Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification

Your complete guide to getting certified as a commercial drone pilot

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Overview Who Needs It Requirements Study Topics Taking the Test After Passing Renewal TRUST (Recreational)

Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate Overview

The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is required for anyone who wants to fly a drone for commercial purposes in the United States. This includes any flight that is not purely recreational - photography for hire, real estate, inspections, surveying, and any other business use.

$175
Test Fee
60
Questions
2 hrs
Test Time
70%
Passing Score

Who Needs Part 107?

Part 107 Required
  • Real estate photography/video
  • Commercial inspections (roofs, towers, etc.)
  • Agricultural surveying
  • Mapping and surveying
  • Film and TV production
  • News gathering
  • Search and rescue operations
  • Package delivery
  • Any compensation received for drone work
Part 107 NOT Required
  • Flying purely for fun/recreation
  • Personal photography (no compensation)
  • Educational/research purposes (limited)
  • Flying under supervision of Part 107 pilot (as VO)

Note: Recreational flyers must pass the TRUST test instead.

Eligibility Requirements

Be at least 16 years old
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone
Pass the Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) knowledge test
Complete TSA security vetting (automatic with application)

Study Topics

The Part 107 knowledge test covers the following areas. Plan to study for 15-20 hours.

Airspace & Weather
  • Airspace classification (A, B, C, D, E, G)
  • Weather theory and effects on flight
  • METAR and TAF interpretation
  • Density altitude
  • Visibility and cloud clearance
Aeronautical Charts
  • Sectional chart reading
  • Airport symbols and markings
  • Airspace boundaries on charts
  • NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions)
  • Latitude and longitude
Operations & Regulations
  • Part 107 rules and limitations
  • Registration requirements
  • Remote ID requirements
  • Waivers and authorizations
  • Crew roles (PIC, VO)
Safety & Risk Management
  • Crew resource management (CRM)
  • Aeronautical decision making (ADM)
  • Risk assessment and mitigation
  • Emergency procedures
  • Physiological factors (fatigue, stress)

Taking the Knowledge Test

Step-by-Step Process:

Study - Use FAA study guides, online courses, and practice tests (15-20 hours)
Create an IACRA account - Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application at iacra.faa.gov
Schedule the test - Through PSI Exams (authorized testing centers nationwide)
Arrive at testing center - Bring government-issued photo ID. Fee: $175
Take the test - 60 multiple-choice questions, 2-hour time limit, 70% to pass
Receive results immediately - Pass/fail shown at testing center
Tip: The FAA provides a free study guide called "Remote Pilot - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide" (FAA-G-8082-22). Practice tests are widely available online. Most people who study adequately pass on their first attempt.

After Passing the Test

Complete IACRA application - Fill out the online application for your Remote Pilot Certificate
TSA background check - Automatically initiated (usually takes a few days to weeks)
Receive temporary certificate - Valid immediately for operations while awaiting permanent card
Receive permanent certificate - Mailed to you (typically 6-8 weeks)
Register your drone(s) - Each drone used commercially needs individual registration

Certificate Renewal

The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate must be renewed every 24 calendar months. The renewal process is simpler than the initial certification.

Renewal Process
  • Complete an online recurrent training course through the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam)
  • The training is FREE and available at faasafety.gov
  • No need to retake the knowledge test at a testing center
  • Takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete
  • Must be completed before the 24-month expiration

TRUST Test (Recreational Flyers)

If you only fly for recreation, you do not need Part 107. Instead, you must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).

TRUST Test Details
  • Free of charge
  • Taken online (no testing center needed)
  • Takes about 20-30 minutes
  • Covers basic safety rules
  • Does not expire
  • Must carry proof of completion when flying
Approved Test Administrators
  • The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) by Drone Institute of Technology
  • Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
  • Pilot Institute
  • UAV Coach
  • Full list on FAA website

Sources: FAA - Become a Drone Pilot | FAA UAG Test Questions | IACRA | FAA TRUST Test