This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of obtaining and maintaining your FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107. From creating your IACRA account to taking the exam, receiving your certificate, and renewing every 24 months—everything you need to know is here.
The Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small UAS Rating (commonly called the "Part 107 certificate" or "drone license") is the FAA certification required to operate drones commercially in the United States. Whether you're flying for real estate photography, agricultural surveys, infrastructure inspections, or any other business purpose, you must hold this certificate.
This certificate demonstrates that you understand:
Before starting the application process, ensure you meet these FAA requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | At least 16 years old (you can study and take the exam before turning 16, but cannot receive the certificate until your 16th birthday) |
| English Proficiency | Able to read, speak, write, and understand English |
| Physical/Mental Fitness | Must not have any known physical or mental condition that would interfere with safe UAS operation (no formal medical exam required, but self-assessment is mandatory) |
| TSA Security Check | Must pass Transportation Security Administration background check |
| Knowledge Test | Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test with at least 70% (42 out of 60 questions) |
No Flight Experience Required: Unlike manned aircraft pilot licenses, you do NOT need any prior flight experience or flight training hours to obtain your Part 107 certificate. The certification is purely knowledge-based.
Your first step is obtaining an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system.
Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of your IACRA home screen showing your FTN, and email it to yourself. You'll use this number for scheduling your exam and completing your application.
The FAA estimates most applicants will spend approximately 20 hours studying for the exam. Those with aviation experience may require less time.
Study Resources:
Exam Topics and Approximate Weight:
The Part 107 knowledge test is administered by PSI (Pearson Services Inc.) at approximately 800 FAA-approved testing centers nationwide.
Cost Note: The $175 fee goes entirely to PSI for test administration. The FAA does not receive any portion of this fee. This is a one-time cost for initial certification.
Scheduling Tip: Book your exam 2-3 weeks out to give yourself adequate study time and ensure your preferred time slot is available. Testing centers can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
On exam day, arrive at the PSI testing center prepared and confident.
What to Bring:
What's Provided:
What's NOT Allowed:
Exam Details:
If you score below 70%, you must wait 14 calendar days before retaking the exam. You'll need to pay the $175 fee again. There's no limit on the number of attempts.
Don't panic! Many successful drone pilots didn't pass on their first try. Use your score report to identify weak areas and focus your studying there.
Exam Strategy: Read each question carefully, eliminate obviously wrong answers first, and don't overthink. Many questions reference figures in the supplement—make sure you're looking at the correct figure number!
Once you pass the exam, you'll receive a test results report with a 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID. You need this to complete your certificate application.
Critical: Double-check that all your personal information matches exactly what's on your government ID. Discrepancies can delay the TSA background check.
After submitting Form 8710-13, your application automatically goes to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for a security background check. This applies to all applicants regardless of nationality or citizenship status.
What Happens:
Status Updates: You can check your application status by logging into IACRA. The system will show whether your application is pending TSA review or has been approved.
Once the TSA clears your background check, you'll receive an email with instructions to print your Temporary Remote Pilot Certificate from IACRA.
Temporary Certificate Details:
Start Flying! You don't have to wait for the plastic card. Once you have your temporary certificate, you're a legal commercial drone pilot. Congratulations!
Your permanent Remote Pilot Certificate will be mailed to the address you provided in IACRA.
What to Expect:
Address Changes: If you move before receiving your permanent certificate, update your address in IACRA immediately. The FAA will not forward certificates—they'll be returned as undeliverable.
If you already hold a manned aircraft pilot certificate under Part 61 (Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, etc.) and have a current flight review, you can skip the knowledge test and follow this faster path:
Note: Part 61 pilots can also choose to take the full Part 107 knowledge test if they prefer. Both paths result in the same certificate.
Your Remote Pilot Certificate does not expire, but your privilege to operate under Part 107 must be renewed every 24 calendar months through recurrent training.
To maintain current status, you must complete one of the following within every 24-month period:
Unlike the initial certification ($175), recurrent training is completely free. The FAA made this change in 2021 to make it easier for pilots to maintain their currency.
Your 24-month clock starts from:
Example: If you passed your Part 107 exam in June 2023, you must complete recurrent training by the end of June 2025. The specific day doesn't matter—you have until the last day of that calendar month.
Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder 2-4 weeks before your recurrent training is due. This gives you plenty of time to complete it without last-minute stress.
If you don't complete recurrent training within the 24-month window:
Important: Flying commercially while your recurrent training is overdue is a violation of Part 107 and can result in FAA enforcement action, including fines up to $27,500 per violation.
During all Part 107 operations, you must have readily accessible:
Keep digital copies on your phone and physical copies in your flight bag.
No. Part 107 does not require a formal medical certificate. However, you must honestly self-assess that you have no physical or mental condition that would interfere with safe drone operation.
Yes, for practice. You can study and take the exam before age 16, but you cannot receive the certificate or fly commercially until you turn 16. You can fly recreationally under the Exception for Recreational Flyers at any age.
No. The certificate licenses YOU as a remote pilot, not a specific aircraft. You don't need to own or have access to a drone to obtain Part 107 certification.
Typical timeline: 3-6 weeks
You must wait 14 calendar days before retaking the test and pay the $175 fee again. There's no limit on attempts. Use your detailed score report to identify weak areas.
Yes, as of April 21, 2021. Part 107 pilots can operate at night without a waiver, provided they complete the updated recurrent training that covers night operations. You must also meet anti-collision lighting requirements (visible for 3 statute miles).
Part 107 is for commercial operations (anything for business, work, or compensation). Recreational flying is for pure hobby/fun and requires passing the TRUST exam (free online test). You cannot use recreational rules for any commercial purpose.
No. The Part 107 certificate is only valid for operations within the United States and its territories. Other countries have their own drone regulations and certification requirements. Currently, the U.S. has no bilateral agreements allowing Part 107 to be recognized elsewhere.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| IACRA Account Creation | FREE |
| Study Materials (optional prep courses) | $0 - $300 |
| Initial Knowledge Test | $175 |
| TSA Background Check | FREE (included) |
| Certificate Processing | FREE |
| Recurrent Training (every 24 months) | FREE |
| TOTAL (Minimum) | $175 |
Obtaining your FAA Remote Pilot Certificate is a straightforward process that opens the door to commercial drone operations. While the steps may seem numerous, each one is simple and clearly defined. The entire journey—from creating your IACRA account to receiving your plastic certificate—typically takes 4-8 weeks.
The hardest part is studying for and passing the knowledge test, but with dedicated preparation and the right resources, most applicants pass on their first attempt. The recurrent training requirement every 24 months ensures you stay current on regulations and safety practices, and the FAA has made it free and convenient through online training.
Once you have your certificate, you'll join a growing community of professional drone pilots working in industries from agriculture to entertainment, public safety to infrastructure inspection. Your Remote Pilot Certificate is your ticket to a rewarding career in this exciting and rapidly expanding field.
Your first step: Create your IACRA account today and get your FTN. Then begin studying for the knowledge test. With focus and preparation, you could be a certified commercial drone pilot in just a few weeks!
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