What Is RCoC-B?

Illustration of a hand holding an RCoC-B certificate with a drone in the background.

If you’re planning to enter the professional drone industry, one of the first terms you’ll come across is RCoC-B.

Many people ask:

“What is RCoC-B? Do I need it to fly a drone?”

The answer — RCoC-B (including AGR and EVLOS) — is not a license, but a certificate of competency that proves you are qualified and knowledgeable to operate drones under the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) regulations.

What Is RCoC-B?

RCoC-B stands for Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency – Basic.
It is an entry-level competency certificate issued to individuals who pass CAAM’s approved drone training and evaluation.

In short, RCoC-B is the basic certification for individual drone pilots.
This certificate indicates that a person has the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding of aviation laws and flight safety procedures in Malaysia’s civil airspace.

Purpose of RCoC-B

RCoC-B was introduced by CAAM to:

  • Assess the basic capability of drone pilots

  • Ensure the safety of public airspace

  • Enforce understanding of CAD 6011 (CAAM Directive)

  • Educate operators to avoid risks and incidents during operations

Simply put — without RCoC-B, a person is not considered competent to operate a drone for any official or commercial mission.

Types of RCoC Certificates in Malaysia

CAAM offers several levels of certification, depending on function and operational risk:

Drone Certificate Types
Drone Certificate Types (CAAM Malaysia)
Certificate Type Full Name Function / Level
RCoC-B Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency – Basic Basic level. For low-risk drone operations (<20 kg).
RCoC-EVLOS Extended Visual Line of Sight For long-range operations with extended visual control.
RCoC-AGR Agriculture Operations For agricultural or automated crop-spraying missions.

The 5-Day RCoC-B Course (Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency Course)

To obtain the certificate, candidates must attend a 5-day RCoC-B training course recognized by CAAM.

1️⃣ Course Introduction

The course is mandatory under Malaysia Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 (Regulations 140–144).
Participants will learn Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) operations and understand the responsibilities of a certified drone pilot.

2️⃣ Course Modules

Key topics covered include:

  • Air Law and Pilot Responsibilities

  • UAS Airspace Operating Principles & Rules

  • Airmanship and Aviation Safety

  • Operations Manual

  • Meteorology

  • Human Performance Limitations

  • UAS Direction Sensing & Navigation

  • UAS Maintenance & Component Handling

  • Pre-Flight, In-Flight & Post-Flight Procedures

Assessment:
✅ Written exam (minimum 75%)
✅ Practical flight evaluation

 

3️⃣ Course Details

Course Duration 5 days
Fee RM6,500 (includes registration, exam, and CAAM certification)
Entry Requirement Basic drone flying skills (recommended)
Minimum Age 18 years old
Academic Requirement SPM English grade C+ or higher
Location Cyberjaya

4️⃣ Approved Training Provider

Drone Academy Asia
An official CAAM-accredited training organization offering professional drone pilot certification in Malaysia.

More info: 🔗 www.caam.gov.my
Email: 📧 uav@caam.gov.my

Validity & Renewal of RCoC-B

  • Validity period: 2 years from the date of issuance

  • To renew, holders must:

    • Attend a refresher course

    • Submit an updated flight logbook

    • Have no active safety violations or incidents

CAAM reserves the right to reject renewal if the applicant fails to meet safety standards.

Benefits of Having RCoC-B

✅ Officially recognized by CAAM
✅ Eligible to apply for drone flight permits (ATF)
✅ Boosts professional credibility
✅ Reduces the risk of injury or property damage
✅ Avoids penalties and legal actions
✅ Expands job opportunities in mapping, videography, inspection, and agriculture

With RCoC-B, you are not only legally recognized, but also acknowledged as a professional drone pilot in Malaysia.

Where to Get the Latest Information

You can check the latest list of training centers and RCoC status on the official website:
🔗 https://www.caam.gov.my
Or send official inquiries via email:
📧 uav@caam.gov.my

Conclusion

Now you know what RCoC-B is — it’s more than just a certificate; it’s the foundation of legal and professional drone operations in Malaysia.

RCoC-B certifies that you are qualified, knowledgeable, and capable of flying safely under CAAM regulations.

If you’re serious about pursuing opportunities in drone industries such as aerial mapping, videography, inspection, or delivery,
👉 RCoC-B is your essential first step.

Register today with an accredited CAAM training provider at rdtek.my
because the sky is no longer the limit, it’s your opportunity.