How to Pass the Part 107 Exam and Become an FAA Licensed Drone Operator
The FAA Part 107 exam is the gateway to a commercial drone career. Here's exactly how to study, what to expect on test day, and how to pass it the first time.
Introduction
The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the legal requirement for anyone who wants to fly a drone commercially in the United States. It opens the door to paid drone work, larger commercial clients, and operating legally in controlled airspace.
The exam has a reputation for being challenging — but with the right study approach, most candidates pass it on the first attempt. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is the Part 107 Exam?
The FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test is a 60-question multiple-choice exam administered at FAA-approved testing centers (PSI Testing Centers) across the country. You have 2 hours to complete it, and you need to score at least 70% (42 out of 60 questions correct) to pass.
The test costs approximately $175 and your results are available immediately. If you pass, you'll receive a temporary certificate within a few days and a plastic card in the mail within a few weeks.
What's on the Exam?
The FAA publishes the official topic areas:
Airspace Classification
This is a major focus. You must understand:
- Class A, B, C, D, E, and G airspace and the rules for operating in each
- Reading sectional charts to identify airspace boundaries
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
- Special use airspace (MOAs, restricted areas, prohibited areas)
Weather
- Reading METARs (aviation weather reports)
- Reading TAFs (terminal area forecasts)
- Understanding density altitude and its effects on drone performance
- Wind, visibility, and precipitation rules
Loading and Performance
- How weight affects drone flight characteristics
- Battery performance in cold weather
- Center of gravity concepts
Operations, Regulations, and Safety
- Daylight and twilight operating rules
- Visual line of sight requirements
- Maximum altitude (400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace)
- Incident and accident reporting requirements
- Crew resource management
Emergency Procedures
- Malfunctions and radio communication failures
- Lost link procedures
How to Study: A Proven Approach
Step 1: Use a Structured Online Course (20–30 hours)
Don't try to learn from the FAA's study guide alone — it's dense and not beginner-friendly. The best courses for Part 107 include:
- Pilot Institute Part 107 Course — widely considered the best, very thorough
- UAV Coach Ground School — solid option with practice exams
- King Schools Part 107 — trusted aviation training provider
Step 2: Learn to Read Sectional Charts
The chart-reading questions trip up many candidates. Spend dedicated time with the FAA sectional chart legend. Practice identifying airspace classes, landmarks, and symbols.
Step 3: Master METARs
METAR decoding questions appear on nearly every exam. Practice until you can decode a METAR quickly: station, time, wind, visibility, weather conditions, cloud layers, temperature/dewpoint, altimeter.
Example METAR: KDEN 151253Z 27012KT 10SM FEW025 SCT080 18/03 A2992
Translation: Denver, 15th at 12:53 UTC, wind 270 degrees at 12 knots, visibility 10 miles, few clouds at 2,500 ft, scattered at 8,000 ft, temp 18C / dewpoint 3C, altimeter 29.92 inHg.
Step 4: Take Practice Tests
After completing your course, take full-length 60-question practice tests under timed conditions. Aim for 80%+ consistently before scheduling your actual test. Most prep courses include multiple practice exams.
Step 5: Review Your Weak Areas
The practice tests will reveal your gaps. Go back to your course material and the FAA's Airman Knowledge Test Supplement for additional study on your weakest topics.
Scheduling Your Test
- Visit the PSI Exams website to find a testing center near you and book your appointment.
- Bring a valid government ID on test day.
- You're allowed a basic calculator and scratch paper — provided at the testing center.
- Sectional chart excerpts and a legend will be provided for applicable questions.
After You Pass
- Register in IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) at iacra.faa.gov within 48 hours of passing.
- Upload your test result and submit your application for a Remote Pilot Certificate.
- The FAA will issue a temporary certificate that allows you to fly legally while your permanent card is processed (usually 4–6 weeks).
Keeping Your Certificate Current
Your Part 107 certificate is valid for 24 calendar months. To renew, complete the FAA's free online recurrent training at faasafety.gov — no re-test required.
The Bottom Line
The Part 107 exam is achievable with focused study. Most candidates who use a structured prep course and take practice tests pass on their first attempt. The certification unlocks a genuine career opportunity — commercial drone services are in demand across real estate, construction, inspection, agriculture, and beyond.
Once you're certified and ready to start your business, SkyQuotePro has everything you need to manage clients, send professional proposals, and get paid — so you can focus on flying.