Part 107 Exam: part 107 exam Prep for 2026 Success

If you want to fly a drone for any reason other than just for fun, you're going to need a Part 107 certificate from the FAA. This is the official license that proves you have the knowledge to operate a drone commercially and safely in U.S. airspace. Think of it as the gatekeeper to a whole world of opportunities, from real estate photography to infrastructure inspection.

Your First Step to Becoming a Commercial Drone Pilot

This whole journey starts with one crucial milestone: passing the FAA’s knowledge test. The official, stuffy name for it is the "Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)" exam.

It's a 60-question, multiple-choice test, and you'll have 120 minutes to get through it. To pass, you need a score of at least 70%, which breaks down to getting a minimum of 42 questions correct.

What Does "Commercial" Really Mean?

This is a point that trips up a lot of new pilots. "Commercial" doesn't just mean you're getting paid cash for a job. The FAA's definition is much wider. Basically, if your flight isn't strictly for recreational fun, it's considered non-recreational.

So, taking aerial photos to help sell your own home? That's commercial. Filming a local charity event for free? That's commercial, too. Flying without your Part 107 in these cases can land you in serious trouble with the FAA.

The FAA’s definition of a commercial operation is simple: flying a drone for any purpose other than pure recreation. This means even if you're not getting paid, you likely need a Part 107 certificate to operate legally.

A Bird's-Eye View of the Test

Before we get into the nitty-gritty study details, let's get a high-level view of what this test is all about. The FAA isn't trying to trick you; they just want to confirm you're a safe and knowledgeable pilot.

Here’s a quick rundown of what they're testing you on:

• Regulations: You have to know the rules of the sky. It's non-negotiable for safety.

• Aviation Charts: You'll need to know how to read sectional charts to understand airspace restrictions and identify hazards.

• Weather: Understanding how wind, visibility, and density altitude impact your drone is critical for safe flights.

• Operations: This covers everything from pre-flight checklists and emergency plans to simply making good decisions in the field.

Once you have these concepts down, you’ll have the foundation needed to be a competent and responsible pilot. For a deeper look at what you can do with your new license, check out our guide on how to become a commercial drone pilot.

Who Can Become a Certified Drone Pilot and Why You Should

Before you can start flying drones commercially, the FAA has a few ground rules. It's a lot like getting a driver's license—it's not just about handling the machine, but proving you have the knowledge and maturity to safely share the airspace. The first step on your journey to passing the part 107 exam is making sure you meet these simple requirements.

At the most basic level, you have to be at least 16 years old. You also need to be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. Finally, you have to be physically and mentally fit enough to safely operate a drone. This isn't about being a world-class athlete; it's about being able to make sound judgments and maintain control of your aircraft from takeoff to landing.

The Basic Requirements to Take the Exam

The FAA keeps the barrier to entry straightforward, focusing on what matters for safe operations. Before you can even sign up for the knowledge test, you'll need to check off these boxes:

• Age: You must be at least 16 years of age.

• Language Proficiency: You need full command of the English language. This is non-negotiable for understanding regulations, reading aeronautical charts, and communicating in the National Airspace System.

• Physical and Mental Fitness: You have to self-certify that you are fit to fly. This means you don't have any condition that would interfere with your ability to safely pilot the drone.

Once you’ve confirmed you meet these foundational criteria, you can move from the "who" to the much more interesting "why."

Why Certification Is Your Golden Ticket

Passing the part 107 exam does more than just make you legal; it transforms your entire career trajectory. With that certificate in hand, you go from being a hobbyist to a credible, professional pilot. It’s an immediate signal to clients and employers that you know the rules of the sky and are serious about safety.

Think about it. If you're a real estate agent, a Part 107 certificate lets you legally shoot stunning aerial videos that make your listings pop, attracting more buyers and better offers. For a construction site manager, it means conducting quick, safe site surveys without putting anyone on scaffolding or in a dangerous spot. These are real-world applications that add serious value.

Becoming a certified pilot also unlocks advanced operations that are completely off-limits to recreational flyers. With a Part 107 license, you can apply for waivers to fly at night or over people, giving you a massive competitive advantage.

It's also worth noting the bigger picture here. As experts point out, we're just seeing the beginning of the next wave of economic development brought by drones. This isn't just a new skill—it's your entry point into a booming economic sector.

Your certification is the key that opens doors to countless industries. Whether it's agriculture, infrastructure inspection, or cinematic filmmaking, holding a Remote Pilot Certificate proves you are ready to be a professional in the world of unmanned aviation.

A Breakdown of the Part 107 Exam Knowledge Areas

To pass the Part 107 exam, you need a solid grasp of what the FAA considers essential knowledge. The test isn't just a collection of random drone trivia; it's a carefully structured evaluation covering five core subjects. Mastering these topics is your direct path to becoming a certified commercial pilot.

The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you have 120 minutes to complete it. You'll need to score at least a 70%, which means getting a minimum of 42 questions right. While every test is unique, pulling from a large question bank, the focus always remains on critical safety knowledge. If you're curious about how others have fared, you can check out some in-depth exam data from The Drone Girl.

Before we dive into the topics, the basic eligibility requirements set by the FAA are quite straightforward.

As you can see, the requirements focus on the core capabilities needed to operate safely within the National Airspace System.

Regulations

This is the biggest and most important section of the exam. Think of these regulations as the "rules of the road" for the sky. They aren't just arbitrary rules; each one is tied directly to a specific safety concern, from preventing mid-air collisions to protecting people on the ground.

You'll need to know your operational limits inside and out. This includes rules like the maximum altitude (generally 400 feet), maintaining a visual line of sight with your drone at all times, and the strict restrictions on flying over people. The exam will test your ability to apply these rules in real-world scenarios, not just your ability to memorize them.

Airspace and Chart Reading

For many aspiring pilots, this is the most intimidating topic. The key is to stop thinking of airspace as just empty sky and start seeing it as a complex network of invisible highways. Each class of airspace has its own rules, traffic patterns, and entry requirements, and your main tool for navigating it is the sectional chart.

Learning to read these charts is like learning to read a new kind of map. You'll need to identify different airspace classes (like Class B, C, D, E, and G), spot airports, and recognize potential hazards like radio towers or national parks. The Part 107 exam will give you snippets of these charts and ask you to decide if you can legally fly in a certain spot.

Mastering sectional charts isn't about rote memorization. It’s about recognizing patterns. Once you understand the language of the symbols and colors, you can confidently figure out the flight rules for any location in the country.

Weather

Weather is a powerful and unpredictable force that has a huge impact on your drone's performance. This section is about much more than just looking outside to see if it's sunny. You have to understand how wind, temperature, humidity, and air pressure affect your drone’s ability to fly safely and efficiently.

A critical concept here is density altitude. On a hot, humid day, the air is less dense. This is like trying to swim through thinner water—your drone's propellers have less air to "grab," which reduces lift and overall performance. The exam will test your skill in reading official weather reports, like METARs and TAFs, to make smart go/no-go decisions.

Loading and Performance

Every drone has its limits. Think of this topic like packing a backpack for a serious hike. If you overload it, you'll struggle on inclines, get tired faster, and risk a strap breaking. The same exact principles apply to your aircraft.

You have to understand your drone’s maximum takeoff weight and how adding a payload, like a heavier camera or sensor, affects its center of gravity and flight characteristics. The exam will test your knowledge of these weight and balance principles to ensure you would never operate an overloaded or unstable drone.

Operations

This is where everything else comes together. The "Operations" section covers the entire process of being a professional pilot, from your pre-flight inspection checklist to your post-flight log entries. It’s all about developing a proactive, risk-aware mindset.

This area includes topics like:

• Crew Resource Management (CRM): How you communicate effectively with your team, including any visual observers.

• Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM): Using a systematic approach to make safe choices, especially when things don't go as planned.

• Emergency Procedures: Knowing exactly what to do if you have a flyaway or lose connection with your drone.

The exam puts a heavy emphasis on situational awareness and good judgment. You'll be given real-world scenarios and asked to choose the safest and most professional course of action.

To help you focus your study plan, here's a look at how these topics are generally weighted on the Part 107 exam.

Part 107 Exam Knowledge Area Breakdown

This table gives you a clear picture of the five main subjects on the Part 107 exam. Use the approximate question counts and percentage weights to guide where you spend the most time studying.

Knowledge Area	Approximate Number of Questions (out of 60)	Percentage Weight
Regulations	9–15	15–25%
Airspace & Chart Reading	9–15	15–25%
Weather	7-11	11-17%
Loading & Performance	4–7	7–11%
Operations	7-11	35–45%

As you can see, Regulations, Airspace, and Operations make up the bulk of the test. While you can't neglect Weather or Performance, focusing your energy on these three key areas will give you the best chance of success.

How to Register for Your Exam Without the Hassle

Dealing with the paperwork for the Part 107 exam can sometimes feel like a test before the actual test. But don't worry, the process is pretty simple once you break it down.

Your first step is getting an FAA Tracking Number, better known as an FTN. The best way to think of it is as your permanent student ID for anything and everything related to aviation.

You'll get this number by creating a profile in the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. It’s a mandatory first step, but it’s completely free. This FTN is what connects all your certifications to you, so be sure to keep it somewhere safe.

Finding Your Testing Center

With your FTN in hand, it’s time to actually schedule the exam. The FAA doesn’t handle the testing directly; they work with a company called PSI to manage all the official Knowledge Testing Centers.

You’ll need to head over to the PSI website to find a testing center near you. These are usually found at local airports, flight schools, or even some community colleges. The PSI portal lets you search by zip code to see all your options and their available time slots. This is where you'll book your test and pay the exam fee.

The standard fee for the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) knowledge test is around $175. You pay this fee directly to the PSI testing center when you book your slot, and it’s always smart to double-check the current price on their site.

Securing Your Spot

Here’s a piece of advice from experience: book your exam a few weeks out. The more popular testing locations can fill up fast, especially if you’re trying to get a weekend spot. Scheduling in advance gives you peace of mind and lets you pick a date that fits your study schedule.

It all boils down to a simple, three-step process:

1. Get Your FTN: Register on the IACRA website to get your unique FAA Tracking Number.

2. Schedule with PSI: Use that FTN to book your exam date on the PSI website.

3. Pay the Fee: Cover the $175 test fee with PSI to lock in your appointment.

Getting these logistics handled early on takes a huge weight off your shoulders. It frees you up to focus on what really matters—mastering the material. For more tips on finding the right location, check out our guide on the top FAA written test locations and booking tips for a deeper dive.

Once your test date is officially on the calendar, you have a solid deadline. It turns that vague goal of "getting certified" into a real mission with a clear finish line. Now all that's left is to hit the books and show up ready to pass.

Proven Study Strategies That Actually Work

There’s no single magic bullet for passing the Part 107 exam. The pilots who succeed don't just find one great resource; they build their knowledge in layers. This approach combines official guidance, structured learning, and a whole lot of practice.

This method is about more than just memorizing rules. It's about truly understanding them.

Your first stop should always be the free materials the FAA provides. Think of documents like the Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement as the official blueprints for the test. They contain the exact charts, figures, and tables you'll see on exam day, making them the essential foundation for your prep.

But trying to study from FAA documents alone is like trying to build a car with just a parts list. That's where a structured online or in-person prep course comes in. These courses translate the dense aviation jargon into concepts you can actually understand and apply.

Build a Solid Foundation First

Let’s talk about a new student pilot, Alex. After registering for the exam, Alex opens the FAA supplement and immediately feels lost. The sectional charts look like an explosion of colors and symbols—a totally foreign language.

Instead of quitting, Alex starts small. He uses a prep course to learn the absolute basics, like what the colors on the chart mean or how to find an airport's elevation. The course provides the context he was missing.

When Alex returns to the FAA supplement, things start to click. He can now spot Class D airspace and find a CTAF frequency. The "foreign language" is starting to make sense because he built his understanding step-by-step, using the course as his translator.

The Power of Practice Tests

The final—and most critical—layer of your study plan is practice testing. It’s one thing to read about regulations, but it's another thing entirely to apply them under pressure. Good practice exams are your flight simulator for the Part 107 test.

They accomplish two key things:

• Pinpoint Weaknesses: You might take a few tests and realize you’re consistently bombing questions on weather reports (METARs and TAFs). Now you know exactly where to focus your study time.

• Build Confidence: When you start consistently scoring 85% or higher on realistic practice exams, you know you’re ready. It's the best way to walk into the testing center feeling prepared, not anxious.

A solid strategy is crucial because passing is not a given. The FAA Part 107 exam has seen its pass rates fluctuate. In 2024, out of 67,576 test-takers, the pass rate was 84.2%, with an average score of 79.95%. While that’s well above the 70% you need to pass, it shows a significant number of people fail on their first try. You can find out more about these Part 107 exam statistics and see for yourself why preparation is everything.

The goal isn’t just to memorize answers. It’s to understand the why behind the rules. Knowing why you have to stay below 400 feet or why density altitude matters makes you a safer, more competent pilot—not just a successful test-taker.

By the end of his studies, Alex wasn't just getting questions right; he understood the logic. He knew why certain airspace required authorization and could explain how high humidity would affect his drone's performance. That deep comprehension is what separates a truly certified pilot from someone who just crammed for a test.

This layered approach will get you ready for anything the FAA might throw at you. For an even deeper dive into study materials and tips, check out our complete Part 107 test prep guide.

Your Exam Day Playbook for a Confident Performance

You’ve put in the hours studying sectional charts and FAA regulations. Now, the big day is here. A strong performance on the Part 107 exam isn't just about what you know—it's about staying calm and organized when you walk into the testing center.

Think of it like a pilot's pre-flight checklist. The mission is to eliminate any last-minute stress so you can focus completely on the questions. This means knowing exactly what to bring, what to leave behind, and what to expect on-site.

What to Bring and What to Leave at Home

Simplicity is your best friend on test day. Testing centers have strict rules to maintain a secure and fair environment, which actually makes your job easier. Your checklist is surprisingly short.

You only need to bring one thing:

• A valid, government-issued photo ID: A driver’s license, passport, or military ID will work. Critically, the name on your ID must be an exact match to the name you used when registering for the exam. Double-check this before you leave home.

Seriously, that's it. Everything else should stay in your car or at home. The testing room is a no-go zone for personal items like phones, smartwatches, notes, bags, or even regular watches. The center will provide a small locker to store your belongings.

In-Test Strategies for Success

After you check in, you'll be escorted to a quiet, monitored room and seated at a computer. You will be handed a physical copy of the Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement—the official FAA book of charts, figures, and legends. Don't panic; you aren't expected to have these memorized. Knowing how to use the supplement is what matters.

You have 120 minutes to get through 60 questions. Here’s a game plan to manage your time.

1. Don’t Get Bogged Down: If a question has you stumped, don't burn the clock. Use the software's flagging feature to mark it for review and move on. Wasting ten minutes on one tough question is a bad trade.

2. Pace Yourself: A good goal is to complete a first pass of all 60 questions with about 30 minutes left. This creates a comfortable buffer to go back to your flagged questions and review your other answers without feeling rushed.

3. Use the Supplement Wisely: The answers to all chart-related questions are right there in the book. Take your time, use the legend, and don't be afraid to trace lines with your finger. Accuracy is more important than speed on these questions.

The moment you hit that "submit" button, your score appears on the screen. There’s no agonizing wait—you will know instantly whether you passed.

Once you see that passing score, your final task is to head back to the IACRA website to complete the official application for your Remote Pilot Certificate. After a quick TSA background check, you'll get a temporary certificate by email, with your permanent card arriving in the mail a few weeks later.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Part 107 Exam

As you get ready to book your Part 107 exam, you probably have a few last-minute questions running through your mind. It's completely normal. Let's clear up those final details so you can walk into the testing center with confidence.

How Much Does the Part 107 Exam Cost?

You can expect to pay a standard fee of $175 to take the knowledge test.

This payment goes directly to the PSI testing center when you schedule your slot, not to the FAA. It's important to know this fee is for each attempt, so if you don't pass, you'll need to pay the $175 again to retake it.

What Score Do I Need to Pass the Exam?

A passing score is 70% or higher.

The test has 60 multiple-choice questions, which means you’ll need to answer at least 42 of them correctly. A solid study tip is to aim for consistent scores of 85% or more on your practice tests. This gives you a nice cushion for any tricky questions on the actual exam day.

How Long Is My Part 107 Certification Valid?

Your Remote Pilot Certificate is valid for 24 calendar months once you pass the exam and get certified.

This means your certification expires at the end of the 24th month after it was issued. For instance, if you get certified in June 2025, your license will be good until the end of June 2027.

The good news is you don’t have to retake the initial exam to keep your certification. Instead, you just have to complete a free online recurrent training course from the FAA. We walk you through that simple process in our complete FAA Part 107 renewal guide.

How Many People Have a Part 107 Certificate?

The number of certified pilots is skyrocketing, which really shows how fast this industry is growing. As of December 2024, the FAA had issued a whopping 427,598 remote pilot certifications.

That's a jump of 59,000 new pilots in just one year, proving that commercial drone work is more in-demand than ever. You can dig into more of these numbers in the FAA's aerospace forecast.

Interestingly, about 77% of certified pilots are focused purely on drone operations with their Part 107. The other 23% also hold traditional Part 61 manned pilot licenses, which shows a fascinating crossover between classic aviation and the new world of unmanned aircraft.

What Happens if I Fail the Exam?

Failing the exam feels like a setback, but it’s definitely not the end of your journey. If you don't pass, you'll get a report showing the specific topic codes for the questions you missed.

This report is incredibly valuable—it tells you exactly what to study for your next try. You'll have to wait 14 days before you can take the exam again, and you will need to pay the $175 testing fee for the new attempt.

---

At JAB Drone, we're here to give you the practical knowledge you need to succeed. Whether it's passing your test or starting your own drone business, our resources are designed to guide you. Check out https://www.jabdrone.com to learn more.