Class 1 vs Class 2 medical: the key differences

The two most common pilot medical certificates in the United Kingdom are the Class 1 and the Class 2. The main difference is easy to state: Class 1 is for professional (commercial) flying, and Class 2 is for private flying. That one distinction shapes everything else, from where you sit the exam to who can run it and how long it lasts.

This article is general information about aviation medical certification. It is not individual medical advice, and fitness is always assessed case by case against CAA standards. Always check the latest requirements with the UK CAA.

Who is each certificate for?

A Class 1 certificate lets you use the privileges of a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) or an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). That is flying for a living: airline crews, commercial charter pilots and many paid instructors. A Class 2 certificate covers a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and other non-commercial flying, which is the one most leisure pilots hold. If you are aiming at a commercial career, you will need a Class 1; if you fly for pleasure, a Class 2 is usually the right fit.

Where is the examination carried out?

This is one of the biggest practical differences between the two:

• Your initial Class 1 examination must be carried out at a CAA-authorised Aeromedical Centre (AeMC). Later revalidations and renewals can be done at an AeMC or by an Aeromedical Examiner (AME) certificated for Class 1.
• A Class 2 examination, whether it is your first or a later one, may be carried out by any UK AME. There is no need to attend an AeMC.

Because any UK AME can issue a Class 2, you usually have a wider choice of examiners and locations close to home. The initial Class 1, by contrast, ties you to an approved centre for that first visit.

How thorough is each exam?

The initial Class 1 is the more detailed assessment and can take several hours. It typically includes an electrocardiogram (ECG), full vision and hearing testing, lung function testing and blood tests. A Class 2 assessment is generally lighter and is usually finished in a single appointment, though certain tests still apply at particular ages or when there is a clinical reason for them. The full standards are set out in the CAA's UK Part-MED requirements.

How long does each one last?

Class 1 certificates are generally valid for 12 months, dropping to 6 months in some cases. For example, pilots aged 60 or over, or those aged 40 or over flying single-pilot commercial air transport with passengers. Class 2 validity periods are longer and step down as you get older. The exact figure depends on your age and the flying you do. For the Class 1 detail, see our Class 1 guide.

Class 1 vs Class 2 at a glance

What does each one cost?

Fees vary by examination and by centre, and there is a separate CAA statutory charge on top of the examiner's fee. As a rule the initial Class 1 is the most expensive because it is the longest and most detailed, while a Class 2 is generally lower. We don't quote figures here because they change, so please see our prices page for current information, including how the CAA charge sits alongside our fee.

Can you upgrade a Class 2 to a Class 1?

Holding a Class 2 does not convert into a Class 1 on its own. If you decide to go commercial, you will need to sit the initial Class 1 at an AeMC in the normal way, because the Class 1 is assessed against higher standards and the initial exam has to be done at an approved centre. The good news is that an existing Class 2 gives you a reasonable idea of where you stand on the routine checks. If you are weighing up a career change, it is sensible to sit the Class 1 early, before you invest heavily in commercial training.

What if you don't meet the Class 1 standard?

The Class 1 and Class 2 are assessed against different standards, so it is possible to fall short of one and still meet the other. Someone who cannot currently hold a Class 1 may still qualify for a Class 2 and carry on flying privately, depending on their circumstances. This is decided case by case by the examiner and the CAA, and we cannot promise any particular outcome. If your situation is complicated, it is worth discussing it with an AME before you book.

How early should you book each one?

Timing works a little differently for the two certificates. An initial Class 1 is tied to an Aeromedical Centre, and those appointments can book up, so give yourself a few weeks' notice rather than leaving it until the week your course starts. A Class 2 is easier to arrange at short notice because any UK AME can carry it out, though a popular examiner may still have a wait. For renewals, a Class 1 revalidation done within 45 days before expiry keeps your original expiry date, so there is no reason to leave it late. The timing rules for both are set out on our renewals and revalidations page.

Which one do you need?

If you are chasing a commercial flying career, you need a Class 1. If you fly privately, a Class 2 is usually the right certificate. Still deciding? Our certificate requirements guide lays out all the UK CAA classes, including Class 3 and the LAPL and cabin crew options. When you are ready, read more on our Class 1 medical and Class 2 medical service pages.

Last reviewed: October 2026