FAA Part 107 Exam Overview
Key Takeaways
- The Part 107 knowledge test has 60 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour time limit and requires a 70% passing score.
- Part 107 certification is required for ALL commercial drone operations — any flight for compensation or in furtherance of a business.
- Operations is the largest content area at 35-45% of the exam — prioritize your study time accordingly.
- Remote ID enforcement began March 16, 2024 — all registered drones must broadcast identification.
- Your certificate never expires, but you must complete online recurrent training every 24 months.
FAA Part 107 Exam Overview
The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the federal credential required to fly drones (small unmanned aircraft systems, or sUAS) commercially in the United States. Whether you plan to shoot aerial photography, inspect cell towers, survey farmland, or deliver packages, Part 107 certification is your legal gateway to commercial drone operations.
What Is Part 107?
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 107, titled "Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems," establishes the rules governing commercial drone operations for aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds (including everything on board at takeoff). The FAA finalized Part 107 on August 29, 2016, and it has been updated several times since — most significantly with the Operations Over People and Night Operations final rule effective April 21, 2021, and the Remote ID requirement fully enforced as of March 16, 2024.
Who Needs a Part 107 Certificate?
You need a Remote Pilot Certificate if you intend to fly a drone for any commercial purpose — meaning you are being compensated or the flight furthers a business. Examples include:
| Commercial (Part 107 Required) | Recreational (No Part 107 Needed) |
|---|---|
| Real estate photography for a client | Flying for fun in your backyard |
| Agricultural crop surveys | Hobby racing with friends |
| Construction site inspections | Taking photos for personal use |
| Search and rescue operations | Flying at a community-based organization event |
| Filmmaking and media production | Educational or research flights (some exceptions) |
| Package delivery | — |
| Utility and infrastructure inspection | — |
Important: If you post drone footage on a monetized YouTube channel or social media account, the FAA considers that a commercial operation requiring Part 107 certification.
The Knowledge Test at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Test Name | Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) |
| Questions | 60 multiple-choice |
| Time Limit | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% (42 out of 60 correct) |
| Test Centers | FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Centers (PSI/Prometric) |
| Cost | $175 (as of 2026) |
| Valid For | 24 months (must complete recurrent training to renew) |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Language | Must read, speak, write, and understand English |
The Five Content Areas
The FAA Part 107 knowledge test draws questions from five broad content areas, each weighted differently:
| Content Area | Weight | Approximate Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Regulations | 15–25% | 9–15 questions |
| 2. Airspace & Requirements | 15–25% | 9–15 questions |
| 3. Weather | 11–16% | 7–10 questions |
| 4. Loading & Performance | 7–11% | 4–7 questions |
| 5. Operations | 35–45% | 21–27 questions |
Exam Tip: Operations is the single largest content area — over a third of the test. Focus your study time proportionally.
What to Expect on Test Day
- Arrive early — bring a valid government-issued photo ID
- No personal items — phones, smartwatches, notes, and study materials are prohibited in the testing room
- Provided materials — you will receive a supplement booklet containing sectional chart excerpts, METAR/TAF reports, and other reference materials needed to answer questions
- Scratch paper — provided by the testing center
- Results — you receive a preliminary pass/fail result immediately; your official Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) arrives within days
After You Pass
Once you pass the knowledge test:
- Complete an FAA Airman Certificate Application (IACRA or paper FAA Form 8710-13)
- Pass a TSA security background check (automatic when you apply through IACRA)
- Receive your temporary certificate (valid for 120 days while the permanent card is mailed)
- Your permanent Remote Pilot Certificate arrives by mail
Keeping Your Certificate Current
Your Remote Pilot Certificate never expires, but the privileges associated with it do. You must complete recurrent training every 24 months through the FAA's online system (CATS — Complete Airman Training System) at faasafety.gov. As of 2021, recurrent training replaced the requirement to retake the full knowledge test.
2024–2026 Key Updates
| Update | Effective Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Remote ID Enforcement | March 16, 2024 | All drones requiring FAA registration must broadcast Remote ID |
| LAANC Expansion | Ongoing | Near-real-time airspace authorizations at 700+ airports |
| Operations Over People (Categories 1–4) | April 21, 2021 | Expanded ability to fly over people without a waiver |
| Night Operations Without Waiver | April 21, 2021 | Anti-collision lighting required; no separate waiver needed |
| Recurrent Training Online | April 21, 2021 | Online training replaces re-taking the knowledge test |
| BVLOS Rulemaking | 2025–2026 (ongoing) | FAA finalizing rules for beyond visual line of sight operations |
What is the minimum passing score for the FAA Part 107 knowledge test?
How many multiple-choice questions are on the FAA Part 107 knowledge test?
Part 107 applies to unmanned aircraft weighing less than: