Bottom Line Up Front: To fly a drone commercially in the United States, you need an FAA Part 107 certificate. The process involves passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test (AST), submitting an application through the FAA DroneZone portal, and passing a TSA security background check. Most first-time applicants spend 20–40 hours preparing and pass on their first attempt. Here is everything you need to know from start to finish.
What Is FAA Part 107?
FAA Part 107 refers to the Federal Aviation Administration’s Small UAS Rule (14 CFR Part 107). It governs the commercial operation of drones weighing less than 55 pounds. If you intend to fly a drone for any business purpose — photography, surveying, inspections, delivery — and you are not flying under a recreational exception, you must hold a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
This certification does not expire immediately, but you must renew every two years by passing a recertification exam or completing an approved training course.
FAA Part 107 Requirements for First-Time Applicants
Before you sit for the exam, confirm you meet the eligibility criteria:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
- Be in physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone
- Pass the TSA security background check
- Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test with a score of 70% or higher
The FAA is expected to update Part 107 regulations and knowledge requirements throughout 2026, reflecting the growing complexity of the National Airspace System (NAS). Always verify current standards against the official FAA website before scheduling your test.
The FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test: What to Expect
The Aeronautical Knowledge Test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions administered at an FAA-approved testing center (often an official Designated Pilot Examiner or PSI site). You have two hours to complete it. The current exam fee is approximately $175.
Key Areas Covered on the Test
The test draws from the FAA’s Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Guide. The major subject areas include:
- Applicable regulations relating to small UAS rating
- Airspace classification and requirements
- Aviation weather sources and effects
- Emergency procedures
- Crew resource management
- Radio communication procedures
- Aeronautical decision-making (ADM)
- Loading and performance of the UAS
- Maintenance and preflight inspection of the UAS
Resources like The Drone U and r/Part107 on Reddit frequently update study guides and practice question banks reflecting the latest FAA question pools. Expect questions that require applied knowledge rather than rote memorization — scenarios involving weather minimums, airspace authorization via LAANC, and operations over people test particularly well.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Your Part 107 Certificate
Step 1: Prepare for the Knowledge Test
Do not walk into the testing center without structured preparation. Recommended study resources include:
- FAA’s free "Small UAS Pilot" study guide
- The Drone U Part 107 exam prep course
- PSI sample test questions available through the FAA website
- Community study threads on r/Part107 where applicants share real exam experiences
Most successful first-time applicants recommend a minimum of 20 hours of focused study.
Step 2: Register with FAA DroneZone
After passing the knowledge test, you will receive a notice of test completion. Use that notice to create or log into your FAA DroneZone account. This is the official portal for all FAA drone pilot applications and certificate management.
Step 3: Complete TSA Background Check
The FAA will automatically run your information through the Transportation Security Administration. This is a security screening — not a full background check — and most applicants clear within a few weeks.
Step 4: Receive Your Remote Pilot Certificate
Once TSA clears you, the FAA issues your Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating. You can download a digital copy from DroneZone. Keep a physical copy or digital backup; you must be able to present it during any FAA inspection of your drone operations.
Common Restrictions Under Part 107
Understanding what you cannot do under your Part 107 certificate is as important as knowing what you can. Standard Part 107 limitations include:
- Maximum altitude of 400 feet AGL (Above Ground Level)
- Maximum speed of 100 mph
- Operations only during daylight hours (unless you hold a waiver)
- Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) requirement — you must be able to see the drone at all times
- No operations over non-participating persons without specific waivers or the Micro UAS exception
- Operations in Class B airspace require prior authorization via LAANC or DroneZone
Waivers can be obtained for certain restrictions, but they require a separate application and FAA approval.
How Long Is the Part 107 Certificate Valid?
Your FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate remains valid for two years. To renew, you must pass the FAA Part 107 Recertification Test (40 questions, 40 minutes, $175 fee) or complete an FAA-approved recurrent training course before your certificate expires.
Many pilots on r/Part107 recommend setting a calendar reminder six months before expiry to avoid lapse.
How Much Does the FAA Part 107 Process Cost?
Here is a typical cost breakdown for first-time applicants:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| FAA Knowledge Test | ~$175 |
| Study materials (varies) | $0–$300 |
| FAA Certificate Issuance | Included in test fee |
| Recurrent training (every 2 years) | $0–$150 |
| Total estimated cost | ~$175–$625 |
Most applicants spend the least by relying on free FAA resources and community study groups.
Tips to Pass the Part 107 Test on Your First Attempt
- Study the actual FAA question pool. The test draws from a published bank. PSI sample questions are the closest representation to the real test.
- Focus on airspace and weather. These two subjects account for the highest proportion of failed questions according to community feedback on r/Part107.
- Understand LAANC and authorization procedures. Applied scenarios about airspace authorization show up frequently.
- Take multiple practice exams under timed conditions. Build stamina and time management.
- Do not skip the emergency procedures section. ADM and crew resource management questions are often framed as situational scenarios.
Bottom Line
Earning your FAA Part 107 certificate is a straightforward process that requires focused preparation, a passing score on the knowledge test, and a simple online application. Budget 20–40 hours for study, use official FAA materials as your foundation, and supplement with community resources like The Drone U and r/Part107 for practical test insights. Once certified, you are legally authorized to operate commercially across most of the National Airspace — subject to standard Part 107 limitations.
The drone industry continues to expand rapidly. Your Part 107 certificate is the first credential that unlocks real commercial opportunity. Prepare thoroughly, test confidently, and fly safely.
Ready to start your Part 107 journey? Explore dronesera.com for certified hardware, flight training resources, and expert gear recommendations built for professional drone pilots.
Related guides
BVLOS Drone Operations 2026: Commercial Drone Future
FAA TRUST Certificate 2026: What Pilots Need
BVLOS Rules 2026: Regulatory Framework
Beyond the basics
Operators moving from the entry level into regular commercial work tend to hit a few practical edges that the standard guides skip. The notes below come from pilot reports and incident-review patterns — not press releases.
Common pitfalls on the Part 107 knowledge exam
Many first-time applicants lose points on airspace classification questions — Class B, C, D, and E surface areas each have specific operating rules. Use the B4UFLY app and sectional chart study guides for 30 minutes a day in the final two weeks before your exam. Other common pitfalls: weather minimums (3 sm visibility, 500 ft below clouds), and altitude limits (400 ft AGL or 400 ft above a structure).
After you pass — what to do before your first commercial flight
Once you hold your Remote Pilot Certificate, you still need: a current Part 107 registration marker on your drone ($5 every 3 years), proof of certificate available at the flight location, airspace authorization for controlled airspace (LAANC for instant approval), and a preflight checklist covering weather, NOTAMs, equipment, and site hazards. Most first-timers underestimate the preflight step — give yourself 15-20 minutes before each commercial flight.
