Why the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate Matters

Operating a drone for commercial purposes—whether for real estate photography, agricultural surveying, construction site monitoring, or cinematography—requires compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the legal credential that permits you to fly a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) for non-hobbyist operations. Without this certification, you risk significant civil penalties and potential legal liability. Beyond regulatory compliance, the process of studying for and passing the Part 107 aeronautical knowledge test ensures you understand airspace classifications, weather effects, loading parameters, and crew resource management, making you a safer, more competent pilot.

This guide provides a complete walkthrough of the registration and testing process, from establishing your FAA identity to receiving your permanent certificate. We cover the prerequisites, the dual-system registration requirement, study strategies, testing logistics, and what to do after you pass. By the end of this article, you will have a clear roadmap to earning your Remote Pilot Certificate without wasted time or unnecessary confusion.

Who Can Take the Exam? Eligibility Requirements

Before you invest time and money into studying for the Part 107 knowledge test, confirm that you meet the basic eligibility criteria set forth by the FAA.

  • Age: You must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for a Remote Pilot Certificate. There is no maximum age limit.
  • Language: You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. This is a safety-critical requirement, as all ATC communications, weather reports, and regulatory documents are in English.
  • Physical and Mental Fitness: You must be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a small UAS. Unlike pilots of manned aircraft, you do not need to pass a medical examination or obtain a medical certificate. However, the FAA requires you to self-certify that you have no condition—such as epilepsy, severe vision impairment, or a cardiac condition—that would interfere with safe drone operation.

If you are under 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian sign your application for the Remote Pilot Certificate.

Step 1: Create a Profile on IACRA and FAA Safety.gov

One of the most common points of confusion for new applicants is the difference between the FAA's two main registration platforms. You need accounts on both systems to complete the process.

Obtaining Your FAA Tracking Number (FTN)

Start by visiting the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website. IACRA is the FAA’s official system for processing airman certificates, including Remote Pilot Certificates. Here, you will create a user profile and receive a unique FAA Tracking Number (FTN). This number is used to identify you throughout your entire aviation career, so keep it in a safe place. You will need this FTN later to apply for your certificate after you pass the knowledge test.

Pro Tip: Use your full legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued photo ID. Any discrepancy between your name on the ID and your name in IACRA can delay the issuance of your certificate.

Registering on FAA Safety.gov for Test Scheduling

While IACRA handles your certificate application, the FAA Safety.gov website is the portal used to schedule your aeronautical knowledge test. Create an account here as well. This system allows you to find an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center, select a date and time, and pay the testing fee. Your FTN will be linked to this account, ensuring the test results are automatically associated with your airman profile.

Having both accounts set up before you begin studying saves time later and prevents administrative headaches on test day.

Step 2: Prepare for the Aeronautical Knowledge Test

The Part 107 initial knowledge test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions covering a broad range of topics. You have 2 hours to complete the test and must score at least 70% (42 out of 60 questions correct) to pass. Thorough preparation is essential, as walk-in unprepared applicants have a significantly lower pass rate.

Official FAA Study Materials

The FAA provides all the reference material you need, much of it free of charge. The primary document to study is the Advisory Circular 107-2B (AC 107-2B), titled “Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS).” This document consolidates the regulations, operating rules, and best practices for Part 107 operations.

Additionally, you should download and review the following FAA publications:

  • Part 107 Regulations (14 CFR Part 107)
  • The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) – for airspace and communications information.
  • FAA Sectional Charts – for airspace identification and chart symbols.
  • FAA Weather Publications – including the Aviation Weather Handbook for reading METARs and TAFs.

Essential Knowledge Areas to Master

Based on FAA breakdowns and common test-taker feedback, focus your study time heavily on these areas:

  • Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements: Understand Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace. Know the cloud clearance and visibility requirements for each class. Be prepared to identify airspace boundaries on a sectional chart.
  • Reading METARs and TAFs: You will be asked to decode aviation weather reports and forecasts. Practice identifying wind direction, visibility, cloud layers, and precipitation codes.
  • Situational Awareness and Effects of Weather: Learn how density altitude, wind shear, temperature inversions, and microclimates affect drone performance and stability.
  • Loading and Performance: Understand the concept of center of gravity (CG) and how overloading or improper load distribution affects flight dynamics.
  • Regulations and Operating Rules: Know the standard operating rules: maximum altitude of 400 feet AGL, maximum groundspeed of 100 mph, prohibition of careless or reckless operations, and the requirement to yield right of way to manned aircraft.
  • Crew Resource Management (CRM): Understand how to manage tasks, use checklists, and communicate effectively if you have a visual observer.
  • Night Operations: Since the 2021 rule change, night operations are permitted under Part 107 if you have completed initial knowledge testing or updated recurrent training. Study the requirements for anti-collision lighting and remote pilot certification for night flight.
  • Operations Over People and Moving Vehicles: Understand the categories of operations over people (Categories 1-4) and the requirements for remote identification (Remote ID).

Third-Party Study Aids and Practice Exams

While the FAA materials are comprehensive, many applicants benefit from structured online courses and mobile apps. Reputable third-party providers offer video-based ground schools, flashcards, and simulated practice tests that replicate the actual exam environment. Using these tools can dramatically increase your retention and test-taking confidence.

Recommendation: Take at least three full-length practice exams. If you are scoring 85% or higher consistently, you are well-prepared for the real test. If you are hovering around 70%, review your weak areas and retest again.

Step 3: Schedule Your Exam at an Approved Testing Center

Once you feel confident in your preparation, it is time to schedule the official test. You cannot take the Part 107 knowledge test at a local school or library; it must be administered by an FAA-authorized entity.

Using the CATS or PSI Scheduling Tool

Log into your FAA Safety.gov account. Under the “Knowledge Testing” section, you will be directed to a scheduling interface managed by one of the FAA’s designated testing vendors, such as CATS (Computer Assisted Testing Service) or PSI (formerly LaserGrade). Enter your zip code to find the closest testing centers. The system will show available dates and times.

Most major cities have several testing centers. If you live in a rural area, you may need to drive an hour or more to the nearest location. Schedule your exam at least one to two weeks out to give yourself a firm study deadline.

Remote Proctoring Options

In addition to in-person testing centers, the FAA permits remote proctoring for the Part 107 knowledge test. This option allows you to take the exam from your home or office, monitored by a live proctor via webcam. Remote proctoring is a flexible alternative, but it requires a quiet, private room, a stable internet connection, and a webcam. The scheduling process is identical to choosing an in-person center; simply select the “Remote Proctoring” option when it is available in your region.

Important: Remote proctoring may have stricter ID verification requirements. Ensure your photo ID is current and matches your IACRA profile exactly.

Step 4: Pay the Required Testing Fees

The FAA-imposed fee for the Part 107 aeronautical knowledge test is $175. This fee covers the cost of test administration and is paid directly through the scheduling system when you book your appointment. Acceptable payment methods typically include credit cards and debit cards.

Be aware that some independent testing centers charge an additional administrative fee (usually between $10 and $25) to cover their facility overhead. This fee is disclosed during the checkout process. Always print your payment confirmation and bring it to the testing center, or keep the digital receipt if testing remotely.

Cancellation Policy: If you need to reschedule, most vendors allow you to do so up to 24 hours before your appointment without penalty. If you miss your appointment or cancel within 24 hours, you will forfeit the $175 fee and need to pay again to rebook.

Step 5: Test Day – What to Expect

Arriving prepared on test day reduces anxiety and helps you focus on the exam.

Items to Bring

  • Government-Issued Photo ID: A driver’s license or passport. Your name must match your IACRA profile exactly.
  • Confirmation Number: The scheduling confirmation you received via email.
  • Optional Tools: You are allowed to bring an FAA-approved plotter, a magnifying glass for reading sectional charts, and a standalone calculator (though a digital calculator is provided on-screen). Paper and pencils are provided at the testing center.

The test is administered on a computer at the testing center. You have 2 hours to answer 60 multiple-choice questions. The questions include text-based scenarios, chart interpretation (using digital sectional charts on screen), and regulatory quotes.

Test-Taking Strategy:

  • Read each question twice before looking at the answer choices. Many questions intentionally include distractors that sound correct.
  • Use the “Flag for Review” feature for any question you are unsure about. You can return to flagged questions at the end.
  • Focus on the primary question stem. Sometimes a question will reference a complex scenario, but the core question is simply asking for a specific regulation or calculation.
  • Keep an eye on the timer, but do not rush. Most test-takers finish in 90 minutes to 2 hours.

At the end of the test, you will see your score immediately on the screen. A score of 70% or higher is a pass.

Step 6: Receive Your Remote Pilot Certificate

Passing the knowledge test is only one half of the equation. You must also submit an application for the Remote Pilot Certificate itself.

Submitting Your Application

Log back into your IACRA account. Start a new application for a “Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107).” You will need to enter your FTN and the test ID number printed on your knowledge test report. The system will guide you through a self-certification process confirming your eligibility and safety record. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must co-sign the application digitally or in person at a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).

Once submitted, a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) or an FAA inspector reviews your application. Upon approval, you can download a Temporary Remote Pilot Certificate. This temporary certificate is valid for 120 days and allows you to begin commercial operations immediately. Your permanent credit card-sized certificate will be mailed to the address on file within 6 to 8 weeks.

If You Don't Pass

Do not be discouraged if you score below 70%. The FAA requires a 14-day waiting period after a failed attempt before you can retake the test. Use this time to focus intensely on the topics you missed. Review the specific areas flagged on your score report, retake practice exams, and consider investing in a video ground school if you are a visual learner. You are allowed unlimited retakes, but you must pay the $175 testing fee each time.

Keeping Your Certificate Active

A Remote Pilot Certificate does not expire in terms of its validity period, but your ability to operate under it does. Per Part 107.73, you must complete a Part 107 Recurrent Knowledge Test every 24 calendar months. The recurrent test is shorter (around 40 questions) and focuses on regulatory changes. You can take the recurrent course for free via the FAA DroneZone or through the FAA Safety.gov recurrent training program. Failing to complete the recurrent training suspends your operating privileges until you retake the recurrent test.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Based on aggregate data from testing centers and instructor observations, here are the most frequent errors applicants make:

  • Neglecting Chart Reading: Many applicants underestimate the depth of chart knowledge required. Spend dedicated time learning sectional symbols, obstructions, special-use airspace (MOAs, Restricted Areas), and airspace floor/ceiling altitudes.
  • Rushing the Scheduling Process: Trying to schedule an exam before you are consistently scoring above 80% on practice tests leads to higher failure rates. Be honest with yourself about your readiness.
  • Ignoring Weather Codes: METAR and TAF questions are high-yield. Do not just memorize the abbreviations; practice decoding a full weather report from start to finish.
  • Forgetting Night Rules: The 2021 rule changes are frequently tested. Ensure you know the anti-collision lighting requirements and the specific night flight procedures retroactively applied to standard Part 107 operations.
  • Misreading Weight and Balance Questions: Pay close attention to units (pounds vs. ounces, feet vs. inches) and whether the arm is measured from the datum or from the nose of the aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is the Part 107 knowledge test valid? The knowledge test report is valid for 24 calendar months. If you pass the test but do not apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate within that window, you must retake the test.

Can I fly a drone for real estate photography with a Part 107 license? Yes. Any flight that is not purely recreational (i.e., flown for hobby or sport) requires a Remote Pilot Certificate. This includes real estate photography, roof inspections, mapping, and agricultural monitoring.

Do I need a medical certificate to fly under Part 107? No. You are not required to hold an FAA medical certificate. However, you must self-certify that you are physically and mentally fit to operate the drone safely.

Can I operate a drone over people? Yes, but it depends on the category of the operation and the drone’s classification. Operations over open-air assemblies require a drone with Remote ID and specific design features. Review Part 107 Subpart D for the exact requirements.

What happens if I operate commercially without a Part 107 certificate? The FAA can levy civil penalties of up to $32,666 per violation for unauthorized commercial operations. Repeat violations or flagrant disregard for safety can result in even higher fines and legal action.

Earning your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is a straightforward, well-defined process when you follow the correct sequence of steps. By establishing your accounts early, investing in thorough preparation, and adhering to the scheduling and testing protocols, you position yourself for success on exam day and a long, compliant career as a professional drone pilot.