The Part 107 license, officially known as the Remote Pilot Certificate, is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It authorizes a remote pilot to operate small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) under federal regulations for commercial operations. Whether you're looking to start a drone business, advance your career, or simply expand your professional skills, obtaining your Part 107 license opens the door to one of the fastest-growing industries in aviation.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about getting your Part 107 license, from understanding the basic requirements to building a successful commercial drone career. With the drone industry experiencing explosive growth and creating more than 100,000 new jobs in the United States alone, there's never been a better time to become a certified remote pilot.
What is a Part 107 License and Why You Need It
Definition of Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
In order to fly your drone under the FAA's Small UAS Rule (Part 107), you must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. This certificate demonstrates that you understand the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones. The certificate is your legal authorization to conduct commercial drone operations in the United States.
Part 107 is the specific FAA regulation, 14 CFR Part 107, that makes that license legally meaningful. Part 107 rules were first introduced in June 2016 and updated in 2021 to permit night flying and operations over people without a waiver under specific conditions.
Commercial vs Recreational Drone Flying Differences
The distinction between commercial and recreational drone flying is crucial for understanding when you need a Part 107 license. Getting your Part 107 license is the legal requirement for any paid drone work in the US, including photography, real estate, inspections, and mapping.
This certification allows you to legally fly drones for commercial purposes, which means: real estate photography, construction progress tracking, roof and tower inspections, agricultural surveys, media and marketing work. Flying for work, money, or business value? Yes. You need it. The FAA doesn't care if you're charging $50 or $50,000. If compensation is involved in any form?cash, trade, or "exposure"?Part 107 applies.
For recreational flying, you only need to complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) required by the FAA. When you're flying recreationally, you must have your TRUST certificate on you at all times.
Legal Requirements for Commercial Drone Operations
You must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA to fly commercially. You must register your UAV with the FAA on the FAADroneZone website. Your UAV must weigh less than 55 pounds, including payload, at takeoff.
Penalties for Flying Commercially Without Part 107
And yes, the FAA does enforce this. Quietly, but consistently. Under 14 CFR Part 107, any flight where you receive compensation requires an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Flying commercially without one is illegal and can result in fines up to $32,666 per violation.
Part 107 License Requirements and Eligibility
Age and Citizenship Requirements
Be at least 16 years old is the primary age requirement for Part 107 certification. However, there's an important nuance: You must be at least 16 years old. Note: You can take the test at 14, but you can't apply for the actual certificate until you turn 16.
English Language Proficiency Standards
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English is a mandatory requirement. You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. Why? In an emergency, you might need to talk to Air Traffic Control or read a safety bulletin. Aviation is an English-only environment globally.
Physical and Mental Fitness Criteria
Be physically and mentally capable of safely operating a drone is the final basic requirement. You must be free of any condition that would interfere with safe flight. This is self-certifying. If you know you are prone to fainting spells or random seizures, you cannot legally fly.
There is no medicate certificate needed for those who want to apply for a Part 107 license, or for any type of commercial drone operations. Instead, you only need to do a self-assessment and evaluate whether you are in a proper physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone.
Part 107 Knowledge Test: What to Expect
Test Format and Question Breakdown
The Part 107 exam is a 60-question multiple-choice test. You need a 70% to pass, and you have two hours, which is more than sufficient time for most test-takers. You get two hours to answer 60 multiple-choice questions. Most people finish in about an hour.
Knowledge Areas Covered on the Exam
The Part 107 knowledge test covers several critical areas that every commercial drone pilot must understand:
FAA Regulations and Airspace Classifications ? Covers rules for safe operation and how various airspace types affect drones. Drone Flight Rules and Operational Procedures ? Covers line-of-sight requirements, maximum altitude, and preflight checks. Weather Effects and Sources ? Covers the impact of weather on drone performance and how to interpret aviation weather resources. Emergency Procedures ? Covers what to do in the event of system failure, a lost link, or other in-flight issues. Radio Communication ? Covers how drone pilots should interact when using air traffic control (ATC)-approved waivers.
Passing Score and Time Limits
You must score at least 70 percent to pass the exam, which means you need to answer a minimum of 42 out of 60 questions correctly. In fact, in 2025, the FAA reported that the average score on the Part 107 test hit an all-time low of 79.31% ? barely above the 70% minimum to pass ? and the pass rate dropped to 82.96%. That means roughly one in six people who take this test fail it. For comparison, the overall pass rate across all FAA Airman Knowledge Tests in 2025 was 89.56%.
Where to Take the Test (PSI Testing Centers)
The Part 107 knowledge test is administered at PSI (formerly CATS/LaserGrade) testing centers. There are over 700 locations across the United States, including all 50 states and U.S. territories. You can find the nearest location using the PSI exam scheduling portal at psiexams.com.
The Part 107 knowledge test costs $175, paid directly to PSI when you schedule your exam. This fee is non-refundable if you no-show, but you can reschedule for free with at least 2 business days' notice. If you fail, the retake also costs $175.
Essential Study Materials and Preparation Resources
Free FAA Study Guides and Handbooks
The FAA provides comprehensive free study materials that cover all knowledge areas required for the Part 107 exam. The FAA also offers a free study guide to use in preparing for the exam. These official materials include the Remote Pilot Study Guide and the Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement, which contains all the charts, figures, and reference materials you'll need during the test.
Best Part 107 Prep Courses and Apps
While free resources are available, structured courses can significantly improve your chances of success. Pilot Institute charges $149, King Schools charges $199, and Drone Launch Academy charges $199 for Part 107 prep ? all one-time purchases. Rotate offers the same quality content ? 500+ questions, exam simulations, flashcards, and AI tutor ? for just $7.49/mo (3 days FREE, then $7.49/mo).
The national pass rate hovers around 80 to 90 percent, and students who use structured study courses pass at even higher rates. Candidates who actually study properly pass at 90%+ rates.
Practice Tests and Sample Questions
Practice tests are essential for identifying knowledge gaps and building confidence. We have the largest Part 107 question bank available online ? over 500 questions covering every topic the FAA tests. Regular practice testing helps familiarize you with the exam format and question styles.
Sectional Charts and Airspace Resources
A sectional chart is an old-school way for pilots to navigate different airspaces and hazardous terrain. It's basically a map that doesn't require a phone or functioning GPS. You have to be able to look at that map, understand what airspace is what, and the meanings behind all the different symbols.
Key Knowledge Areas for Part 107 Success
Airspace Classification and Restrictions
This is where most people struggle. You'll need to understand: Controlled vs uncontrolled airspace, LAANC authorizations, Sectional charts and airspace symbols. If you don't truly understand airspace, guessing here will cost you points fast.
Weather Interpretation and Minimums
You're not becoming a meteorologist, but you do need to understand: Wind, visibility, and temperature effects, METARs and basic weather products, Why certain weather conditions are unsafe for small UAS operations. Weather is also an important topic covered in the exam. Make sure you can understand METAR reports.
Aircraft Performance and Loading
Battery performance, Weight and balance considerations, How payload affects flight time and control are critical concepts tested on the exam. Understanding these factors ensures safe flight operations and regulatory compliance.
Emergency Procedures and Crew Resource Management
The FAA cares a lot about judgment. You'll see scenario-based questions that test whether you'll make safe decisions under pressure. Emergency procedures focus on proper responses to equipment failures, lost link scenarios, and other in-flight emergencies.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Creating Your IACRA Account
Step 1: Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile prior to registering for a knowledge test. The first step would be to get your FAA Tracking Number (FTN). The FTN is a unique identifier that will allow the FAA to record and monitor your progress throughout any aviation certification process. It is also permanent and will remain associated with you throughout your aviation career. To get your FTN, simply go to the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website and register for a new account.
Scheduling Your Knowledge Test
Step 2: Schedule an appointment with a FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. Be sure to bring a government-issued photo ID to your test. You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) from IACRA.
Completing the Application After Passing
Step 3: Create an account, or log into your existing account, in IACRA. Step 4: Complete Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) in IACRA. Click on "Start New Application" and 1) Application Type "Pilot", 2) Certifications "Remote Pilot", 3) Other Path Information, 4) Start Application ... Sign the application electronically and submit for processing.
Receiving Your Temporary Certificate
The permanent card follows later. Your certificate is valid for 24 months. After completing all application steps and identity verification, you'll receive a temporary certificate that allows you to begin commercial operations immediately while waiting for your permanent certificate to arrive by mail.
Maintaining Your Part 107 Certificate
Recurrent Training Requirements Every 24 Months
Certificate holders must complete an online recurrent training every 24 calendar months to maintain aeronautical knowledge recency. Renewal doesn't require another test?just recurrent training, which keeps you current as rules evolve.
Online Recurrent Training Options
If you have a Remote Pilot Certificate, you are required to have completed one of the following online training courses within the previous 24 calendar months to operate UAS under part 107: Anyone who holds a part 107 remote pilot certificate (regardless of aeronaut
