To pass your Part 107 drone license, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old and score 70% or higher on the 60-question UAG knowledge test. Start by creating an FAA IACRA account to obtain your tracking number, then schedule your exam at an approved testing center. Focus your study on operations, regulations, and airspace—the three highest-weighted sections. After passing, you’ll submit Form 8710-13 and complete identity verification to receive your Remote Pilot Certificate. The following sections cover everything from exam preparation to maintaining your certification.
Who Can Obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate
Before you can pursue your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, you must meet the FAA’s eligibility requirements. You’ll need to satisfy age eligibility standards by being at least 16 years old—there’s no upper age limit. You must demonstrate language proficiency by reading, speaking, writing, and understanding English, as this guarantees you’ll comprehend regulations and testing materials.
You’re also required to be physically and mentally fit to safely operate a drone, though no formal medical certificate is necessary. If you’re a first-time applicant, you’ll pass the Unmanned Aircraft General–Small (UAG) knowledge test with a minimum 70% score. Alternatively, if you hold a Part 61 pilot certificate with a current flight review, you can complete online training instead. The knowledge test is administered at FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Centers where you’ll complete the multiple-choice exam. Additionally, you’ll need to complete TSA vetting as part of the certification process. Understanding the distinction between federal and state laws is also important, as federal regulations govern airspace and flight operations while state and local laws may impose additional privacy and property restrictions. Commercial pilots operating in states like California must hold this FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate to legally conduct drone operations. Before taking the knowledge test, you must create an FAA Tracking Number through your IACRA profile to register for the exam. Recertification is required every 24 months to maintain your Remote Pilot Certificate and ensure continued compliance with FAA standards.
Setting Up Your FAA IACRA Account and Tracking Number
Once you’ve confirmed you meet the eligibility requirements, your next step is establishing an FAA IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) account. Navigate to iacra.faa.gov and click “Register” to begin the IACRA registration process. You’ll need to agree to the Terms of Service, then enter your personal information including name, address, email, and phone number. Complete the FAA username creation by selecting security questions and establishing a password. After finishing your profile, you’ll receive an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)—a unique identifier that links all your certification activities. This FTN is mandatory before scheduling your knowledge test, so retain your login credentials for future access. Your residential address must be accurate since it determines where your permanent certificate will be mailed. When you arrive at the testing center, bring a government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your IACRA profile. Remember that you must be at least 16 years old to qualify for the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. You’ll also need to demonstrate that you can read and speak English as part of the eligibility criteria. Be prepared to pay the $175 knowledge test fee when you schedule your exam at an approved testing center. As a certified Part 107 pilot, you’ll need to obtain prior authorization from the FAA before operating in controlled airspace such as Class B, C, D, or certain Class E airspace. Understanding drone surveillance laws is also important for commercial pilots, as many states have enacted specific regulations governing when and where drones can be used for observation purposes.
Preparing for the UAG Knowledge Test
With your IACRA account established and FTN secured, you can now schedule your Part 107 knowledge test at any FAA-approved testing center. Effective test preparation techniques require you to prioritize the three highest-weighted sections: Operations (28 questions), Regulations (22 questions), and Airspace (13 questions). These alone represent 63 of 60 total questions.
Your study resources should include the FAA’s official Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement, which contains essential charts and airspace maps you’ll reference during the exam. Focus on operational limits, visual line-of-sight requirements, accident reporting thresholds, and Remote ID compliance. Master weather effects on visibility, right-of-way rules, and Category 2 airworthiness requirements. Understanding that UAs must yield right-of-way to all airborne vehicles, including hot air balloons, is critical for operational safety. Before taking your knowledge exam, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, including being at least 16 years old and able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
Allocate two hours for the 60-question exam, requiring 42 correct answers to achieve the 70% passing threshold. Once you pass and receive your Part 107 certification, familiarize yourself with proper battery maintenance practices, as understanding LiPo battery handling will help you avoid over-discharging or heat exposure that could compromise flight safety and equipment longevity. Proper temperature management is essential because environmental extremes can accelerate battery drain and reduce the overall lifespan of your drone’s power system. Additionally, performing full charge-discharge cycles every 2-3 months maintains battery activity and prevents hibernation mode that could affect your drone’s reliability during commercial operations. Professional drone operators often prefer Li-ion batteries for industrial applications because they offer longer flight times and greater cycle life compared to standard battery options.
What to Expect on Exam Day
Arriving at your FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center requires preparation beyond your study materials. Your test day checklist should include a government-issued photo ID and your FAA Tracking Number. Plan to arrive early, as proctors will confiscate personal items—cell phones, watches, wallets, and keys—storing them securely during your exam.
For exam anxiety management, remember you’ll have two hours to answer 60 multiple-choice questions. The testing center provides scratch paper, a calculator, and reference materials. Social distancing barriers and camera monitoring create a controlled environment, so focus solely on demonstrating your knowledge. No personal items are allowed in the test room itself, though lockers are available for storage.
You’ll receive immediate results upon completion. A 70% score passes, and your stamped scoresheet becomes your official credential—guard it carefully, as replacements cost markedly. Just as you’ll need to practice basic flight controls like takeoff, movement, and landing after passing, building hands-on experience will help you develop the confidence and skill necessary for professional drone operations.
Submitting Your Application and Receiving Your Certificate
Passing your exam marks the halfway point of obtaining your remote pilot certificate. After waiting 48 hours, you’ll create an IACRA account and complete Form 8710-13. During application submission, you’ll enter your exam ID, review the Pilot’s Bill of Rights, and electronically sign your application. Next, schedule an identity verification appointment with an FSDO, DPE, ACR, or CFI. Bring your photo ID, test results, and Form 8710-13 to this appointment. Once submitted, TSA initiates a security background check for certificate processing. You’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions to print your temporary certificate from IACRA for immediate use. Your permanent remote pilot certificate arrives by mail within 4-6 weeks. This certificate includes a small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) rating that authorizes your commercial drone operations. Remember that your remote pilot certificate must be renewed every two years to maintain your authorization for commercial drone operations. Once certified, you’ll need to understand airspace restrictions and local regulations before conducting any drone flights. While U.S. regulations require Part 107 certification, drone operators should also be aware that other countries like Canada have implemented their own pilot certificate requirements and operational standards. With your certification, you’ll be qualified to operate drones for various commercial applications, including coordinating drone light shows that create synchronized aerial displays using GPS technology and LED-equipped aircraft. In addition to federal certification, you should familiarize yourself with state-specific drone laws, as some states like Hawaii impose additional restrictions on commercial filming that require special permits. Carry it whenever you’re operating UAS under Part 107.
Essential Part 107 Operating Rules You Must Follow
Operating your drone legally under Part 107 requires strict adherence to FAA regulations that govern every flight. You must maintain your drone below 400 feet altitude and under 100 mph speed while keeping it within visual line of sight—binoculars aren’t permitted. Essential safety precautions include yielding right-of-way to all manned aircraft and maintaining 2,000 feet horizontal and 500 feet vertical distance from clouds. Your operational limits prohibit flights over non-participating people, from moving vehicles (except over sparsely populated areas), and during nighttime without anti-collision lighting. You’ll need authorization for controlled airspace operations and must guarantee three-mile visibility. Understanding the different types of drones—including multi-rotor quadcopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and single-rotor helicopters—helps you select the appropriate unmanned aerial vehicle for your specific mission while ensuring compliance with operational requirements. Report any incident involving serious injury, unconsciousness, or property damage exceeding $500 to the FAA within 10 days. You can utilize visual observers to help maintain visual-line-of-sight during flight operations, provided you maintain clear communication with them throughout the flight.
Staying Current With Recurrent Training Requirements
Every 24 calendar months, you’ll need to complete recurrent training to maintain your Part 107 certification and legal operating authority. Understanding this training frequency is critical—operating without current recurrency violates regulations, though there’s no penalty beyond prohibition until completion.
You’ll take ALC-677: Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent through FAASafety.gov at no cost. The approximately 2-hour course concludes with a 45-question exam requiring 100% accuracy. You’ll have unlimited retakes during your session, reviewing material until you pass. The Federal Aviation Administration sets the standards for this recurrent training as part of its broader oversight of drone operations in the United States.
Upon completion, you’ll receive an instant certificate. Keep this with your photo ID during all operations—it’s your proof of currency. Your original hard copy certificate remains valid; you won’t need IACRA updates or in-person testing. This recurrent training also qualifies you for night operations and Operations Over People compliance. The curriculum covers essential operational knowledge, including distinctions between different UAV types such as reconnaissance drones for surveillance and combat drones for tactical operations. Staying current with regulations and technology ensures you maintain compliance and adapt to the evolving standards in the drone industry. The training is provided through a program that has enrolled more than 80,000+ students, making it the largest and most reputable drone pilot training academy in the industry.
Obtaining Waivers and Airspace Authorizations
When your planned operations exceed Part 107’s standard limitations, you’ll need to obtain a waiver from the FAA. Common waivers include operations beyond visual line of sight (§107.31), from moving vehicles (§107.25), or at night (§107.29). Begin your waiver submission through FAADroneZone at least 90 days before your operation—complex requests like BVLOS require even more lead time.
Your submission must include a detailed Concept of Operations identifying hazards and mitigations. You can’t amend applications after submission, so guarantee completeness. Include risk analysis showing pre- and post-mitigation severity, crew roles, and airspace navigation tools like ADS-B. Strong applications should include aircraft specifications such as the drone model, operational range, battery life, and weight information to demonstrate thorough preparation. For example, specifying whether you’re operating a sub-250g drone like the DJI Mini 4 Pro or a heavier platform affects regulatory requirements and risk assessments.
The FAA scrutinizes every safety case. Vague CONOPs and missing mitigations trigger denials. Review approved waivers on the FAA website for successful examples before crafting your application. Commercial operators conducting solar panel inspections with thermal-equipped drones like the DJI Mavic 3T or Autel EVO II Dual can leverage detailed equipment specifications and proven safety protocols to strengthen their waiver applications. For mapping and research applications, platforms like the DJI Matrice 350 RTK offer precise navigation capabilities with 55-minute flight times that can support comprehensive waiver documentation. Live streaming operations require platforms with low-latency transmission systems like O4 or OcuSync 4 to ensure real-time situational awareness and compliance monitoring during waiver-approved flights. Given that drones are involved in a substantial proportion of near-midair collisions particularly around airports, your waiver application must demonstrate robust safety protocols that address these aviation risks.
Registering Your Drone and Remote ID Compliance
Before you launch any commercial drone operation, you must register your aircraft with the FAA through FAADroneZone. Each drone requires individual registration at $5 per aircraft, valid for three years. You’ll need your physical address, email, phone number, and your drone’s make, model, and Remote ID serial number if applicable.
Drone registration generates a unique 10-digit number that you must display on your aircraft’s external surface—marking rules require visibility without opening compartments. Carry proof of registration during every flight.
Since 2026, all registration-required drones must broadcast Remote ID signals. You’ll comply through a Standard Remote ID-equipped drone, a broadcast module add-on, or by operating within FAA-recognized identification areas (FRIAs). Verify your drone’s compliance status on the FAA’s declaration of compliance website before operating commercially. Remote ID functions as a digital license plate for drones, enabling authorities to identify aircraft during flight. Popular compliant models include the DJI Mini 3 at $419, which offers 38-51 minute battery life and professional 4K HDR footage. Heavier professional drones like the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, weighing 1063g, require additional certifications such as an A2 Certificate of Competency beyond basic Part 107 licensing. When transporting spare drone batteries, ensure they comply with lithium battery shipping regulations that require proper packaging and protection against short-circuiting. Be aware that the FCC Covered List could impact DJI drones starting December 23, 2025, potentially affecting firmware updates and device functionality if no security audit is completed. While the U.S. follows these regulations, Canadian operators must meet different requirements, including obtaining an RPAS Operator Certificate for commercial operations starting April 1, 2025.
