Understanding how to take the FAA Part 107 test is the first critical step toward earning your Remote Pilot Certificate and flying drones commercially in the United States. The exam is officially called the Unmanned Aircraft General — Small (UAG) knowledge test, and it is administered at FAA-approved testing centers nationwide.
Understanding how to take the FAA Part 107 test is the first critical step toward earning your Remote Pilot Certificate and flying drones commercially in the United States. The exam is officially called the Unmanned Aircraft General — Small (UAG) knowledge test, and it is administered at FAA-approved testing centers nationwide.
Before you can legally operate a drone for business purposes — whether for real estate photography, aerial surveying, film production, or inspections — you must pass this 60-question exam with a score of at least 70 percent. Starting your preparation early with a high-quality faa part 107 practice test dramatically increases your odds of passing on the first attempt.
The FAA Part 107 rule, which took effect in August 2016, created a regulatory framework that transformed the commercial drone industry. Before Part 107, flying a drone commercially required either a full-scale aircraft pilot certificate or a special exemption that cost thousands of dollars and months of waiting. Part 107 streamlined this process, making commercial drone operations accessible to photographers, surveyors, engineers, and entrepreneurs across every industry. Today, more than 400,000 Remote Pilot Certificates have been issued, reflecting the explosive growth of drone technology in the American economy.
The test covers a wide range of aviation topics that may initially seem overwhelming, particularly for candidates who have no prior aviation background. However, the knowledge domains tested — including airspace classification, weather interpretation, drone aerodynamics, emergency procedures, and federal aviation regulations — are learnable by anyone willing to invest focused study time. Most successful candidates dedicate between four and eight weeks of consistent preparation, studying roughly two to three hours per day. The structured approach makes all the difference between cramming and genuinely internalizing the material.
One of the most common questions new candidates ask is where to find reliable study materials. The FAA publishes an official Remote Pilot — Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) study guide that covers every topic tested on the exam. This free resource, sometimes called the free FAA Part 107 study guide PDF, is downloadable from the FAA website and serves as the authoritative foundation for your preparation. Supplementing the official guide with practice exams, video courses, and interactive question banks significantly accelerates learning and builds the test-taking confidence you need on exam day.
Eligibility requirements for the Part 107 test are straightforward. You must be at least 16 years old, able to read, write, speak, and understand English, and be in a physical and mental condition that does not interfere with safe drone operation. Unlike a traditional pilot certificate, you do not need a medical examination or any prior flight experience to sit for the exam. Once you pass, your Remote Pilot Certificate is valid for 24 months, after which you must complete an online recurrent training course through the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) to maintain your certification.
Scheduling the exam is a simple online process through the CATS (Computer Assisted Testing Service) or PSI testing networks. Both systems allow you to browse available FAA Part 107 test locations, select a testing center convenient to your home or workplace, and book an appointment that fits your schedule. The exam fee is $175, which is paid directly to the testing center at the time of registration. Many testing centers offer early-morning, evening, and weekend appointments, making it feasible to prepare and test even with a demanding work schedule.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of the preparation and testing process — from understanding the exam format and selecting the right study materials, to booking your appointment and receiving your official certificate. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced drone hobbyist transitioning to commercial operations, the information and practice resources on this page will help you pass the FAA Part 107 exam with confidence and clarity.
Building a successful study strategy for the FAA Part 107 exam starts with understanding exactly what the test measures and then assembling the right combination of resources to address every knowledge gap systematically. The FAA's official faa part 107 study guide — formally titled the Remote Pilot — Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide — is your single most important reference document. This free PDF covers all tested topics in depth, with diagrams, sectional chart examples, and worked weather problems. Download it on day one and treat it as your textbook throughout your preparation period.
The most efficient study approach divides your preparation into three distinct phases. In the first phase, spend one to two weeks reading through the official study guide and noting every concept you do not immediately understand. Do not try to memorize everything at once; instead, focus on building a foundational mental map of how the FAA categorizes drone operations, what airspace classes exist, and how weather affects flight safety. This big-picture understanding will make every subsequent detail much easier to retain.
The second phase is intensive topic drilling. Dedicate specific study sessions to each knowledge domain: airspace classification, weather interpretation, aerodynamics, regulations, emergency procedures, and airport operations. For airspace, practice reading sectional charts until you can instantly identify Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace boundaries and understand the requirements for operating in each. For weather, learn to decode METARs and TAFs, understand density altitude, and recognize the wind shear and turbulence conditions that pose the greatest hazards to small unmanned aircraft systems.
The third phase — and arguably the most important — is intensive practice testing. Research consistently shows that retrieval practice, the act of recalling information under test-like conditions, is far more effective at building durable memory than passive re-reading. Start taking full 60-question timed practice exams at least two weeks before your scheduled test date. Analyze every wrong answer carefully: understand not just the correct answer but why the distractors are wrong. This deeper processing builds the kind of flexible understanding that helps you answer questions you have never seen before.
Aviation weather is frequently cited as the most challenging topic for candidates without a flight background. The FAA Part 107 exam regularly includes questions about METARs (Meteorological Aerodrome Reports), TAFs (Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts), winds aloft forecasts, AIRMETs, and SIGMETs. A METAR is a standardized weather observation report issued at regular intervals from airports, and learning to decode its coded format — visibility, sky condition, wind speed and direction, temperature, dew point, and altimeter setting — is a non-negotiable skill. Spend extra time with this topic early in your preparation so the format becomes second nature.
Sectional charts are another high-priority topic that trips up many first-time test takers. These aeronautical maps display airspace boundaries, terrain features, obstacles, airports, and navigation aids using a dense system of symbols, colors, and alphanumeric codes.
The FAA Part 107 exam typically includes several sectional chart questions requiring you to identify the airspace class at a given location, determine the maximum allowable altitude for drone operations, or identify the appropriate frequency for a particular airport. Practice reading sectional charts daily in the weeks before your test — use free online tools like SkyVector or the FAA's own digital tools to zoom in on different regions and quiz yourself.
Study group participation and online communities can supercharge your preparation. Reddit communities like r/drones and r/part107 are active forums where candidates share study tips, post practice questions, and celebrate exam victories. YouTube channels from FAA-certified flight instructors offer free video explanations of complex topics like airspace structure and weather systems. Combining these community resources with structured practice tests and the official study guide creates a well-rounded preparation system that addresses the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles that different candidates naturally gravitate toward.
Airspace classification is the backbone of the FAA Part 107 exam. The United States national airspace is divided into six classes — A, B, C, D, E, and G — each with distinct altitude limits, entry requirements, and communication rules. Class G airspace, which is uncontrolled, is where most drone operations take place and generally allows flights up to 400 feet AGL without ATC authorization. Classes B, C, D, and the surface areas of Class E require prior authorization through the FAA's LAANC system or DroneZone portal, depending on the specific location and operation type.
Part 107 regulations establish the operational rules all remote pilots must follow, including the 400-foot altitude ceiling, visual line of sight requirements, daylight and civil twilight operations, prohibition against flying over moving vehicles and people without a waiver, and requirements for registering drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds. Understanding when and how to request waivers for operations that deviate from standard rules — such as nighttime flights or beyond visual line of sight operations — is a tested topic that distinguishes well-prepared candidates from those who only memorized the basic rules.
Weather knowledge is one of the most heavily weighted and frequently failed topic areas on the FAA Part 107 exam. You must be able to read and decode METARs (hourly airport weather observations), TAFs (24-48 hour aerodrome forecasts), PIREPs (pilot weather reports), winds aloft forecasts, and AIRMETs and SIGMETs (advisories for significant meteorological conditions). A typical METAR question might ask you to identify the ceiling height, visibility in statute miles, or wind speed and direction at a specific reporting station, requiring fluency with the coded format used by aviation weather services worldwide.
Beyond decoding weather reports, the exam tests your understanding of meteorological phenomena that directly affect drone safety. Density altitude — the pressure altitude corrected for temperature — determines how efficiently a drone's rotors generate lift. High density altitude conditions, which occur at high elevations or on hot days, reduce performance and require pilots to account for longer takeoff distances and reduced payload capacity. Thunderstorms, wind shear, mountain wave turbulence, and fog formation are additional weather hazards the FAA expects remote pilots to recognize, assess, and respond to with appropriate go or no-go decision making.
Emergency procedures represent a critical practical knowledge area on the FAA Part 107 exam, covering the scenarios that pose the greatest risk to people and property during drone operations. Lost link procedures — what to do when the control signal between the remote pilot and the drone is interrupted — are particularly important. Part 107 requires pilots to establish lost link procedures before every flight and program the aircraft to execute a predictable response, such as hovering in place, returning to home, or landing immediately, depending on the operational environment and risk profile of the specific flight area.
Fly-away events, battery failures, GPS loss, and motor malfunctions are additional emergency scenarios the exam addresses. Candidates should understand how to conduct a proper pre-flight risk assessment that identifies potential failure points, establish emergency landing zones during flight planning, and use crew resource management principles when operating with a visual observer. The FAA emphasizes that effective aeronautical decision-making — the systematic process of identifying hazards, assessing risk, and selecting the safest course of action — is the foundation of all emergency preparedness, and exam questions frequently test whether candidates can apply this framework to realistic scenario-based problems.
The passing score for the FAA Part 107 exam is 70 percent, which means you can miss up to 18 of 60 questions and still pass. However, experienced instructors recommend targeting 85 percent or higher on practice exams before you test, because exam day stress and unfamiliar question phrasing can each cost you 5-10 percentage points. Building a comfortable buffer ensures that even a difficult exam day does not stand between you and your Remote Pilot Certificate.
Finding the right FAA Part 107 test locations near you is straightforward using the CATS or PSI testing network websites. The FAA has approved hundreds of testing centers across all 50 states, including locations in most mid-sized and large cities as well as many smaller communities.
To find available centers, visit the PSI Exams or CATS testing websites, select the FAA Unmanned Aircraft General — Small knowledge test from the exam catalog, and enter your zip code to see locations within your preferred travel radius. Most candidates find a testing center within 30 to 60 miles of their home, though candidates in very rural areas may need to travel farther.
When selecting a testing location, consider factors beyond simple proximity. Look at available appointment times — some centers offer early-morning, evening, and Saturday appointments that work better with a working professional's schedule. Read online reviews of specific testing centers, paying attention to comments about the facility environment, staff professionalism, and computer equipment quality. A quiet, well-maintained testing environment with reliable computers reduces stress and lets you focus entirely on the exam questions rather than on environmental distractions.
The exam fee of $175 is paid directly to the testing center when you register. You can typically pay with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal through the testing network's online registration portal. Once your registration is confirmed, you will receive an authorization number and a confirmation email with the address, parking information, and identification requirements for your testing location. Save this confirmation carefully — you will need the authorization number and two valid IDs to check in on exam day.
On the morning of your exam, review your notes on the topics you find most challenging — airspace chart interpretation, METAR decoding, and density altitude calculations are common last-minute review priorities. Eat a healthy breakfast, arrive at the testing center at least 15 minutes early, and bring two forms of government-issued identification. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, military ID, or permanent resident card. The testing center staff will verify your identity, photograph you, and provide a brief orientation before escorting you to a computer station.
The exam itself is delivered entirely on computer. You will have access to a digital calculator and any supplemental materials the FAA provides on screen, including sectional chart excerpts, weather tables, and performance charts. Read each question carefully before selecting your answer — the FAA is known for using precise aviation language where a single word can change the correct answer.
If you are uncertain about a question, use the exam software's flag feature to mark it for review and move on. Return to flagged questions after completing the rest of the exam to give yourself the best chance of answering everything correctly within the two-hour time limit.
The faa part 107 exam scoring process is instantaneous. When you submit your exam, the computer immediately calculates your score and displays your result. If you pass, you will receive a printed score report from the testing center staff, showing your total score and performance breakdown by knowledge area. This score report is a temporary document — your actual temporary Remote Pilot Certificate will be issued through the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system, which you can access within 48-72 hours of passing the exam.
If you do not pass on your first attempt, do not be discouraged. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of first-time test takers fail the exam, and many go on to pass on a subsequent attempt after targeted review of their weakest knowledge areas. Your score report will identify the specific knowledge areas where you underperformed, giving you a precise roadmap for your additional study.
There is no waiting period between attempts — you can reschedule and retake the exam immediately after receiving your failing score report, though most instructors recommend at least one to two additional weeks of focused study before retesting.
Once you hold your Remote Pilot Certificate, the commercial drone industry opens up with an extraordinary range of opportunities. Real estate photography and videography is the single largest market for Part 107 pilots, with demand driven by homeowners, real estate agents, and brokers who want compelling aerial imagery to market properties. Aerial photographers typically charge $150 to $500 per shoot for residential properties and significantly more for commercial real estate, making it possible to generate meaningful income on a part-time basis while building a portfolio and client base.
The inspection industry represents another rapidly expanding market for certified remote pilots. Infrastructure inspections — including power lines, cell towers, bridges, wind turbines, and building facades — are increasingly performed using drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging sensors, and LiDAR technology. These applications reduce worker risk, lower inspection costs, and produce more detailed data than traditional manned inspections. Companies like utilities, construction firms, and engineering consultancies actively hire Part 107-certified pilots and often provide on-the-job training for specialized sensor payloads.
Precision agriculture is transforming farming operations across the United States, with drones playing a central role in crop health monitoring, irrigation management, and targeted pesticide application. Agricultural drones equipped with multispectral cameras can detect plant stress, nutrient deficiencies, and pest infestations weeks before they become visible to the naked eye, allowing farmers to intervene early and protect yields. Many agricultural drone operators work directly with farming cooperatives, agronomists, and crop consultants to deliver data analysis services alongside drone flights, increasing the value of each engagement.
The film and media production industry has embraced drone cinematography as a cost-effective alternative to helicopter-mounted camera systems. Part 107-certified cinematographers work on feature films, television commercials, documentary projects, music videos, and live event broadcasts. This market rewards pilots who invest in high-quality camera systems — particularly DJI Inspire or Matrice series platforms with cinema-grade gimbals — and who develop strong artistic sensibilities alongside their technical flying skills. Building a showreel and networking with local production companies is the most effective path into this competitive but rewarding market segment.
The faa part 107 test also unlocks opportunities in public safety and emergency management. Law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and search-and-rescue organizations across the country are integrating drone operations into their standard protocols, and many hire or contract with certified remote pilots to support these missions. Thermal imaging drones are particularly valuable for nighttime search operations, wildfire perimeter mapping, and post-disaster damage assessment. Public safety drone work is deeply meaningful, and the experience builds advanced operational skills that translate well into other high-value commercial markets.
Survey and mapping applications represent one of the highest-value commercial uses for drones. Using photogrammetry software like Pix4D or DroneDeploy, Part 107 pilots can generate highly accurate orthomosaic maps, 3D point clouds, and digital elevation models from drone imagery. These products serve civil engineering, mining, land development, and conservation clients who previously relied on expensive manned aircraft or ground-based survey methods. Survey drone operators who combine their Part 107 certification with GIS knowledge and photogrammetry software proficiency can command premium rates for deliverables that go far beyond simple aerial photography.
Building a sustainable drone business requires more than technical flying skills and a Part 107 certificate. You will also need general liability insurance — most commercial clients require at least $1 million in coverage — along with a solid understanding of contract law, client management, and basic business accounting.
Organizations like the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and the Small UAV Coalition provide networking opportunities, industry news, and advocacy that can accelerate your professional development. Joining a local drone pilots association or a national organization connects you with experienced operators who can share hard-won business and operational wisdom that no exam can teach.
In the final two weeks before your FAA Part 107 exam, shift your study approach from broad topic review to intensive simulation and weak-area reinforcement. Take a full 60-question practice exam every other day under realistic conditions — set a two-hour timer, put your phone away, and treat each session as the real thing.
After each practice exam, spend at least as much time reviewing your results as you spent taking the test. Build a personal error log that tracks which question topics you consistently miss and how often, then dedicate your non-exam study days to drilling those specific weak areas.
Sectional chart fluency is one of the most time-efficient investments you can make in the final stretch. The FAA Part 107 exam always includes several chart-reading questions, and candidates who can quickly interpret the symbols, colors, and annotation systems earn easy points while candidates who never practiced with charts burn precious time and make avoidable errors. Download free sectional charts from the FAA Chart Supplement, practice identifying specific airports, airspace boundaries, and obstacles, and quiz yourself on what authorization requirements apply to drone operations at various chart locations.
Sleep and nutrition have a measurable impact on cognitive performance during high-stakes tests, and the FAA Part 107 exam is no exception. In the 48 hours before your exam, avoid pulling all-night study sessions in favor of a solid review session followed by eight hours of sleep. Exam day should begin with a nutritious breakfast that sustains energy without causing sluggishness — complex carbohydrates, protein, and moderate caffeine work better than sugar-heavy foods that cause mid-exam energy crashes. Hydration matters too: bring a water bottle if your testing center permits it, and drink consistently throughout the exam period.
Time management during the actual exam is a skill worth practicing deliberately. With 60 questions and 120 minutes, you have an average of two minutes per question — enough time to read carefully, eliminate obvious wrong answers, and make a confident selection. Resist the temptation to overthink straightforward questions, but do take the full time available for chart-reading and weather-decoding questions that reward careful analysis. If you finish the exam with time remaining, use every available minute to revisit flagged questions and review any answers you felt uncertain about rather than submitting early.
Mental attitude plays a larger role in exam success than most candidates anticipate. Anxiety about failure can impair working memory and cause test-takers to second-guess correct answers they knew perfectly well during practice. Developing a pre-exam mindset routine — whether that involves deep breathing exercises, a brief meditation, or simply reviewing your most successful practice exam score to remind yourself of your capability — builds the calm confidence that translates directly into performance. Remember that you have prepared systematically, that the material is learnable, and that a passing score of 70 percent leaves meaningful room for imperfect execution.
After submitting your exam and reviewing your score report, the process of officially receiving your Remote Pilot Certificate moves through the FAA IACRA system. Create your account at iacra.faa.gov, navigate to the application section for a Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS Rating, and enter your exam completion information including the test center name, date, and authorization number from your score report.
Complete all required sections of the application, review your entries carefully, and electronically sign and submit. A Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) or FAA inspector will review your application, and upon approval, a temporary certificate will be available for download within 10 business days.
Your temporary Remote Pilot Certificate is a legally valid document that authorizes commercial drone operations from the day it is issued. The plastic permanent certificate will arrive by mail at your address of record within 6-8 weeks. Until the permanent certificate arrives, carry your printed temporary certificate during all commercial drone operations — FAA inspectors and local law enforcement may request to see it.
Store a digital copy on your smartphone as a backup, but be aware that only the printed document carries official legal weight during an inspection. With your certificate in hand, you are ready to launch your commercial drone career with full legal authority to operate under Part 107.