Can You Retake the Part 107 Knowledge Test?
So you walked out of the testing center without the score you needed. Maybe you blanked on a METAR decode, ran out of time navigating the sectional chart supplement, or got tripped up by a tricky airspace boundary question. Whatever happened ? take a breath. Failing the Part 107 exam is not the end of your commercial drone career. Far from it. Thousands of pilots have been in exactly your position, retaken the test, and gone on to build thriving drone businesses. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Part 107 retake: the FAA's official policy, the waiting period, the cost, how to schedule it, and ? most importantly ? exactly how to study smarter so you walk into that test center ready to crush it on your next attempt.
Short Answer: Yes, You Can Retake the Part 107 Exam
The FAA allows you to retake the exam ? just not immediately. You'll need to wait at least 14 days before scheduling a retake. Beyond that mandatory cooling-off window, there are virtually no barriers stopping you from going back and earning that Remote Pilot Certificate. Failing the Part 107 test is not a permanent outcome. The path to certification remains open, and with a smarter study strategy the second (or third) time around, most pilots do go on to pass.
Who Is Eligible to Retake the Test
Any applicant who fails the FAA Part 107 Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test is automatically eligible to retake it, provided they observe the mandatory waiting period. Attempting to bypass this through a different testing center is not possible, as your testing record is tied to your unique FTN (FAA Tracking Number) and is monitored by the FAA's automated systems. There are no special endorsements or waivers required before you can reschedule. You simply need to wait, study, pay the fee, and book your next appointment.
How This Differs from First-Time Test Takers
The primary difference between a first-time applicant and someone retaking the exam is arguably an advantage: you have already seen the test format, you know which topic areas gave you the most trouble, and you have a printed score report identifying your weak spots. First-time takers go in blind. You don't. Use that edge wisely.
How Long Do You Have to Wait Before Retaking Part 107?
The 14-Day Waiting Period Explained
The FAA mandates a 14-calendar-day waiting period before a person may attempt the knowledge test again. This rule exists to ensure that the applicant has sufficient time to review the material and remediate the areas of deficiency identified by the failing score report. For instance, if you fail the exam on a Monday, you are not eligible to sit for the exam again until the Tuesday two weeks later.
This is an absolute minimum ? you can certainly wait longer, and in most cases you should. Fourteen days is enough time to review your weak areas and get more practice in, but many pilots benefit from giving themselves three to four weeks of focused, structured study before rescheduling.
Where the 14-Day Rule Comes From (FAA Regulations)
A person who fails the Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test must wait 14 calendar days before they may retake the test. This requirement is codified at 14 CFR ? 107.71 ? Retesting After Failure. The FAA noted that some applicants may fail the initial aeronautical knowledge test the first time that they take it. To ensure that those applicants take the time to do additional studying and/or training rather than simply take the test over and over again, the FAA proposed requiring that a person who fails the aeronautical knowledge test must wait 14 calendar days before retaking it. The rule was intentional ? it's designed to protect both you and the integrity of the airspace system.
Does the Waiting Period Apply After Every Failed Attempt?
Yes. The 14-calendar-day waiting period applies after every failed attempt, not just the first one. Each time you receive a failing score, the clock resets and you must wait a minimum of 14 calendar days before your next attempt. The FAA's FTN system will flag any attempt to test before the waiting period has elapsed, regardless of the testing center you choose.
How Many Times Can You Retake the Part 107 Exam?
Is There a Limit on Retake Attempts?
Here's some genuinely good news: you need 70% to pass ? that is 42 of the 60 questions answered correctly. There is no limit on attempts, but if you fail you must wait 14 calendar days before retaking the test. The FAA has not set a limit on the number of times that a single person can retake the knowledge test. As long as you observe the waiting period and pay the testing fee each time, you can continue attempting the exam until you pass.
What Happens If You Keep Failing
While there's no hard cap on attempts, each failed try costs you both money and time. The most common reason people fail the Part 107 test is going in underprepared ? either self-studying from the FAA's free materials alone, cramming too fast, or using outdated resources. In 2025, the average score hit an all-time low of 79.31%. The pass rate was 82.96%. If you keep failing, that's a clear signal to change your study approach ? not just repeat the same preparation. Consider enrolling in a structured Part 107 course, joining a study group, or working through a comprehensive practice test bank before rescheduling.
FAA Retake Policy Overview
- Waiting period: 14 calendar days minimum after each failed attempt
- Maximum attempts: No limit ? you can retake as many times as needed
- Fee per attempt: $175 (paid at scheduling)
- Score required to pass: 70% (42 out of 60 questions)
- Endorsement required: None ? no instructor sign-off needed before retesting
- Score validity once you pass: 24 calendar months to complete your IACRA application
How Much Does It Cost to Retake Part 107?
Current Part 107 Test Fee Breakdown
As of 2026, the FAA Part 107 knowledge test costs $175 per attempt. This fee is set by the FAA and charged through its approved testing provider. The Part 107 knowledge test is administered by Computer Assisted Training Service (CATS), a company under PSI. The testing fee is non-refundable. This means that you cannot get the amount back, regardless of whether you pass or fail the knowledge test.
Do You Pay Full Price Every Time You Retake?
Yes, unfortunately. The FAA charges the same price regardless of location, experience, or preparation method. You pay this fee every time you take the exam. If you fail and need to retake the test, you will pay an additional $175. There are no discounts for repeat attempts, no reduced retake fees, and no partial refunds. Every attempt ? first, second, or fifth ? costs the same flat rate.
Budgeting for Multiple Attempts
If you need to retake the exam, plan your budget accordingly. Two attempts will run you $350, and three will cost $525 in testing fees alone, before any study materials. Typical all-in spend sits $300?$800 once prep and travel are counted. The smartest financial move is to invest more heavily in your preparation ? whether that's a quality study course, a good practice test bank, or dedicated study time ? so that your next attempt is your last. Think of it this way: a $100?$150 prep course that gets you through on the second try is far cheaper than two or three retakes at $175 each.
How to Schedule Your Part 107 Retake
Scheduling Through PSI Testing Centers
The FAA Part 107 knowledge test is not administered directly by the FAA. Instead, the agency contracts with two major testing organizations: PSI and Pearson VUE. These networks operate over 600 testing locations across the United States, making it possible for most applicants to find a center within 30?50 miles. To schedule your retake, visit the PSI or Pearson VUE website, log in with your credentials, select the UAG (Unmanned Aircraft General) exam, and choose your preferred date ? as long as it falls at least 14 calendar days after your failed attempt.
Finding a Testing Location Near You
The FAA Part 107 test costs $175. There are about 800 test center locations across the United States. When you're ready to book your exam, you can use the PSI testing center map to find your nearest location. Testing centers are typically located in professional testing facilities, academic institutions, and some aviation-related businesses. You can also opt for remote proctored testing. PSI offers proctored remote testing for Part 107 applicants. You must be in a private, quiet room with an approved ID, a working webcam, and a stable internet connection. Your desk must be clear of notes or reference materials. Remote proctoring costs the same $175 and requires 48-hour scheduling notice.
What to Bring on Test Day
Arrive early: testing centers require check-in 15?30 minutes before your scheduled time. Bring valid ID: a government-issued photo ID is required (driver's license or passport). Know what's provided: a sectional chart legend, scratch paper, and a basic calculator are provided at the center. You have 60 questions and 120 minutes ? that's 2 minutes per question. You'll sit at a computer in a proctored environment with no open books, no personal notes ? just you, the screen, and an FAA-provided chart supplement booklet to reference during the exam.
What to Study Before Your Part 107 Retake
Reviewing Your Score Report to Identify Weak Areas
Your score report is the most valuable study tool you have. If your testing center printed your score report, it should show performance by category ? airspace, weather, regulations, charts, and so on. The FAA will help you pass the test on your retake by providing a knowledge test report which shows the subject areas you need to improve on. Don't ignore this document. Circle every category where you scored below 80% and make those your primary study targets.
Key Topics Covered on the Part 107 Exam
The FAA Airman Certification Standards defines five Areas of Operation: Regulations (15?25%), Airspace Classification & Operating Requirements (15?25%), Weather (11?16%), Loading & Performance (7?11%), and Operations (35?45%). Here's a quick breakdown of what you need to know in each area:
- Regulations: Part 107 rules, waivers, certificate requirements, operating limitations
- Airspace: Airspace represents 15?25% and is where most beginners struggle. You'll need to identify airspace classes on sectional charts, understand authorization requirements, and interpret airspace boundaries.
- Weather: Weather covers 11?16% and focuses on METAR/TAF decoding, weather effects on drone performance, and understanding conditions that make flights unsafe.
- Loading & Performance: Loading and Performance is the smallest section at 7?11%, covering density altitude, weight and balance, and how environmental conditions affect your drone's capabilities.
- Operations: Operations and regulations together can account for up to 70% of your exam. This section covers crew resource management, emergency procedures, and decision-making.
Best Study Resources and Practice Tests
A combination of free FAA materials and quality third-party prep courses is the most effective study strategy. Key resources include:
- FAA Remote Pilot Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22): The FAA publishes a free "Remote Pilot ? Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide." Download it from faa.gov ? it covers all exam topics and is the official reference for question development.
- FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement: The official chart supplement booklet provided during the test ? study it extensively before test day so you're already fluent with its symbols and format.
- Full-length practice exams: Simulate the real test with 60 questions under timed conditions to build stamina and time management.
- Paid prep courses: Platforms like Pilot Institute, Drone Pilot Ground School, and Drone Launch Academy offer structured courses with video lessons, flashcard decks, and multiple practice exams.
How Long Should You Study Before Retaking?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but most instructors recommend a minimum of two to four weeks of structured study before retaking. 70 percent should not be your goal. Experts recommend that students consistently score at least 85 percent on full-length Part 107 practice exams before scheduling the real test. Don't schedule your retake just because the 14-day window has passed. Schedule it when your practice test scores consistently show you're ready.
