What Part 107 Certification Is and Who Needs It

Part 107 certification is a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows you to operate a drone commercially in the United States. If you fly a drone for money — whether you're taking aerial photos for real estate, inspecting infrastructure, or delivering packages — you need this certificate. Flying commercially without it can result in fines up to $27,500.

You do not need Part 107 if you fly drones only for personal recreation. The FAA's recreational rules are separate and simpler. But the moment you accept payment or fly a drone as part of your job, you cross into commercial territory and need the certificate.

The certificate itself is called a Remote Pilot Certificate, and it's issued by the FAA after you pass a written test. The process takes most people between two weeks and two months from start to finish, depending on how much you study and how quickly you can schedule your exam.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass the FAA's Part 107 written exam, which covers drone regulations, airspace rules, weather, and safety — there is no practical flying test required.
  • You need to be at least 16 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and able to read, speak, and understand English to take the exam.
  • The exam costs $175 and is administered at FAA-approved testing centers; you schedule it yourself and can take it within days if a center near you has availability.
  • Most people study for two to four weeks using free FAA materials or paid study courses before attempting the exam.
  • Once you pass, your certificate is valid for two years, after which you must pass a recertification exam to keep flying commercially.

The Basic Requirements Before You Can Test

The FAA has straightforward baseline requirements. You must be at least 16 years old (some states allow 14-year-olds under specific conditions, but 16 is the standard). You must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or hold a valid visa. You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English well enough to pass a written test and communicate with air traffic control if needed.

You do not need a pilot's license, flight experience, or any formal drone training to sit for the exam. You do not need to own a drone. The only real barrier is your own knowledge of the rules and your ability to pass the test.

If you have certain medical conditions — severe vision loss, untreated mental health conditions, or substance abuse issues — you may be disqualified. Most people do not fall into these categories. If you have questions about your specific situation, the FAA's medical certification section can advise you, though that process is separate from Part 107 and usually not necessary.

How to Study for the Part 107 Exam

The exam covers five main areas: FAA regulations and Part 107 rules, airspace and weather, drone performance and limitations, emergency procedures, and safety. The test has 60 questions, you have 120 minutes to complete it, and you need a score of 70 percent or higher to pass.

The FAA publishes free study materials on its website, including the Part 107 study guide and a question bank. Many people use these materials alone and pass. Others prefer structured courses — companies like Pilot Institute, UAV Coach, and Drone U offer video courses, practice tests, and study guides ranging from $50 to $200. These courses are not required, but they organize the material in a way some people find easier to absorb than reading the FAA's official documents.

Most people spend two to four weeks studying, though this varies widely. If you already have aviation knowledge or a strong background in regulations, you might need less time. If you're starting from zero, you might want more. The key is taking practice tests repeatedly until you're scoring consistently above 80 percent — that gives you a safety margin on test day.

Finding a Testing Center and Scheduling Your Exam

The FAA does not administer the Part 107 exam directly. Instead, it contracts with testing centers — usually Pearson VUE locations — across the country. You find and schedule your exam through Pearson VUE's website. Search for "Part 107" or "Remote Pilot" in your area, and you'll see available dates and times at nearby centers.

Testing centers are typically located in cities and suburbs, often inside office parks or professional buildings. Availability varies by location. In a major city, you might find an opening within days. In a rural area, you might need to travel or wait longer. You can schedule your exam as soon as you feel ready — there's no waiting period after you decide to test.

When you book, you'll need to provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number or tax ID. Bring a government-issued photo ID to the testing center on exam day. The exam itself is taken on a computer at the center, and you receive your score when ready after completing it.

What Happens on Exam Day and After You Pass

Arrive at the testing center 15 minutes early. You'll check in, have your ID verified, and be taken to a computer terminal. The exam is proctored — an administrator watches via camera to may support you're not cheating. You cannot bring notes, phones, or study materials into the testing room.

The 60 questions appear one at a time on screen. You can flag questions to review later and move through the test at your own pace within the 120-minute window. Most people finish in 60 to 90 minutes. When you submit your final answer, the computer when ready displays your score and tells you whether you passed.

If you pass, you receive a temporary certificate on screen that you can print. This temporary certificate is valid for 120 days while the FAA processes your permanent Remote Pilot Certificate. The permanent certificate arrives by mail and is valid for two years from the date of issue. You can begin flying commercially as soon as you have the temporary certificate — you do not have to wait for the permanent one to arrive.

If you fail, you can retake the exam. There's no waiting period between attempts, though most people take time to study more before trying again. Each exam attempt costs $175.

Maintaining Your Certificate and Recertification

Your Remote Pilot Certificate is valid for exactly two years from the date it was issued. Before it expires, you must pass a recertification exam to keep flying commercially. The recertification exam is the same test as the initial exam — same 60 questions, same 70 percent passing score, same $175 fee.

You can take the recertification exam up to 120 days before your certificate expires. Many people schedule it about 60 days before expiration to give themselves time to study and schedule a testing center appointment. If your certificate expires before you pass the recertification exam, you cannot fly commercially until you pass and receive a new certificate.

There is no requirement to fly a certain number of hours or complete continuing education between certifications. You straightforward need to pass the exam again every two years. Some people take refresher courses before recertification; others review the study materials on their own.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is not studying the airspace rules thoroughly enough. The exam includes detailed questions about Class B, C, D, and E airspace, controlled airspace near airports, and special use airspace. Many test-takers underestimate how much of the exam focuses on this. Spend extra time on airspace diagrams and practice questions about airspace restrictions.

Another frequent error is misunderstanding the difference between Part 107 rules and recreational flying rules. The exam tests Part 107 only, so if you've been flying recreationally, some of what you know may not explore or may be different under commercial rules. Review the specific Part 107 regulations, not general drone flying knowledge.

Some people also rush to schedule their exam before they're ready. Taking a practice test and scoring below 75 percent is a sign you need more study time, not that you should test anyway and hope for the best. The $175 fee is worth spending an extra week studying to avoid wasting it on a failed attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to own a drone to get Part 107 certified?

No. The exam tests your knowledge of regulations and safety, not your ability to fly. Many people get certified before buying a drone. Once you have your certificate, you can operate any drone that weighs 55 pounds or less.

Can I take the Part 107 exam online from home?

No. The exam must be taken at an FAA-approved testing center in person. The test is proctored to prevent cheating, so remote testing is not an option.

What if I fail the Part 107 exam?

You can retake it when ready — there's no waiting period. Most people study for another one to two weeks and schedule a second attempt. Each attempt costs $175. The FAA does not limit how many times you can retake the exam.

Do I need a Part 107 certificate to fly a drone for fun?

No. Recreational flying is governed by different FAA rules and does not require Part 107 certification. You only need Part 107 if you fly commercially — meaning you're paid or the flight is part of your job.

How long does it take to receive my permanent certificate after I pass?

The FAA typically issues permanent certificates within 30 to 60 days of passing the exam. You can fly commercially using your temporary certificate when ready, so you do not have to wait for the permanent one to arrive in the mail.