Getting a Part 107 drone license in 2026 starts with a few clear steps, but the details matter. An applicant must create an IACRA profile, secure an FAA Tracking Number, and schedule the UAG knowledge test at an approved center. The process also involves study, fees, and a final application through IACRA. The requirements are straightforward enough, yet one missed step can delay certification more than expected.
How Much Does Part 107 Cost?
The cost of obtaining a Part 107 drone license is relatively modest, with the FAA Unmanned Aircraft General—Small (UAG) knowledge test costing about $175 for first-time applicants. That fee covers the Part 107 exam administered under the FAA Unmanned Aircraft General standards and is the core expense in the certification path.
Part 107 licensing is relatively affordable, with the FAA knowledge test costing about $175 for first-time applicants.
A further $5 is required for each drone registered for Part 107 operations, making the minimum outlay about $180. Applicants seeking greater freedom often reduce expenses by using free study resources, which can keep the certification cost at the baseline test fee.
If the UAG test is not passed, retesting is permitted after a 14-day waiting period, with no cap on attempts. After certification, the Remote Pilot Certificate remains valid for 24 months and must be renewed through recurrent training.
This structure is designed to make lawful commercial flight accessible while preserving compliance and operational accountability.
What You Need Before Scheduling the Test
Before scheduling the Part 107 test, the applicant should obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) through an IACRA profile, as this is required for registration.
The applicant should also have study materials ready and review the FAA Remote Pilot Study Guide, with attention to regulations, airspace, and weather.
Proper preparation helps guarantee the test is scheduled only after the required compliance steps are in place.
FAA Tracking Number
An FAA Tracking Number (FTN) is required before a Part 107 knowledge test can be scheduled because it links an applicant to FAA records. The number is issued through an IACRA profile, which must be created online before scheduling.
During registration, personal information such as a Social Security Number should be available to support accurate FTN issuance. The FAA Tracking Number remains valid indefinitely, so it does not expire, but the profile should stay current to prevent processing delays.
This identifier is essential for the Remote Pilot Certificate application and for testing eligibility. Applicants who prepare this step early create a clearer path to certification, with fewer administrative obstacles and more freedom to move toward lawful commercial drone operations.
Study Materials Ready
With the FAA Tracking Number secured through IACRA, the next step is to assemble study materials before booking the Part 107 exam.
A compliant Part 107 study plan should begin with the FAA Remote Pilot Study Guide and the Airman Certification Standards, which define the regulations, airspace, and weather knowledge tested on the 60-question UAG exam.
The FAA Safety Team offers free review content that can reduce costs while strengthening retention.
Third-party courses may add structure and practice exams; some, such as Drone Launch Academy, cost about $199.
Because the test requires a 70% passing score, focused preparation is essential.
Once the material is organized, the applicant can schedule confidently at FAA-approved testing centers and move closer to lawful flight operations.
How to Schedule Your Part 107 Exam
To schedule the Part 107 exam, the applicant must first create an IACRA profile and obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), which is required to reserve the FAA Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) knowledge test.
With IACRA completed, the applicant can choose an approved testing center through PSI, Pearson VUE, or the FAA Airman Certificate Testing Service (ACTS) directory. The exam fee is collected at scheduling, so payment should be prepared in advance. A confirmed appointment secures the testing date and location, supporting timely progress toward lawful drone operations.
On exam day, the applicant should arrive early to allow for check-in, identification review, and travel delays. The testing session is limited to two hours and contains 60 questions, with a passing score of 70 percent.
Careful scheduling preserves flexibility and reduces avoidable stress. By completing these steps methodically, the applicant gains a clear path toward certification and the freedom to operate under Part 107 with confidence and regulatory compliance.
What the Part 107 Test Covers
Once the exam is scheduled, the applicant should focus on the content of the Part 107 test, which consists of 60 questions and requires a score of at least 70 percent to earn the Remote Pilot Certificate.
The FAA Knowledge areas are weighted toward operational judgment, with operations and flight planning making up about 35 percent of the exam. Roughly 25 percent addresses Federal Aviation Regulations, including certificate requirements and operational limitations that govern lawful UAS use.
Airspace Classification appears in about 15 percent of the test and covers controlled and special use airspace, along with NOTAMs and related procedures. Another 15 percent centers on weather systems, reporting, and hazards that affect UAS performance and safety.
The remaining questions cover additional practical topics tied to compliant remote pilot decision-making. A disciplined review of these categories supports autonomy through informed, lawful operation and helps the applicant enter the testing center prepared to demonstrate practical FAA Knowledge.
How to Study for Part 107
Effective Part 107 preparation begins with FAA study resources, including the Remote Pilot Study Guide and the Airman Certification Standards, to guarantee coverage of regulations, airspace, and weather.
Candidates should prioritize the highest-weighted exam areas, especially Federal Aviation Regulations, Operations, and Airspace Classification, while also addressing weather systems and loading and performance.
Practice tests, along with FAASTeam materials or a structured course, can help confirm readiness and identify topics requiring further review.
FAA Study Resources
The FAA provides several study resources that can help candidates prepare for the Part 107 knowledge test with confidence and compliance in mind. For the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, the most direct starting point is official guidance, not guesswork, so study remains structured, lawful, and liberating.
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) offers free online training that supports disciplined learning for Part 107 operations.
- Remote Pilot Study Guide
- FAA Part 107 Airman Certification Standards
- FAASTeam online courses
- Third-party bootcamps with practice exams
- Quizzes that measure readiness
These materials help candidates map required knowledge, compare progress, and reduce avoidable errors.
Because the test includes 60 questions and requires 70 percent to pass, consistent review improves readiness without unnecessary delay.
Test Topics To Master
Mastery of the Part 107 test begins with a clear understanding of its weightiest subject areas, since the 60-question exam emphasizes Operations, Federal Aviation Regulations, Airspace Classification, Weather Systems, and Loading and Performance.
Candidates seeking freedom through FAA’s testing should map each knowledge area to its percentage, then study accordingly. Federal Aviation Regulations and Operations deserve the greatest attention, while airspace rules, weather reporting systems, and UAS hazards require disciplined review.
Loading and performance concepts also demand precision, especially when evaluating aircraft limits. The test online option may be convenient where available, yet the content remains the same.
Because a 70% score is required, focused preparation should prioritize comprehension, not memorization. A clear grasp of these knowledge areas supports compliant, independent drone operation.
Practice Test Strategy
A strong Part 107 study plan starts with FAA-approved resources such as the Remote Pilot Study Guide and the FAA Safety Team’s online training course, which cover the core exam topics in a compliant, efficient way.
Candidates should use practice test results to direct study materials toward weak areas, especially regulations, airspace, and weather, where points are most concentrated.
- Review FAA resources first.
- Add a paid course if structure is needed.
- Take timed practice test sessions.
- Track missed questions by topic.
- Schedule the exam soon after review.
This method supports disciplined preparation while preserving the freedom to move quickly toward certification.
Multiple practice test attempts build familiarity with question style, reduce uncertainty, and confirm readiness before booking the exam.
What to Expect on Exam Day
On exam day, candidates should plan to arrive early at the FAA-approved testing center to allow time for travel and check-in, especially since the Part 107 knowledge test takes two hours to complete.
The exam includes 60 questions on regulations, airspace, weather, and operations, and the passing score is 70%. At check-in, each candidate must present a valid government-issued identification and the FAA Tracking Number (FTN) to verify eligibility.
No instructor endorsement is required for first-time UAG applicants, which reduces barriers for new pilots pursuing lawful access to commercial drone work.
During the test, calm focus and time management are essential, since each question contributes to the final result. Scores are issued immediately after completion, giving candidates clear feedback without delay.
If a passing score is not achieved, the score report identifies weak areas for targeted review before retesting.
How to Apply for Your Remote Pilot Certificate
To apply for a Remote Pilot Certificate, the applicant must first create an IACRA profile to obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN).
After passing the Part 107 knowledge test, the Remote Pilot application should be submitted through IACRA with the required identity documentation and Airman Knowledge Test Report within 60 days.
Completion of this step initiates FAA review and TSA vetting before the certificate is issued.
Create IACRA Profile
Creating an IACRA profile is the next step toward obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate after passing the FAA aeronautical knowledge test. Applicants should visit the FAA Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application website and register an account.
The IACRA profile must include accurate identity details and the FAA Tracking Number to link records correctly. A current email address supports timely notices and preserves compliance.
Once the account is active, Form 8710-13 can be accessed through the system for later certificate processing, empowering a lawful path to aerial freedom.
- Enter legal name exactly as shown on government records
- Verify date of birth and contact data
- Record the FAA Tracking Number carefully
- Keep the IACRA profile updated
- Save access credentials securely
Submit Remote Pilot Application
After passing the FAA UAG knowledge test, the applicant must submit a Remote Pilot Certificate application through the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system.
To submit remote pilot application materials correctly, the applicant should attach the Airman Knowledge Test Report, confirm identity details, and complete the required TSA background check. These compliance steps are mandatory and help guarantee eligibility for lawful drone operations.
The IACRA system allows the applicant to track status as the file moves through review. Approval typically leads to receipt of the certificate in 4 to 6 weeks.
Once issued, the Remote Pilot Certificate remains valid for 24 months. Before expiration, the holder must complete recurrent training or testing to preserve the freedom to operate independently and within federal rules.
What If You Fail the Part 107 Test?
If a candidate fails the Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) knowledge test, retesting is permitted, but only after a 14-day waiting period. The score report should be reviewed promptly to identify areas of weakness and plan focused study.
If you fail, wait 14 days, review your score report, and study weak areas before retesting.
There is no limit on attempts, so the candidate may continue until prepared to pass the Part 107 exam. The test contains 60 questions, and a 70% score is required to succeed. To protect future freedom to operate commercially, the next attempt should follow disciplined preparation.
- Review missed topics on the score report.
- Use free FAA study materials.
- Consider a paid prep course.
- Schedule retesting only after 14 days.
- Reassess readiness before rebooking.
A measured approach reduces repeat failure and supports compliance. With targeted study, the candidate can fail the Part once, learn efficiently, and pass the Part on the next attempt.
How Part 61 Pilots Can Skip the Test
Licensed Part 61 pilots have a streamlined path to a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate because the FAA allows them to bypass the UAG knowledge test by completing the free ALC-451 training course.
This exemption applies only when the pilot holds a valid FAA pilot certificate and has either a current medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license.
The FAA’s free ALC-451 training course is self-paced and focuses on the regulatory framework, operational limits, and compliance obligations tied to commercial drone use under Part 107.
After finishing the course, the pilot may submit the application for the Remote Pilot Certificate directly, without paying for the UAG exam or waiting for a test appointment.
For qualified aviators, this process removes unnecessary friction while preserving full regulatory compliance.
It is a practical, lawful route to commercial drone authority, enabling a faster shift from manned aircraft privileges to drone operations under the Part 107 rules.
Is Part 107 Worth It?
For most commercial operators, Part 107 is well worth the investment because it turns drone use into a legal, contract-ready business activity. A Part 107 license authorizes commercial drone operations for aerial photography, surveying, and public safety support while keeping activity within FAA rules.
The certification process also signals competence, which can help attract clients and win contracts in a competitive market.
- Knowledge test cost: about $175
- Drone registration: about $5
- Minimum entry cost: around $180
- Regulatory compliance: reduces penalty exposure
- Business value: supports safer, freer operations
With the certificate, operators can work under defined airspace guidelines and operate with greater confidence. For those seeking freedom through legitimate business use, the investment is modest compared with the legal risk of unauthorized flights.
The credential is not merely administrative; it enables expansion, credibility, and lawful participation in the drone economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Get a Part 107 Drone License?
It typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to obtain a Part 107 drone license, depending on study resources, testing availability, and the application process.
After passing the 60-question FAA exam, the applicant submits materials through DroneZone for processing. Any retest adds 14 days.
Completion is faster with organized flight training preparation and prompt filing. The certificate then remains valid for 24 months before recurrent training is required.
How Difficult Is It to Pass the Part 107 Drone License Exam?
The Part 107 exam is moderately difficult, but manageable with disciplined exam preparation. A 70% passing score means 42 correct answers out of 60, and the reported first-time pass rate near 80% suggests many succeed with proper study strategies.
Success depends on mastering regulations, airspace, weather, and operations, then applying troubleshooting tips during practice tests. Free FAA materials and structured courses can help candidates move through the process with confidence and autonomy.
How Much Does It Cost to Take the 107 Drone License?
The Part 107 drone license typically costs about $175 for the FAA exam fees, which covers the Unmanned Aircraft General—Small knowledge test.
A complete cost breakdown rises to about $180 if one drone is registered. Free training options can keep the minimum near $175, while paid courses add more.
This theory that licensing is expensive is partly true, yet careful preparation allows pilots to pursue lawful flight with greater freedom.
Is the FAA Part 107 Test Worth Taking?
Yes, the FAA Part 107 test is worth taking for anyone entering the drone industry.
It provides licensing benefits, legal access to commercial work, and stronger credibility with clients. It also supports compliance with FAA rules while improving safety and operational judgment.
For those tracking drone industry trends, the exam remains a practical gateway to greater professional freedom.
Effective exam preparation tips include studying airspace, weather, and procedures.
Conclusion
In 2026, the Part 107 path remains straightforward, but every step matters: create the IACRA profile, secure the FTN, schedule the knowledge test, and pass with at least 70%. The real opportunity begins only after the application and TSA review are complete. For those who qualify, the certificate grants access to legal commercial drone operations—but the rules continue to evolve. Anyone planning to fly for business should stay prepared, because the next requirement may be the one that changes everything.
