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FAA Part 107 Study Guide: How to Get Your Drone Pilot License in 2026

Published August 27, 2026 · Updated August 27, 2026 · Sky107 Team

FAA Part 107 Study Guide: How to Get Your Drone Pilot License in 2026

The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the license you need to fly drones commercially in the United States. To earn it, you must be at least 16 years old, pass the FAA's UAG knowledge test with a score of 70 percent or higher, and clear a TSA security background check through the IACRA system. The mandatory costs are about $175 for the knowledge test plus $5 per drone for registration.

What Is the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate?

Part 107 (14 CFR Part 107) is the FAA's rule for small unmanned aircraft. The certificate shows you understand the regulations, airspace, weather, loading, and emergency procedures behind commercial drone flights. The certificate does not expire; your knowledge recency renews every 24 calendar months under §107.65. AC 107-2A is the FAA's official advisory circular for operating under the rule.

Recreational Flyer vs Part 107 Remote Pilot

Choose your category first. Flying purely for fun falls under the recreational exception in 49 U.S.C. 44809 and requires only the free online TRUST test. Any other purpose, including paid work, requires a Part 107 remote pilot certificate.

RequirementRecreational FlyerPart 107 Remote Pilot
PurposeRecreation onlyAny purpose, including commercial
Minimum ageNo FAA minimum16 years (§107.61)
Knowledge testTRUST: free, online, one-timeUAG: 60 questions, 120 minutes, 70% to pass
CostFree; $5 registration if the drone weighs 0.55 lbs or moreAbout $175 test fee plus $5 registration per drone
RecencyNo renewal requiredRecurrent training every 24 calendar months

How to Get Your Part 107 Certificate: Step by Step

Step 1: Create an IACRA account

Create a profile in the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) to receive your FAA Tracking Number (FTN). You need the FTN before you can schedule the knowledge test.

Step 2: Study the 13 knowledge areas

The UAG exam covers the knowledge areas listed in §107.73: regulations, airspace, weather, loading, emergency procedures, crew resource management, radio communications, performance, drugs and alcohol, aeronautical decision-making, airport operations, maintenance and preflight inspection, and night operations. sky107.com structures eight theory chapters around these areas, with 300+ practice questions, animated diagrams, and an AI tutor. Follow the study checklist for a week-by-week plan.

Step 3: Schedule the UAG knowledge test

Book your exam at an FAA-approved testing center, such as those operated by PSI. The test code is UAG (Unmanned Aircraft General – Small) and the fee is approximately $175. Bring a government-issued photo ID, as required by §107.67.

Step 4: Pass with 70 percent or higher

The UAG exam has 60 questions and you get 120 minutes; 42 correct answers earn the 70 percent passing grade. If you fail, you must wait 14 calendar days before retaking the test, and the testing fee applies again.

Step 5: Apply for the certificate in IACRA

After passing, complete FAA Form 8710-13 in IACRA; results usually appear within 48 hours. The FAA runs a free TSA security background check, then emails instructions to print a temporary certificate. The permanent card arrives by mail.

Step 6: Register your drone

Under Part 107, every aircraft must be registered regardless of weight. Registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years; register through the FAADroneZone portal.

Step 7: Stay current every 24 months

Renew your knowledge recency every 24 calendar months (§107.65) with the FAA's free recurrent training course (ALC-677) on the FAA Safety Team website.

Real Costs of a Part 107 License

  • Knowledge test: approximately $175
  • IACRA application, TSA check, and certificate: free
  • Drone registration: $5 per aircraft, valid 3 years
  • Recurrent training: free online course
  • Optional prep materials: from free FAA resources to a sky107.com subscription starting at $19 per month

How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

Plan two to four weeks of study before test day, then a few days for the FAA to process your application and background check. You can print your temporary certificate as soon as the check clears, so you can start working without waiting for the plastic card.

Next Steps

Gauge your readiness with free practice questions before booking the exam, and check the FAQ for common test-day questions. Once certified, read our guides on Remote ID requirements and weather briefings so your first commercial flights stay legal.

Once you understand the process, practice the same skills you will see on the exam: read sectional charts and keep up with recurrent training rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Part 107 certificate last?

The certificate itself does not expire. Your aeronautical knowledge recency must be renewed every 24 calendar months by completing the FAA's free recurrent training course.

How much does it cost to get a Part 107 license?

About $175 for the knowledge test plus $5 per drone for registration. The IACRA application, TSA background check, certificate, and recurrent training are all free.

How many questions are on the Part 107 test?

The UAG test has 60 questions with 120 minutes allowed. You need 42 correct answers to reach the 70 percent passing grade.

Can I take the Part 107 test online?

No. The UAG knowledge test must be taken in person at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center. Your study materials, however, can be fully online.

What happens if I fail the Part 107 test?

You must wait 14 calendar days before retaking the exam, and you pay the testing fee again.

Do I need a medical certificate to fly under Part 107?

No. You must be in a physical and mental condition to operate safely, but no FAA medical certificate is required.

What does the Part 107 test cover?

The 13 knowledge areas in §107.73: regulations, airspace, weather, loading, emergency procedures, crew resource management, radio communications, performance, drugs and alcohol, decision-making, airport operations, maintenance, and night operations.

Can I fly at night under Part 107?

Yes. Since April 21, 2021, night operations are allowed when the drone is equipped with anti-collision lighting.

Ready to pass the Part 107 knowledge test?

300+ FAA-aligned practice questions and 8 theory chapters with animated diagrams.