Part 107 renewal requires a free recurrent training cycle every 24 months through FAASafety.gov. The operator must select the correct FAA course: ALC-677 for Part 107 remote pilots or ALC-515 for Part 61 certificate holders. Both are online, fee-free, and end with a 45-question exam. A perfect score is required. The certificate that follows becomes the key document, but its handling matters next.
What Part 107 Renewal Requires
Part 107 renewal requires commercial drone operators to complete recurring recertification every 24 months to remain in legal compliance.
The process is administered online through FAASafety.gov and does not require payment, travel, or in-person examination. Operators complete online recurrent training, including an approved course such as ALC-677 or ALC-515, then proceed to a final assessment of 45 questions within 90 minutes.
Successful completion produces an immediate Certificate of Completion, which extends certification validity for another 24 months. This record should be retained with pilot documents, because current proof of Part 107 renewal may be required during operations.
The structure is designed to preserve access to lawful commercial flight while reducing administrative barriers. By eliminating fees and physical testing, the system supports efficient compliance and allows operators to maintain authority over their work with minimal interruption.
Which FAA Course You Need
Which FAA course is required depends on the pilot’s existing certification status. Under Part 107, most remote pilots must take ALC-677, the FAA recurrent training course for safe, compliant drone operations. Holders of a Part 61 certificate should choose ALC-515, which aligns with their credentials and satisfies renewal rules without unnecessary detours. Both options are free on FAASafety.gov and are built to renew authority for another 24 months, preserving lawful commercial flight autonomy.
| Status | Course | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Part 107 remote pilot | ALC-677 | Recurrent training |
| Part 61 certificate holder | ALC-515 | Renewal pathway |
| Any eligible pilot | FAA training course | 24-month renewal |
Each training course ends with a 45-question multiple-choice exam that verifies readiness. Selecting the correct FAA course prevents wasted effort and keeps the renewal process direct, disciplined, and accessible to pilots seeking operational independence.
Complete the Free Recurrent Training
To complete the free recurrent training for Part 107 renewal, the pilot logs in to or creates an account on FAASafety.gov and enrolls in ALC-677, a course that typically takes about two hours to finish.
This LOGIN step opens access to the FAA’s free online training, which is conducted entirely online and removes fees, travel, and in-person testing burdens. The course content is structured for efficient review, allowing the remote operator to complete renewal on a flexible schedule without institutional delay.
This login opens access to free FAA training, eliminating travel, fees, and in-person testing burdens.
After finishing the course requirements, the system issues a Certificate of Completion, which functions as the official renewal record. That certificate remains valid for 24 calendar months and should be retained for operational use.
A copy of the Certificate of Completion, together with photo identification, should be kept available while flying, since proof of certification may be required during inspection or enforcement.
This process supports autonomy through a streamlined, low-friction compliance path.
Pass the Final Course Quiz
Completion of the final course quiz requires a perfect score of 100 percent in a single session after the training modules are reviewed. The final course quiz contains 45 multiple-choice questions and allows 90 minutes for completion. Each answer must be correct to satisfy the renewal standard.
If a question is marked for review, unlimited attempts remain available within the session, enabling careful verification before submission. Should the first attempt fall short, the learner may revisit the course material and retake the quiz as many times as needed until the required score is reached.
Successful completion triggers issuance of a Certificate of Completion, confirming the renewal for the next 24 calendar months. This document supports continued lawful flight operations and should be maintained with a photo ID during active use.
The process is designed to be direct, repeatable, and accessible, preserving autonomy while ensuring compliance with current Part 107 requirements.
Download and Store Your Certificate
After the final quiz is passed, the next step is to download the Certificate of Completion from the FAASafety.gov account and save it immediately. This document confirms successful recurrent training and remains valid for 24 calendar months.
It should be treated as an operational credential, not a disposable file. The certificate ought to be stored in at least two secure locations, such as encrypted cloud storage and a printed copy kept in a flight kit. Redundant storage reduces the risk of loss and preserves access during field operations.
While flying, the pilot should carry the Certificate of Completion together with a photo ID, since proof of certification may be requested. The FAASafety.gov account should also be checked regularly to maintain accurate renewal records and avoid administrative delays.
Secure handling of this record supports continued regulatory freedom and uninterrupted operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Recurrently Train Part 107?
Part 107 recurrent training should be completed every 24 months to remain current and operationally compliant. This interval supports recurrent training benefits by revitalizing knowledge and preserving legal authority to fly commercially.
Pilots should review training resource options through FAASafety.gov and complete the required course before expiration. Understanding regulations is essential, and renewing 1–2 months early helps prevent interruptions, keeping drone operations autonomous, lawful, and uninterrupted.
How Often Must You Satisfy Recurrent Training Requirements?
Recurrent training must be satisfied every 24 months to remain current under the FAA certification process.
This recurrent training frequency is set by drone safety regulations and requires completion through approved online coursework before expiration.
The process is designed to preserve operational freedom by keeping certification valid without in-person testing.
If the 24-month interval lapses, standard renewal requirements may apply, potentially including retesting and additional administrative steps to regain legal status.
What Does Recurrent Flight Training Mean?
Recurrent flight training means the required periodic refresher course that keeps a Part 107 remote pilot current on regulations, procedures, and operational limits.
It supports recurrent training benefits by reinforcing flight safety importance and maintaining legal authority to fly commercially.
Available training program options are typically online, free, and self-paced, with an exam at completion.
This structured renewal process preserves autonomy while ensuring compliant, informed drone operations every 24 months.
Can FAA Know You Flew a DJI Drone?
Yes—the FAA can often know a DJI drone flew, like footprints in wet concrete.
Drone registration, Remote ID broadcasts, and Flight logs can expose aircraft identity, location, and time.
DJI models with built-in Remote ID may transmit data in real time, and app records can be reviewed if needed.
Under FAA regulations, compliance is expected; noncompliance can trigger penalties, certification loss, or further scrutiny of the operator’s activity.
Conclusion
Part 107 renewal is straightforward when approached on schedule: complete the FAA’s free recurrent training every 24 months, select ALC-677 or ALC-515 as appropriate, earn a perfect score on the 45-question exam, and retain the Certificate of Completion. One pilot compared the process to resetting a flight timer—miss the interval, and the system halts; meet it, and operations continue uninterrupted. With a stored certificate, compliance remains documented, portable, and ready for inspection.
