates foundational knowledge of the principles, systems, and technologies that power modern Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). The certification introduces learners to aircraft systems, autonomous vehicles, robotics, communications systems, data links, ground control stations, sensors, payloads, and remote sensing technologies used across today’s emerging technology workforce.

Designed for secondary, postsecondary, workforce, and industry learners, the SL1 certification develops the technical literacy and systems-thinking competencies necessary to pursue advanced training and careers in aviation technology, robotics, mechatronics, geospatial technologies, precision agriculture, infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, and public safety operations.

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verified Industry-Developed Credential
badge Third-Party Proctored Exam
conversion_path SOC / O*NET Workforce Aligned
USI Certified sUAS Safety Level 1 Badge
Quick Facts
sUAS Safety Level 1™ at a glance
license Credential Type
Industry Certification
badge Credential Name
sUAS Safety Level 1™
flight Credential Focus
Fundamentals of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
schedule Recommended Instructional Hours
90–155 Hours
fact_check Assessment Method
Third-Party Proctored Certification Exam
checklist Assessment Model
Formative Progress Checks + Summative Certification Exam
cast_for_education Delivery Format
Classroom, Online, or Hybrid
work Workforce Alignment
Aviation, Robotics, Mechatronics, Remote Sensing, Geospatial Technologies
target Occupational Purpose

Validated Knowledge for Emerging Technology Careers

The Safety Level 1 Certification validates foundational technical knowledge required to understand, support, and advance into workforce pathways involving remotely piloted aircraft systems and related unmanned, robotic, automated, geospatial, and remote sensing technologies.

The credential prepares learners to:

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Understand RPAS terminology, classifications, and system architecture.
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Explain aircraft performance, aerodynamics, and vehicle design principles.
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Describe guidance, navigation, and control systems used in airborne robotic vehicles.
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Understand communications systems, telemetry, and RPAS data links.
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Identify the functions and components of ground control stations and human-machine interfaces.
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Evaluate the capabilities and applications of payloads and remote sensing technologies.
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Apply systems-thinking concepts to integrated aircraft, sensor, and data collection operations.
Operator monitoring an sUAS from a ground control station tablet on a job site
monitor Ground control station operations in the field
account_balance The knowledge and competencies validated through this credential support workforce readiness and career pathway progression across multiple high-demand occupations recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system and O*NET OnLine occupational framework.
domain Industry Applications

Technology That Powers Industries Everywhere

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and related autonomous technologies are increasingly deployed across a broad range of industries. The Safety Level 1 Certification introduces learners to the technical concepts and systems that underpin these emerging applications.

flight_takeoff Aerospace & Aviation Technology smart_toy Robotics & Autonomous Systems precision_manufacturing Mechatronics & Advanced Manufacturing map Surveying & Geospatial Mapping satellite_alt Remote Sensing & Data Analytics agriculture Precision Agriculture foundation Infrastructure Inspection & Asset Management bolt Energy & Utilities eco Environmental Monitoring e911_emergency Public Safety & Emergency Response
USI remote pilots conducting field flight operations
flight_takeoff Field operations & workforce readiness
sUAS performing aerial remote sensing over agricultural fields
satellite_alt Aerial remote sensing & geospatial data
conversion_path Occupational Alignment (SOC / O*NET)

Mapped to Real Workforce Pathways

The Safety Level 1 Certification supports entry-level workforce preparation and pathway progression into occupations utilizing unmanned systems, robotics, automation, geospatial technologies, remote sensing, and integrated electronic systems.

Primary Occupational Linkages

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SOC 17-3024.00

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operation, testing, maintenance, and support of unmanned, automated, and electromechanical systems.

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SOC 17-3024.01

Robotics Technicians

Robotic vehicles, autonomy, sensors, feedback systems, and control architectures.

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SOC 19-2099.01

Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

Aerial data collection, remote sensing systems, sensor payloads, and imagery acquisition.

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SOC 17-3031.00

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Geospatial data collection, mapping support, aerial imagery, and spatial information systems.

Secondary Occupational Linkages

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Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
17-3023.00
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Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
17-3021.00
agriculture
Agricultural / Precision Agriculture Technicians
19-4012.00
build
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
49-2094.00
eco
Environmental Scientists and Specialists
19-2041.00
local_fire_department
Fire Inspectors and Investigators
33-2021.00
local_police
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers
33-3051.00

Note: Occupational alignments are based upon the U.S. Department of Labor Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system and O*NET OnLine occupational framework. The Safety Level 1 Certification is designed to provide foundational technical competencies that support progression into these and related workforce pathways.

psychology Knowledge & Skills Developed

What Learners Will Be Able to Do

Upon successful completion of the Safety Level 1 Certification program, learners will be able to demonstrate foundational competencies in the following areas:

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RPAS Foundations & Technical Communication

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    Define and apply specialized RPAS terminology and classifications.
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    Interpret technical information related to unmanned aircraft systems and operations.
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    Describe regulatory and operational considerations affecting RPAS deployment.
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Aircraft Systems & Aerodynamics

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    Explain the interaction between aircraft systems and subsystems.
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    Describe how lift, drag, thrust, weight, airframe design, and environmental factors influence aircraft performance.
  • check
    Identify the components and functions of remotely piloted aircraft platforms.
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Robotics, Guidance, Navigation & Control

  • check
    Explain common guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) methods used in airborne robotic vehicles.
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    Describe levels of autonomy, control logic, sensors, controllers, and feedback systems.
  • check
    Understand the role of human-machine interaction in autonomous operations.
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Communications Systems & Data Links

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    Describe the function of RPAS data links and communications architectures.
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    Explain the operation of antennas, receivers, telemetry systems, and radio communications.
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    Identify factors that influence communication reliability, security, and operational safety.
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Ground Control Stations & Human-Machine Interfaces

  • check
    Identify the functions and components of RPAS control stations.
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    Describe the interaction between hardware, software, data processing, storage, and human operators.
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    Explain the role of human-machine interfaces in operational decision making.
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Payloads & Remote Sensing Technologies

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    Differentiate between cameras, sensors, communications payloads, and specialized mission equipment.
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    Explain the principles of optical, multispectral, hyperspectral, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and LiDAR imaging systems.
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    Describe the use of remote sensing technologies in agriculture, infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, mapping, and public safety operations.
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Systems Integration & Data Architecture

  • check
    Explain how aircraft, sensors, control stations, communications systems, and data processing functions interact within an integrated RPAS ecosystem.
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    Apply systems-thinking principles to understand technical workflows supporting modern autonomous operations.
THE INTEGRATED RPAS ECOSYSTEM Data Link & Telemetry Imagery & Sensor Data Mission Planning & Decision Making Remotely Piloted Aircraft Payloads & Sensors EO · Multispectral · SAR · LiDAR Ground Control Station Data Products & Analysis Aircraft · payloads · communications · control stations · data processing — one integrated system
school Curriculum Overview

Five Integrated Instructional Units

The Safety Level 1 curriculum consists of five integrated instructional units designed to build foundational knowledge of RPAS technologies and operations.

1
Unit 1

Foundations

RPAS terminology, classifications, applications, and regulatory frameworks.

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2
Unit 2

Remote Vehicles

Aircraft design, robotics concepts, autonomy, aerodynamics, and vehicle performance.

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3
Unit 3

Data Links

Communications systems, telemetry, modulation, antennas, receivers, and operational reliability.

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4
Unit 4

Control Stations

Ground control systems, hardware, software, data processing, storage, and human-machine interfaces.

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5
Unit 5

Payloads & Remote Sensing

Sensors, imaging systems, electromagnetic radiation, multispectral, hyperspectral, SAR, and LiDAR technologies.

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fact_check Certification Exam & Competency Standards

Certification Competency Blueprint

The Safety Level 1 Certification examination validates learner competency across the following technical domains:

RPAS Nomenclature, Limitations & Classification15–25%
Aerodynamics & Aircraft Performance5–15%
Aircraft Systems5–15%
Data Links & Communications10–20%
Ground Control Stations5–15%
Payloads & Remote Sensing Concepts25–35%

Assessment & Competency Validation

The Safety Level 1 Certification utilizes a layered assessment methodology to validate learner competency.

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Formative Assessment

  • checkModule-level progress checks.
  • checkInstructor and learner feedback opportunities.
  • checkMeasurement of incremental mastery of learning objectives.
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Summative Assessment

  • checkComprehensive cumulative certification examination.
  • checkThird-party proctored testing environment.
  • checkStandardized scoring process.
  • checkIdentity verification and secure testing procedures.
  • checkObjective measurement of competency attainment across all certification domains.
timer
90 min
Exam time (*135 min with accommodation)
quiz
70
Multiple-choice questions
grade
70%
Passing score · up to 3 attempts
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24 mo
Certification validity · recertify via recurrent training

Successful candidates demonstrate proficiency in the technical knowledge areas necessary to advance into additional RPAS training and workforce-aligned technology pathways.

policy If you have any additional questions, please review our Certification Testing Policy.
Fixed-wing UAS launch operations with a mobile ground control station
route Workforce Pathway Value

Preparing Learners for Advanced Training and Career Success

The Safety Level 1 Certification serves as a foundational credential supporting continued education and workforce pathway progression in uncrewed aviation, robotics, mechatronics, geospatial technologies, remote sensing, and related technical fields.

By establishing a common understanding of RPAS systems, communications, sensors, and data collection technologies, the credential helps learners develop the technical literacy, systems-thinking, and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills increasingly sought by employers utilizing autonomous and remotely operated technologies.

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Technical Literacy
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Systems Thinking
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Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving
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Career Pathway Progression
folder_open Certification Resources & Public Documentation

Transparency Into the Credential

The following resources are publicly available to provide transparency into the Safety Level 1 certification’s occupational purpose, competency standards, assessment methodology, and workforce alignment. These materials support educational institutions, employers, students, and workforce development agencies seeking to understand the credential’s industry relevance and technical standards.

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Safety Level 1 Candidate Handbook & Credential Guide

Comprehensive overview of the credential, occupational purpose, learning outcomes, assessment model, and candidate policies.

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Occupational Alignment & Workforce Pathways Guide

Detailed SOC/O*NET occupational crosswalk and workforce alignment narrative.

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Certification Exam Blueprint

Competency domains, assessment weighting, and examination structure.

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Course Curriculum & Learning Outcomes

Official curriculum outline and measurable learning objectives.

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Assessment & Proctoring Standards

Certification security, proctoring procedures, identity verification, and scoring methodology.

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Candidate Registration & Accommodations Policy

Registration procedures, testing policies, and accommodations request process.

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USI Certified sUAS Safety Level 1 Badge rocket_launch Get Started

Ready to Build Your Foundation in Uncrewed Aviation?

Whether preparing for advanced aviation education, exploring careers in robotics and autonomous systems, or developing workforce-ready technical skills, the USI Safety Level 1 Certification provides a strong foundation for the next generation of emerging technology professionals.

Learn More About USI Programs arrow_forward mail Contact USI download Download the Safety Level 1 Candidate Handbook