FAA Part 107 Guide (2026)

If you want to fly drones commercially in the United States, you need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Whether you are doing real estate photography, roof inspections, wedding videography, agricultural surveying, or even posting drone content that generates ad revenue, the FAA requires this certification. The good news is that getting certified is straightforward, affordable, and something most dedicated students can accomplish in a few weeks of study.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Part 107 certification, from understanding whether you need it to passing the exam and maintaining your certificate. We have helped hundreds of aspiring commercial pilots navigate this process, and we lay out all the details so you can approach the exam with confidence.

What Is FAA Part 107?

Part 107 refers to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR Part 107), which governs the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for commercial purposes in the United States. It was introduced by the FAA in August 2016 to create a legal framework for commercial drone operations.

Under Part 107, a Remote Pilot Certificate (often called a "drone license") authorizes you to fly drones weighing under 55 pounds for commercial purposes. The certificate is obtained by passing a knowledge exam at an FAA-approved testing center.

Who Needs Part 107 Certification?

The simple rule is: if you make money (directly or indirectly) from your drone flights, you need Part 107. Here are common scenarios that require certification:

• Real estate photography and videography: If you shoot aerial photos or videos for real estate listings, even as a side gig, you need Part 107.
• Content creation with monetization: YouTube channels, social media accounts, and blogs that earn ad revenue, sponsorships, or any income from drone footage require Part 107.
• Inspections: Roof inspections, cell tower inspections, bridge inspections, and similar work all fall under commercial operations.
• Mapping and surveying: Agricultural surveying, construction site mapping, and land surveying with drones are commercial activities.
• Event coverage: Filming weddings, concerts, sporting events, or other gatherings for pay requires certification.
• Search and rescue: Even volunteer SAR operations with drones typically fall under Part 107 requirements.
• Any work done for hire: If someone is paying you to fly, you need the certificate.

You do NOT need Part 107 if you fly purely for recreational enjoyment with no direct or indirect compensation. However, you do need to pass the free TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) for recreational flying.

Exam Topics: What You Need to Study

The Part 107 knowledge exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you have 2 hours to complete it. You need to score at least 70% (42 correct answers) to pass. The questions are drawn from the following knowledge areas:

1. Airspace Classification and Regulations

This is the most heavily tested topic on the exam. You need to understand the different classes of airspace (Class A, B, C, D, E, and G), how to read sectional charts to identify airspace boundaries, and the rules for operating a drone in each class. You should know that Part 107 operations are generally restricted to Class G (uncontrolled) airspace and require LAANC authorization or a waiver to fly in controlled airspace.

2. Reading Sectional Charts

The exam will present you with excerpts from sectional aeronautical charts and ask you to interpret symbols, airspace boundaries, airport locations, and terrain features. Practice reading these charts extensively. Key items to recognize include airports (towered and untowered), airspace boundaries, obstacles (towers, antennas), military operations areas (MOAs), and temporary flight restrictions (TFRs).

3. Weather and Meteorology

You need to understand basic meteorology as it relates to drone operations. This includes reading METARs (aviation routine weather reports) and TAFs (terminal area forecasts), understanding how temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind affect flight, and recognizing dangerous weather conditions. Know how to decode METAR abbreviations like BKN (broken clouds), OVC (overcast), and VV (vertical visibility).

4. Drone Performance and Loading

Questions cover how environmental conditions affect drone performance. Understand how altitude, temperature, humidity, and weight affect a drone's ability to fly. Key concepts include density altitude (higher temperatures and higher elevation reduce air density, which decreases drone performance) and the effects of payload weight on flight time and maneuverability.

5. Operations and Procedures

This section covers the practical rules of Part 107 operations. Key rules to know include: maximum altitude of 400 feet AGL, must maintain visual line of sight, cannot fly over people without a waiver (or specific category compliance), cannot fly at night without anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles, maximum ground speed of 100 mph, and minimum weather visibility of 3 statute miles.

6. Crew Resource Management

The exam tests your understanding of effective communication and decision-making during drone operations. This includes the roles of the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), visual observers, and other crew members. You should understand concepts like aeronautical decision-making (ADM), the IMSAFE checklist for personal fitness assessment, and risk mitigation strategies.

7. Radio Communications

While drone pilots do not typically communicate on aviation radios, the exam expects you to understand basic radio communication procedures and the NATO phonetic alphabet. You should know common aviation frequencies and how to monitor them if operating near airports with authorization.

8. Emergency Procedures

Questions cover how to handle emergency situations like lost communication with the drone, battery failure, unexpected airspace encounters, and equipment malfunctions. The exam expects you to prioritize safety and know the proper procedures for reporting accidents (any incident causing serious injury or property damage over $500 must be reported to the FAA within 10 days).

Study Resources

There are many ways to prepare for the Part 107 exam. Here are the most effective resources we recommend:

Free Resources

• FAA's own study guide: The FAA publishes a free Remote Pilot Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22) that covers all exam topics. It is comprehensive but dense.
• FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) courses: The FAA offers free online courses through the FAASTeam website that cover many Part 107 topics.
• YouTube study series: Several experienced pilots have published comprehensive, free study series on YouTube that walk through each topic with practice questions.

Paid Study Courses

• Online prep courses: Companies like Pilot Institute, DARTdrones, and Drone Launch Academy offer structured video courses with practice exams. These typically cost between $50 and $300 and provide the most efficient study path for most people.
• Practice exams: Taking practice exams that mirror the format and difficulty of the actual test is one of the best ways to prepare. Most paid courses include these, and some are available separately.

How Long Should You Study?

Most candidates study for 2 to 4 weeks, dedicating about 1 to 2 hours per day. If you have prior aviation knowledge, you may be ready sooner. If weather, airspace, and sectional charts are completely new to you, budget closer to the 4-week mark. Take practice exams to gauge your readiness. When you are consistently scoring above 85% on practice tests, you are ready.

Scheduling and Taking the Exam

Prerequisites

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
• You must be in a physical and mental condition that allows safe drone operation.
• You need a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.).

How to Schedule

The Part 107 exam is administered by PSI Exams at testing centers throughout the United States. To schedule:

1. Create an account at the FAA Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website.
2. Visit the PSI Exams website to find a testing center near you and schedule your exam.
3. Pay the $175 testing fee directly to PSI.
4. Arrive at the testing center with your government-issued photo ID on your scheduled date.

Test Day Tips

• Arrive early: Get to the testing center at least 30 minutes before your appointment.
• Bring your ID: A valid government-issued photo ID is required. No ID means no test.
• You will receive a supplement: The testing center provides a supplement booklet with sectional chart excerpts and other reference materials. You do not need to memorize every chart symbol since the supplement will be available during the exam.
• Take your time: You have 2 hours for 60 questions. That is plenty of time. Read each question carefully and eliminate obviously wrong answers first.
• Mark and review: If a question is difficult, mark it and move on. Come back to it after finishing the easier questions.
• You will know your score immediately: The computer scores your exam as soon as you submit it, and you will know whether you passed before leaving the testing center.

After Passing the Exam

Congratulations! Here is what happens next:

1. Complete IACRA application: Log into IACRA and complete the application for your Remote Pilot Certificate. You will enter your exam results during this process.
2. TSA background check: The FAA conducts a TSA security background check. This typically takes 1 to 3 weeks.
3. Receive temporary certificate: Once your background check clears, you can print a temporary certificate from IACRA. This is valid for 120 days and lets you start commercial operations immediately.
4. Receive permanent certificate: Your permanent plastic certificate arrives by mail, usually within 6 to 8 weeks after your background check clears.

Renewal Process

Your Part 107 certificate must be renewed every 24 months. The renewal process is much simpler than the initial certification:

• Complete a free online recurrent knowledge test through the FAA's CATS (Computer Assisted Testing Service) system.
• The recurrent test covers updated regulations and refreshes key knowledge areas.
• It is open-book and not proctored, meaning you can take it from home at your convenience.
• There is no cost for renewal.
• Upon completion, update your certificate through IACRA.

Mark your calendar for 24 months after your initial certification or last renewal. If you let your certificate lapse, you will need to retake the full proctored exam at a testing center.

Waivers: Operating Beyond Standard Part 107 Rules

Part 107 includes standard operating rules (400-foot ceiling, line of sight, daylight operations, etc.), but the FAA allows you to request waivers for specific operations that require deviations from these rules. Common waivers include:

• Night operations: While Part 107 now allows night flying with proper anti-collision lighting, some operations may require additional waivers.
• Operations over people: The FAA has established four categories for operations over people, with requirements varying by drone weight and design.
• Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS): This is one of the most sought-after waivers for commercial operations like delivery and large-area inspection.
• Altitude above 400 feet: Operations near tall structures may receive waivers to fly above the standard 400-foot limit.

Waivers are applied for through the FAA DroneZone website. Include a detailed safety case explaining how you will mitigate risks. Processing times vary but typically range from several weeks to several months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the FAA Part 107 exam cost?

The Part 107 initial knowledge exam costs $175, payable to the testing center (PSI Exams). There is no additional fee to the FAA for the certificate itself. Budget an additional $50 to $300 if you plan to use a paid study course, though free resources are available. The recurrent renewal test is free and can be taken online.

How hard is the Part 107 exam?

With dedicated study, most people pass on their first attempt. The national pass rate is approximately 80% to 90%. The exam covers 60 multiple-choice questions, and you need 42 correct answers (70%) to pass. Airspace and sectional charts are the most challenging topics for most candidates, but practice with these materials makes them manageable. Study consistently for 2 to 4 weeks and take practice exams, and you should be well prepared.

Do I need Part 107 to post drone videos on YouTube?

If your YouTube channel is monetized (meaning you earn ad revenue, sponsorships, or any form of compensation), then yes, the FAA considers that commercial use and requires Part 107 certification. This applies even if the drone footage is a small portion of your overall content. If your channel is purely personal with no monetization, you fall under recreational rules and do not need Part 107, but you do need the free TRUST test.

How long is a Part 107 certificate valid?

Part 107 certificates are valid for 24 months (2 years) from the date of issuance. Renewal involves completing a free online recurrent knowledge test through the FAA CATS system. You do not need to retake the full proctored exam or pay any fees for renewal. Simply complete the online test and update your certificate through IACRA.

Can I fly commercially while waiting for my permanent certificate?

Yes. Once your TSA background check clears and you print your temporary certificate from IACRA, you are legally authorized to conduct commercial drone operations. The temporary certificate is valid for 120 days, which is more than enough time for your permanent card to arrive by mail.