FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107)
The U.S. FAA certification required to commercially operate small drones under Part 107 rules.
What Is This Certification?
The Part 107 certificate authorizes commercial drone operations for drones under 55 pounds, covering airspace, weather, and regulations from FAA Part 107. It is mandatory for paid drone work such as photography, inspection, and mapping. Holders must pass a recurrent knowledge test every 24 months.
Eligibility & Requirements
applicants at least 16 years old who pass the aeronautical knowledge test and an FAA background check.
Exam Format & Structure
A 60-question multiple-choice aeronautical knowledge test taken at an FAA-approved testing center, passing at 70%.
Cost & Fees
The FAA knowledge test fee is about $175, with no separate certificate fee.
Validity & Renewal
The certificate requires a recurrent knowledge test every 24 months to stay current.
Salary & Career Outlook
Commercial drone pilots earn roughly $45,000–$80,000 depending on industry and specialization.
Compare FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107)
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Top Training Providers & Resources
- FAA
- King Schools
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Is FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107) Worth It?
Worth it if you plan to earn money with drones for photography, inspection, mapping, or agriculture. Less worth it for purely recreational flyers who only need the free TRUST certificate. The value: it is a legal requirement for commercial drone work, unlocks paid clients, and is relatively quick and affordable to obtain.
How to Prepare
1) Study the FAA Part 107 topics including airspace, weather, and regulations using a ground school course. 2) Take practice tests until you consistently score above 70% on the 60-question format. 3) Schedule the knowledge test at an FAA-approved center, pass, then complete the IACRA application and background check.
How to Get FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107) Certified
- Confirm you meet the requirements: applicants at least 16 years old who pass the aeronautical knowledge test and an FAA background check.
- Download the official exam blueprint / handbook from FAA and map it to a study plan.
- Choose prep that fits you — official materials, a course, and/or a bootcamp — and set a weekly schedule.
- Study the core topics and practice until the skills are automatic.
- Take full-length practice exams and target a steady pass-rate before booking. Exam format: A 60-question multiple-choice aeronautical knowledge test taken at an FAA-approved testing center, passing at 70%.
- Book the exam (The FAA knowledge test fee is about $175, with no separate certificate fee.) at a test center or online proctor, then sit and pass it.
- Receive your credential from FAA and add it to your resume, LinkedIn, and this profile.
- Track renewal: The certificate requires a recurrent knowledge test every 24 months to stay current. — log continuing education early.
Career Paths & Job Titles
- Commercial Drone Pilot
- Aerial Photographer
- Drone Inspector
- Mapping Surveyor
- Agricultural Drone Operator
Skills You'll Gain
- Reading the exam blueprint / objectives
- Hands-on with the core platform or toolset
- Troubleshooting and best-practice execution
- Compliance and quality fundamentals
- Documenting and explaining professional decisions
Who Should Get This Certification?
career changers, students, and working pros who want a recognized, resume-ready credential
Good fit if…
- You want a credentialed, resume-ready proof of skill in this field.
- The FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107) is required or preferred for the roles you're targeting.
- You learn well from structured study + practice and can commit the prep time.
Maybe skip if…
- You need deep, multi-year expertise — this is a foundational/mid credential, not a replacement for experience.
- The topic isn't relevant to your actual career goal.
- You can't meet the eligibility or renewal requirements — check those with the provider first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107) and who is it for?
FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107) is offered by FAA. The Part 107 certificate authorizes commercial drone operations for drones under 55 pounds, covering airspace, weather, and regulations from FAA Part 107. It is mandatory for paid drone work such as photography, inspection, and mapping. Holders must pass a recurrent knowledge test every 24 months. It is aimed at applicants at least 16 years old who pass the aeronautical knowledge test and an FAA background check.
How much does the FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107) exam cost?
The exam costs The FAA knowledge test fee is about $175, with no separate certificate fee. Budget for potential retakes and any exam-prep materials you choose separately.
How long is the FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107) valid, and how do I renew it?
The certificate requires a recurrent knowledge test every 24 months to stay current. Renewal requirements vary, so confirm the current policy with FAA before your renewal date.
What does the FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107) exam format look like?
The exam is structured as follows: A 60-question multiple-choice aeronautical knowledge test taken at an FAA-approved testing center, passing at 70%. Knowing the format in advance lets you pace yourself and practice the question types you'll face.
Am I eligible for the FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107)?
Eligibility: applicants at least 16 years old who pass the aeronautical knowledge test and an FAA background check. Review the official handbook from FAA because eligibility rules and documentation can change.
How long should I study for the FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107)?
Most candidates prepare over a focused window that depends on background and the exam's depth. Use the official exam blueprint from FAA, pair it with a reputable prep course, and take full-length practice exams until you're consistently above the pass threshold.
What is the salary outlook after earning the FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107)?
Commercial drone pilots earn roughly $45,000–$80,000 depending on industry and specialization. Salaries also depend on region, experience, and related credentials, so treat this as a directional range rather than a guarantee.
Is the FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107) worth it for my career?
That depends on your goals. Worth it if you plan to earn money with drones for photography, inspection, mapping, or agriculture. Less worth it for purely recreational flyers who only need the free TRUST certificate. The value: it is a legal requirement for commercial drone work, unlocks paid clients, and is relatively quick and affordable to obtain.
Do I need hands-on experience before taking the FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107)?
Hands-on practice strongly improves pass rates even when not strictly required. Follow the exam objectives from FAA and build real familiarity before test day.
Which comes after the FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107)?
After this credential, candidates typically pursue the next-level or a complementary cert. Check FAA's certification path to sequence credentials efficiently.
Can I take the FAA Part 107 Small UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107) exam online?
Many providers offer both testing-center and online-proctored options. Online proctoring has strict environment rules (clean desk, ID, stable connection), so verify requirements with FAA before booking.