YOUR PATH TO FAA PART 107 CERTIFICATION
From first study session to plastic certificate. Know exactly what to expect.
What Is FAA Part 107?
FAA 14 CFR Part 107 — commonly referred to as "Part 107" — is the federal regulation governing small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations in the United States. Enacted in 2016, it established the legal framework for all commercial drone flight in national airspace.
Any operator conducting drone flights for compensation, business purposes, or commercial gain is required by federal law to hold a valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate issued under Part 107. Flying commercially without one carries civil and criminal penalties.
- Minimum age requirement: 16 years
- No medical certificate required — self-certification of physical and mental fitness
- Must pass FAA aeronautical knowledge test (70% passing score)
- Certificate valid for 24 calendar months before recurrent testing required
- Applies to all UAS weighing under 55 lbs operated for commercial purposes
The 7-Step Certification Process
Every Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate follows the same federal path. DTS prepares you to execute each step with precision.
Enroll in and complete the Drone Training School Part 107 preparation program. The DTS curriculum covers all FAA knowledge test domains: airspace classification, weather interpretation, radio communications, emergency procedures, loading and performance, and regulations. Candidates who complete the full course arrive at the testing center prepared.
Schedule your FAA Unmanned Aircraft General — Small (UAG) knowledge test at an approved PSI or Pearson VUE testing center. The exam fee is $175. Testing centers are located throughout Florida and nationally. You may schedule online or by phone through the testing provider's official portal.
The aeronautical knowledge test consists of 60 questions drawn from FAA-published topic areas. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam. A score of 70% or higher (42 correct) is required to pass. Calculators and printed aeronautical charts provided by the testing center are permitted.
Pass/fail results are provided to candidates immediately upon test completion at the testing center. If you pass, you receive an Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) — retain this document. It contains the test ID number required for your FAA DroneZone application. The AKTR does not expire and is not your certificate.
Create an account and submit your Remote Pilot Certificate application at faadronezone.faa.gov. You will enter your AKTR test ID, provide personal identification information, and certify compliance with Part 107 eligibility requirements. The FAA typically processes applications within 10 business days.
Upon FAA approval, a temporary Remote Pilot Certificate is issued immediately via email. This temporary certificate carries the same legal authority as the plastic card and authorizes commercial drone operations under Part 107 from the moment it is received. You may begin operating commercially on day one.
The official FAA plastic Remote Pilot Certificate is mailed to your registered address within 120 calendar days of application approval. The plastic card is your permanent credential. Store it securely — you are required to present it or make it immediately accessible during any commercial UAS operation.
What Part 107 Authorizes
A valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate authorizes the holder to conduct the following commercial UAS operations within applicable airspace and operational limitations.
Recurrent Certification
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificates expire every 24 calendar months. To maintain an active certificate, holders must complete the FAA's free online recurrent aeronautical knowledge and safety test before the expiration date.
The recurrent test is administered through the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) WINGS program at faasafety.gov. Unlike the initial knowledge test, the recurrent course is self-paced, online, and carries no fee.
- Available at no cost through the FAASTeam portal
- Completed entirely online — no testing center required
- Certificate renewed for an additional 24 months upon completion
- Covers updated regulations, airspace changes, and operational updates
- DTS recommends beginning recurrent study 60 days before expiration
Verify your certificate status and expiration date at any time by logging into your FAA DroneZone account at faadronezone.faa.gov.
Certification FAQ
How long does the entire certification process take?
The timeline varies by individual preparation pace and testing center availability. Most candidates complete the DTS preparation course within 2–4 weeks, then schedule an exam within 1–2 weeks of course completion. FAA DroneZone processing typically takes 10 business days. From enrollment to receiving the temporary certificate via email, candidates should plan on 4–8 weeks. The plastic certificate follows within 120 days of FAA approval.
What happens if I fail the knowledge test?
Candidates who do not achieve a passing score of 70% may retake the exam after a mandatory 14-day waiting period. There is no limit on the number of attempts. The $175 exam fee applies to each attempt. DTS strongly recommends completing the full preparation course before sitting for the exam. Candidates who do not pass should review the FAA's topic area performance report provided at the testing center to identify specific knowledge gaps before rescheduling.
Do I need a separate license for each drone I operate?
No. The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is issued to the individual operator, not to a specific aircraft. A single certificate authorizes you to operate any UAS under 55 lbs for commercial purposes, provided the aircraft is registered with the FAA and the operation complies with all applicable Part 107 rules. Aircraft registration ($5 per aircraft) is separate from the pilot certificate.