FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is required to operate small unmanned aircraft systems (drones under 55 lbs) for commercial purposes in the United States. It is the entry credential for the drone industry.
Issued / Governed By
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Time to Earn
2-4 weeks of study
Estimated Cost
$175 knowledge test fee (plus optional prep courses)
Who needs this credential?
Commercial drone pilots, aerial photographers/videographers, surveyors and mapping professionals, infrastructure inspectors, and public-safety UAS operators.
Prerequisites
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
- Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a small UAS
How to get certified
- 1
Study the aeronautical knowledge areas
Learn airspace classification, weather, sectional charts, regulations, loading, and operations. Free FAA study materials and paid prep courses are available.
- 2
Register with the FAA (IACRA / FTN)
Create an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile to obtain an FAA Tracking Number.
- 3
Pass the Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) knowledge test
Take the 60-question exam at an FAA-approved testing center; you need 70% to pass.
- 4
Complete FAA Form 8710-13 and receive your certificate
Submit your application through IACRA; after a TSA security background check, you receive your Remote Pilot Certificate.
Recurrent training
Part 107 certificate holders must complete free online recurrent training every 24 calendar months to keep their certificate current—there is no longer a recurrent in-person test.
Operating rules to know
Part 107 includes core operating limitations you are tested on and must follow:
- Maximum altitude of 400 feet AGL (or within 400 ft of a structure)
- Daylight or civil twilight operations (anytime with anti-collision lighting)
- Visual line of sight with the aircraft
- Airspace authorization (LAANC) required in controlled airspace
Waivers and advanced operations
Operations beyond standard rules—such as flight over people, at night without lighting, or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)—require an FAA waiver. These advanced authorizations are increasingly important for AAM and commercial UAS programs.
Related career roles
Always verify current requirements with the issuing authority before you begin.
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