Getting your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate opens the door to legal commercial drone operations across every industry—from real estate photography to precision agriculture, construction inspections to emergency response. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to pass the exam on your first attempt and launch your drone career with confidence.

Table of Contents

1. What is Part 107 Certification?
2. Understanding the Exam Structure
3. The Five Exam Content Areas
4. Eligibility Requirements
5. Registration & Scheduling Process
6. Proven Study Strategies
7. 8-Week Study Plan
8. Essential Study Resources
9. Test Day: What to Expect
10. After You Pass
11. Recurrent Training Requirements

What is Part 107 Certification?

Part 107 refers to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR Part 107), the federal regulation governing commercial use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the United States. Enacted by the FAA in August 2016, Part 107 created a comprehensive framework for small unmanned aircraft operations under 55 pounds without requiring a traditional pilot's license.

When Do You Need Part 107 Certification?

The FAA defines "commercial" operations very broadly. You need Part 107 certification if you receive any compensation, benefit, or consideration for your drone operations. This includes:

• Direct payment: Real estate photography, wedding videography, inspection services
• Business promotion: Using drone footage to market your own business
• Social media monetization: YouTube ad revenue, Instagram sponsorships featuring drone content
• Indirect benefits: Building your portfolio with footage taken for potential clients
• In-kind compensation: Trading drone services for goods or services

What Part 107 Certification Allows You to Do

With your Remote Pilot Certificate, you can:

• Operate drones commercially for any legal business purpose
• Fly drones weighing less than 55 pounds at takeoff
• Request airspace authorizations through LAANC for controlled airspace
• Apply for waivers to operate outside standard Part 107 limitations
• Supervise other pilots operating under your certificate
• Operate at night (with proper training after April 2021 rule updates)
• Fly over people in certain categories (following Operations Over People rules)

Understanding the Exam Structure

Exam Format

The Part 107 knowledge test is a computer-based examination with these characteristics:

• Multiple choice: Each question has exactly three answer options (A, B, C)
• Independent questions: Each question stands alone—your answer to one doesn't affect others
• Reference materials provided: You'll have access to the FAA-CT-8080-2H testing supplement with charts, figures, and legends
• No partial credit: Each question is either correct or incorrect
• Immediate results: You'll know your pass/fail status immediately upon completion

The FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS)

The FAA publishes the Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-10B), which serves as your official study guide. This document outlines exactly what you need to know for the exam, organized by Areas of Operation and Tasks.

Each task in the ACS includes an ACS code (e.g., UA.I.A.K1) that identifies:

• UA = Unmanned Aircraft
• I = Area of Operation (I through V)
• A = Specific Task
• K1 = Knowledge element

Download the current ACS directly from the FAA at: faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs

The Five Exam Content Areas

The Part 107 exam is organized into five major content areas, each weighted differently. Understanding these weightings helps you prioritize your study time effectively.

Eligibility Requirements

The FAA has established specific eligibility criteria for Part 107 certification:

Expedited Path for Current Pilots

If you already hold an FAA pilot certificate issued under Part 61 (Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, ATP, etc.) with a current flight review, you can:

• Skip the Part 107 knowledge test entirely
• Complete free online training (ALC-451 course at FAASafety.gov)
• Apply directly for your Remote Pilot Certificate through IACRA

Registration & Scheduling Process

The process to schedule your Part 107 exam involves several steps. Start this process at least 2-3 weeks before your desired test date to ensure availability.

Step 1: Create Your IACRA Account & Obtain FTN

Before scheduling your exam, you need an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), which serves as your unique identifier throughout your aviation career.

1. Visit iacra.faa.gov
2. Click "Register" (or "Create New Account")
3. Select "Applicant" as your role
4. Fill in your personal information accurately:
   • Legal name (must match your government ID exactly)
   • Date of birth
   • Social Security Number or Passport Number
   • Email address and phone number
   • Physical address (no P.O. boxes)
5. Your FTN will be displayed immediately—write it down
6. You'll also receive your FTN via email

Step 2: Create PSI Testing Account

PSI Services is the FAA's contracted testing provider. You'll create a separate account with them to schedule your exam.

1. Go to faa.psiexams.com
2. Click "Create an Account"
3. Enter your FTN, first name, and last name
4. Accept the terms and conditions
5. Complete your profile (email, username, password)
6. Your information should auto-populate from the FAA database

Step 3: Schedule Your Exam

1. Log into your PSI account
2. Select "Schedule a test"
3. Search for "UAG" (Unmanned Aircraft General - Small)
4. Enter your zip code to find nearby testing centers
5. Select a convenient location and time
6. Pay the $175 exam fee (major credit cards accepted)
7. Receive confirmation email with appointment details

Finding Testing Centers

There are over 800 FAA-approved knowledge testing centers across the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska, and U.S. territories. Most major cities have multiple locations. Testing centers include:

• Dedicated aviation testing facilities
• Flight schools and pilot supply stores
• Community colleges and technical schools
• Prometric and Pearson VUE testing centers

Proven Study Strategies

How Much Time Do You Need?

Study time varies significantly based on your background:

Background	Recommended Study Time
Current manned aircraft pilot	10-15 hours (focus on drone-specific rules)
Aviation background (mechanic, dispatcher, ATC)	15-20 hours
Experienced recreational drone pilot	20-25 hours
No aviation experience	25-30+ hours

The Most Effective Study Approach

Successful test-takers consistently report these strategies as most effective:

1. Use Multiple Resources

Don't rely on a single study guide. The best approach combines:

• Primary resource: A comprehensive study guide (ASA, King Schools, Drone Pilot Ground School)
• Practice questions: Work through 300+ practice questions minimum
• Video content: YouTube channels for visual learners
• FAA official materials: For clarification on confusing topics

2. Master Airspace Classifications First

Airspace is consistently reported as the most challenging topic. Invest extra time here:

• Create flashcards for each airspace class with altitude limits and requirements
• Practice reading sectional charts daily
• Use the Chart Supplement (formerly Airport/Facility Directory)
• Identify different airspace types in your local area

3. Learn to Decode METARs and TAFs

Weather report decoding appears in multiple questions. Practice until it becomes second nature:

• Decode real METARs from aviationweather.gov daily
• Create a one-page reference sheet with common abbreviations
• Focus on visibility, cloud height, wind direction/speed

4. Know Part 107 Regulations Cold

These are the most testable regulations—memorize them:

• §107.51: 400 feet AGL maximum altitude (or 400 feet above structure)
• §107.29: Daylight operations (30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset with proper training)
• §107.31: Visual line of sight (VLOS) requirements
• §107.39: No operations over people without proper category/declaration
• §107.9: Accident reporting (within 10 days for serious injury or property damage over $500)
• §107.19: No careless or reckless operations
• §107.23: No hazardous operations (interference with manned aircraft)
• §107.65: Aeronautical knowledge recency (24 calendar months)

5. Practice With Realistic Questions

The quality of your practice questions matters more than quantity:

• Look for questions that cite specific FAR references
• Ensure explanations teach concepts, not just correct answers
• Take full 60-question practice exams under timed conditions
• Review your incorrect answers thoroughly

8-Week Study Plan

This structured plan assumes 1-2 hours of study per day, 5-6 days per week. Adjust the pace based on your available time and background.

Essential Study Resources

Official FAA Resources (Free)

The FAA provides all necessary materials for free, though they can be dense and technical:

• Remote Pilot Study Guide: faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf
• Part 107 ACS (Airman Certification Standards): faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/uas_acs.pdf
• Testing Supplement (FAA-CT-8080-2H): Contains all charts and figures used on the exam
• 14 CFR Part 107: The actual regulation text at ecfr.gov
• Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28): Comprehensive weather guide
• Aeronautical Chart User's Guide: How to read sectional charts

Recommended Commercial Study Guides

These organized, user-friendly resources significantly streamline your preparation:

ASA Test Prep (Highly Recommended)

• Cost: $20-30 for book, $65 for online course
• Pros: Well-organized, includes testing supplement, 5 online practice tests (60 questions each), regular updates
• Best for: Self-directed learners who prefer reading

King Schools Ground School

• Cost: $299 (frequent sales for $149)
• Pros: Engaging video instruction, practice tests, endorsed by many flight schools
• Best for: Visual learners who benefit from video instruction

Drone Pilot Ground School

• Cost: $299 (includes lifetime recurrent training)
• Pros: Excellent video production, practical focus, money-back pass guarantee
• Best for: Those wanting comprehensive video-based training

Remote Pilot 101

• Cost: $149
• Pros: Concise videos, good mobile app, affordable
• Best for: Budget-conscious students who learn best from videos

Free Online Resources

• YouTube Channels: 51 Drones, Tony Northrup, The Drone Coach (free prep courses)
• Practice Tests: Many websites offer free 60-question practice exams
• FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam): Free webinars and courses at faasafety.gov
• Pilot Institute: Free articles and study guides

Test Day: What to Expect

What to Bring

What You CANNOT Bring

• Cell phones, smart watches, or any electronic devices
• Study materials, notes, or reference books
• Bags, backpacks, or large personal items
• Food or drinks (except water in clear container at some centers)

Testing Center Procedures

1. Arrival: Arrive 15-20 minutes before your scheduled time
2. Check-in: Present your ID and sign in
3. Secure storage: Place all personal items in provided locker
4. Test room: Proctor will assign you to a computer station
5. Testing supplement: You'll receive the FAA-CT-8080-2H supplement booklet
6. Tutorial: Brief computer system tutorial (not timed)
7. Exam begins: 2-hour timer starts when you begin first question

During the Exam

Navigation:

• You can skip questions and return to them later
• The testing software shows which questions you've marked for review
• A countdown timer displays your remaining time

Strategy Tips:

• Read each question carefully—watch for words like "EXCEPT" and "NOT"
• Answer easy questions first to build confidence and bank time
• Use the supplement booklet actively for chart and figure questions
• If stuck, eliminate obviously wrong answers first
• Don't second-guess yourself excessively—your first instinct is usually correct
• With 120 minutes for 60 questions, you have 2 minutes per question—plenty of time

Immediate Results

When you complete the exam, your results appear immediately:

• Pass: You'll see your score and which content areas you missed questions in
• Fail: You'll see your score and areas needing improvement

The proctor will print your Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) with an embossed seal. This document is critical—keep it safe! You'll need it to apply for your certificate.

After You Pass: Getting Your Certificate

Passing the knowledge test is a major milestone, but you're not quite finished. Here's what happens next:

The 48-Hour Waiting Period

After passing your exam, wait 48 hours before applying for your certificate. This allows the FAA systems to sync your test results.

Applying for Your Remote Pilot Certificate in IACRA

1. Log into IACRA (iacra.faa.gov) with your existing account
2. Start New Application:
   • Application Type: "Pilot"
   • Certifications: "Remote Pilot"
   • Other Path Information: Select appropriate option
   • Click "Start Application"
3. Complete FAA Form 8710-13 with:
   • Personal information (must match your ID exactly)
   • Height in inches, city/county/country of birth
   • Your 17-digit Airman Knowledge Test Report ID number
   • Citizenship documentation
4. Review carefully for errors—most delays stem from typos
5. Electronically sign and submit

TSA Background Check

The Transportation Security Administration automatically conducts a security background check after you submit your IACRA application. This process:

• Is completely automated—no action required from you
• Usually completes within 3-5 business days
• Will result in an email if any issues arise (rare)

Temporary Certificate

Once approved (typically 3-7 business days after submission), you'll receive:

• Email notification from IACRA that your application is approved
• A temporary certificate available for download in IACRA (green icon in your profile)
• This temporary certificate is valid for 120 days and allows you to begin commercial operations immediately

Permanent Certificate

Your permanent plastic Remote Pilot Certificate will arrive via USPS in 4-8 weeks. This certificate:

• Contains your photo (they'll use the photo from your driver's license database)
• Shows your certificate number and issue date
• Must be carried with you during all commercial operations
• Never expires, but requires recurrent training every 24 months to maintain currency

Recurrent Training Requirements

To maintain your privileges as a Remote Pilot in Command, you must complete recurrent training every 24 calendar months.

Understanding the 24 Calendar Month Rule

This is where many pilots get confused. Here's how it works:

• If you passed your initial test in June 2023, your recurrent training is due by June 30, 2025
• The specific day doesn't matter—you have until the last day of the 24th month
• After completing recurrent training, you have another 24 calendar months from that completion date

How to Complete Recurrent Training

1. Go to FAASafety.gov (the FAA Safety Team website)
2. Create an account or log in if you already have one
3. Enroll in the course:
   • Most pilots take: ALC-677 Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent
   • If you're a current Part 61 pilot with a flight review: ALC-515
4. Complete the training (approximately 2 hours of content)
5. Pass the final exam (45 questions, 90 minutes, can retake immediately if needed)
6. Download your completion certificate and save it permanently

What Happens If You Let It Lapse?

If you miss your 24-month deadline:

• Your Remote Pilot Certificate itself does NOT expire
• Your privileges to act as PIC are suspended
• You cannot fly commercially until you complete recurrent training
• Once you complete the training, your privileges are immediately restored
• No retesting or reapplication required

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' experiences and avoid these pitfalls:

During Preparation

• Relying solely on free YouTube videos: While helpful, they're not comprehensive enough alone
• Memorizing without understanding: The exam tests application, not just recall
• Skipping the FAA testing supplement: Familiarize yourself with it before test day
• Neglecting airspace and weather: These are the most commonly failed areas
• Not taking full-length practice exams: You need to build stamina for 2 hours

Registration & Test Day

• Name mismatches: Ensure your IACRA name exactly matches your ID
• Expired ID: Check your ID expiration date well in advance
• Wrong address on ID: Your ID must show your current physical address
• Arriving late: You may forfeit your test fee if you're more than 15 minutes late
• Bringing prohibited items: Leave your phone in the car, not just in the locker

After Passing

• Not keeping your AKTR safe: Replacement costs $12 and takes weeks
• Rushing the IACRA application: Errors cause significant delays
• Operating before certificate arrives: Wait for your temporary certificate in IACRA
• Forgetting about recurrent training: Set reminders for your 24-month deadline

Career Opportunities After Part 107

Your Remote Pilot Certificate opens doors across industries. Here are the most in-demand commercial drone services:

• Real Estate Photography: Aerial photos/videos for property listings ($150-400 per property)
• Construction Inspection: Progress monitoring, site surveys ($200-500 per flight)
• Agriculture: Crop monitoring, precision spraying, livestock management
• Infrastructure Inspection: Bridges, towers, power lines, wind turbines
• Public Safety: Law enforcement, fire departments, search and rescue
• Wedding & Event Videography: Aerial coverage ($500-1,500 per event)
• Solar Panel Inspection: Thermal imaging for panel defects
• Insurance Assessment: Roof inspections, damage documentation
• Media Production: Film, television, commercials
• Mapping & Surveying: 3D modeling, topographic surveys

Final Thoughts

The FAA Part 107 exam is very passable with proper preparation. The key is structured study, practice with realistic questions, and understanding—not just memorizing—the material. With the strategies and resources outlined in this guide, you're well-equipped to pass on your first attempt.

Remember that Part 107 certification is just the beginning. The real learning happens when you start flying commercially, encountering real-world scenarios that require applying your knowledge. Your certification demonstrates to clients, insurance companies, and regulatory authorities that you take safety and professionalism seriously.

Approach your studies systematically, give yourself adequate preparation time, and don't rush to schedule your exam until you're consistently scoring well on practice tests. When you walk into that testing center prepared and confident, passing becomes not just possible, but likely.

---

Additional Resources

• Airspace Classifications A-G: Complete Guide
• METAR & TAF Decoding for Drone Pilots
• Reading Sectional Charts: Visual Guide
• 1000+ Part 107 Practice Questions

Disclaimer: This study guide is based on current FAA regulations as of January 2025. Always verify information with official FAA sources. The author is a certified remote pilot sharing educational content and does not represent the FAA.