To become a certified drone pilot, you’ll need to meet FAA’s basic requirements: be at least 16 years old and proficient in English. Next, create an IACRA profile to obtain your FAA Tracking Number. Then register for and pass the Part 107 knowledge test at an approved testing center after 15-20 hours of study. Submit your application through IACRA using your Knowledge Test Exam ID. You’ll receive your temporary certificate via email within 5-10 days and must complete recurrent training every 24 months. The following sections provide detailed guidance for each step.
Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before pursuing your Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107, you must satisfy four fundamental eligibility criteria established by the FAA.
First, you’ll encounter age restrictions requiring you to be at least 16 years old before taking the initial aeronautical knowledge exam. No exceptions exist for younger applicants.
Second, language proficiency is mandatory—you must read, speak, write, and understand English to comprehend regulations and airspace rules effectively.
Third, you’ll need physical and mental fitness to operate drones safely. While no formal medical certificate is required, you must self-assess your condition to guarantee safe UAS operations.
Finally, if you hold a Part 61 pilot certificate with a flight review completed within 24 months, you’re eligible through recurrent training without retaking the initial knowledge test. All drone pilots must also pass the TRUST test to meet FAA requirements. You must complete TSA security screening as part of the certification process, and your certification must be maintained through recurrent training every 24 months. You must ensure your remote pilot certificate is accessible during all UAS operations. Additionally, you should use the B4UFLY Mobile App to verify airspace restrictions before conducting any drone flights, and you must respect state and local privacy laws that may impose additional restrictions on drone operations over private property.
Create Your IACRA Profile and Obtain Your FAA Tracking Number
After meeting the eligibility requirements, you must obtain your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system—a mandatory step before scheduling your Part 107 knowledge test. Follow these IACRA registration tips: select “Applicant” as your role, agree to Terms of Service, and leave “Certificate Information” blank if you’re a first-time applicant. You’ll receive your FTN immediately upon successful registration. Enter your full legal name, date of birth, and address exactly as they appear on your government photo ID. Set strong credentials and security questions as FTN security measures—record your FTN securely for test registration and Form 8710‑13 submission. Keep screenshots of completed sections for reference during testing center interactions. To be eligible for the Remote Pilot Certificate, ensure you meet all requirements including being able to read, speak, write, and understand English. Once you complete your IACRA profile, you’ll need to finish the Part 107 Small UAS Initial online training course before submitting your application electronically. As you prepare for certification, developing spatial awareness and problem-solving skills will enhance your ability to plan and execute safe flight missions effectively. Remember that drone pilots must obtain prior FAA authorization before operating in controlled airspace to ensure safety in the national airspace. The FAA Part 107 knowledge test costs $175 and is the primary expense for obtaining your drone pilot certification. Additionally, if you plan to operate drones in New York City, you must obtain a permit from the NYPD before taking off or landing any FAA-registered drone, which requires proof of FAA certification, insurance documentation, and payment of a $150 fee.
Register for and Pass the Knowledge Test
With your FTN secured, you’re ready to schedule your Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) knowledge test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. Bring government-issued photo ID to your test appointment. Effective test preparation typically requires 15-20 hours studying FAA-provided materials, including the Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide. You’ll encounter five key topics covering regulations like visual line of sight requirements under §107.31, operations from moving vehicles per §107.25, and night operations governed by §107.29. Understanding how flight controllers process commands from your remote control will help you grasp the practical applications of these regulations. The camera and video transmitter components in FPV systems demonstrate how real-time video transmission enables pilots to maintain situational awareness during flight operations. Before your test, ensure your equipment is functioning properly by calibrating your drone controller according to manufacturer specifications to verify all systems respond correctly. Students using structured preparatory courses achieve over 99% pass rates. Obtaining your Remote Pilot Certificate opens doors to profitable drone business opportunities including aerial photography, infrastructure inspections, and agricultural services. Your test results will appear in IACRA within 48 hours. You must be at least 16 to take the knowledge test and obtain certification. Upon passing, your Remote Pilot Certificate must be renewed every two years to remain valid for commercial operations. You’ll receive a 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID—enter this into your IACRA profile to complete your certification application.
Submit Your Application Through the IACRA System
Once you’ve received your Knowledge Test Exam ID, you’ll initiate your certification application through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system at iacra.faa.gov. First, create your IACRA profile to obtain your FAA Tracking Number (FTN)—a mandatory prerequisite for the application process. After logging in, select “Start New Application,” choose “Pilot” as your application type, and select “Remote Pilot” certification. The system will guide you through Form 8710-13, where you’ll enter your 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID and complete all eligibility questions. Critical submission tips include reviewing the Pilots Bill of Rights and Privacy Act statements thoroughly before electronically signing. After submission, expect TSA security background verification and your temporary certificate within 5-10 days via email confirmation. Remember that your Remote Pilot Certificate will remain valid for 24 months before requiring renewal. The testing center will provide you with a form to help facilitate your drone license application submission. As you prepare for actual flight operations, familiarize yourself with altitude restrictions to ensure compliance with airspace safety regulations, and be aware that drone surveillance laws vary by state and may require warrants in certain jurisdictions. Throughout this process, maintaining strong communication abilities with FAA officials and your examiner can help clarify any questions about your application status. Consider practicing with headless mode on entry-level drones to build fundamental piloting skills before advancing to standard flight controls.
Receive Your Certificate and Maintain Your Certification
Following successful TSA security background verification, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing instructions to print your temporary certificate directly from the IACRA system. This temporary certificate serves as valid proof of certification until your permanent plastic card arrives via standard mail. You must carry either version alongside photo ID during all UAS operations—digital copies aren’t acceptable.
Your certification requires recurrent training every 24 calendar months to maintain validity. Access the free, self-paced online module through your FAASTeam account, covering updated Part 107 regulations. Unlike initial certification, recurrent training doesn’t require an exam or identity validation. The 24-month cycle begins from your original issuance date. As drone technology continues to evolve with applications in autonomous operations, staying current with regulatory updates ensures your compliance and operational effectiveness. In Canada, the 2025 drone law updates introduce new pilot certificates and RPAS Operator Certificates that drone operators should monitor as regulations continue to advance internationally. Remember that drone operations are also subject to local government restrictions that may prohibit flights in certain areas regardless of your certification status. The FAA and other federal agencies enforce these requirements to maintain airspace security and public safety. Failure to complete recurrent training voids your operational privileges, making compliance non-negotiable for continued legal flight authority. Maintaining legal operational compliance protects you from potential fines and regulation violations while conducting commercial drone missions.
