How to Get Your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate: Step-by-Step 2026
MmowW was built on the Gyoseishoshi (Japanese administrative law specialist) philosophy โ the idea that every operator deserves crystal-clear compliance guidance, not guesswork. Getting your Part 107 certificate is the single most important step you'll take as a US drone professional. Let's walk through it together, one step at a time. โ MmowW Team ๐ฆ
Quick Takeaways
- The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate has no expiration โ but requires free 24-month recurrent online training
- You must pass the 60-question UAG knowledge test with a 70% score at an FAA-approved testing center (~$175 fee)
- After passing, apply online through FAA IACRA โ receive a temporary certificate instantly
- Minimum age is 16 years old; must pass TSA background check
- MmowW tracks your 24-month recurrent training deadlines automatically for $5.69 per aircraft / month
Table of Contents
- Overview: What You're Getting
- Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
- Step 2: Study for the UAG Knowledge Test
- Step 3: Schedule Your Test
- Step 4: Take the Test
- Step 5: Apply Through FAA IACRA
- Step 6: Receive Your Certificate
- Step 7: Maintain Currency โ 24-Month Recurrent Training
- What Happens If You Let Your Currency Lapse?
- How MmowW Keeps You Current
- FAQ
- Summary
---
Overview: What You're Getting {#overview}
The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is your official authorization to operate small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) commercially in the United States. Unlike a traditional pilot's license, it:
- Does not expire (the certificate itself)
- Requires no medical examination
- Can be obtained in as little as a few weeks of preparation
- Is recognized nationwide โ no state-by-state licensing required
Once you hold this certificate, you can legally fly commercially anywhere in the US (subject to airspace authorizations), for any client, in any industry.
Regulatory basis: 14 CFR Part 107, Subpart C โ Remote Pilot Certification
---
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility {#step-1-eligibility}
Before investing time and money in study materials and test fees, confirm you meet the FAA's requirements:
| Requirement | Details | Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Age | At least 16 years old at time of application | ยง 107.61(a) |
| Language | Read, write, speak, and understand English | ยง 107.61(b) |
| Physical condition | Able to safely operate a small UAS | ยง 107.61(c) |
| TSA background check | Must pass; no disqualifying criminal history | ยง 107.61(d) |
| No drug/alcohol violations | No FAA Part 67 disqualifying conditions | ยง 107.61(e) |
Non-US citizens: You can hold a Part 107 certificate and fly commercially in the US regardless of citizenship. However, certain national security restrictions may affect operations near sensitive infrastructure. Always verify with your client and the FAA before operations. Source: FAA UAS FAQ
---
Step 2: Study for the UAG Knowledge Test {#step-2-study}
The "Unmanned Aircraft General โ Small" (UAG) exam tests your knowledge across nine subject areas. Effective study matters โ the test is not trivial.
What You Need to Know
| Subject Area | Weight on Exam (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Regulations (Part 107, Part 89) | ~15% |
| Airspace classification and requirements | ~15% |
| Weather interpretation | ~10% |
| Aeronautical charts reading | ~15% |
| Loading and performance | ~5% |
| Emergency procedures | ~5% |
| Crew resource management | ~5% |
| Radio communications | ~5% |
| Airport operations | ~10% |
| Maintenance and pre-flight | ~10% |
| Aeronautical decision-making | ~5% |
Recommended Study Resources (Free)
- FAA Remote Pilot โ Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide: faa.gov free download
- FAA Safety Team (FAAST) online courses: Free at faasafety.gov
- Aeronautical Chart User's Guide: faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/
- B4UFLY app: Practice airspace lookups at b4ufly.aloft.ai
Study Timeline
Week 1โ2: Read FAA Study Guide cover-to-cover โ Week 2โ3: Focus on airspace classification and chart reading โ Week 3โ4: Take practice tests (aim for 80%+ before scheduling) โ Final week: Review weak areas โ Schedule test when consistently scoring 80%+
Pro tip from MmowW: Airspace classification and aeronautical chart reading are consistently the most-missed sections. Spend disproportionate study time on Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace definitions, and practice reading sectional charts until it's second nature.
---
Step 3: Schedule Your Test {#step-3-schedule}
The UAG exam is administered at FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Centers nationwide. Two primary testing networks:
- PSI/LaserGrade: psiexams.com
- AeroKnowledge: aeroknowledge.com
How to Schedule
- Create an account on the testing provider's website
- Search for testing centers near you
- Choose your date and time
- Pay the test fee (~$175)
- Receive confirmation and test center instructions
Bring to the test:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) from your FAA IACRA account โ create this BEFORE your test date at iacra.faa.gov
- If you hold a Part 61 pilot certificate, bring it โ you may qualify for a streamlined path
---
Step 4: Take the Test {#step-4-take-test}
Test Day Details
- Format: 60 multiple-choice questions
- Time: 2 hours
- Passing score: 70% (42 correct out of 60)
- Calculator: Provided at the testing center
- Charts/supplements: FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement provided
What Happens After You Pass
You receive a score report immediately at the test center. This document is critical โ keep it safe. Your test result is transmitted electronically to the FAA.
If you don't pass: You must wait at least 14 calendar days before retesting. Each retake costs another ~$175. Use the time to study your weak areas โ your score report shows which subject areas you missed.
---
Step 5: Apply Through FAA IACRA {#step-5-iacra}
Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) is the FAA's online application system. This is where your passing test score officially becomes a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Application Steps
Log in to iacra.faa.gov โ Start a new application โ Select "Remote Pilot Certificate โ Small UAS" โ Enter your FTN and test information โ Review and certify all information โ Submit for FAA processing โ Complete TSA background verification (happens automatically) โ Receive Temporary Airman Certificate
Link: FAA IACRA System
Your Temporary Airman Certificate is issued immediately upon successful application processing โ it's a PDF you can print and carry while waiting for the physical certificate.
You can legally fly commercially with your printed Temporary Airman Certificate. You don't need to wait for the plastic card to arrive. Keep a copy on your phone for quick access during flight operations.
---
Step 6: Receive Your Certificate {#step-6-receive}
Your permanent Remote Pilot Certificate โ a plastic card similar to a driver's license โ is mailed to the address on file with the FAA. Typical delivery: 4โ6 weeks after IACRA application submission.
If You Don't Receive It
Contact the FAA Airmen Certification Branch:
- Phone: 405-954-3261
- Hours: MondayโFriday, 7:30 AM โ 4:00 PM CT
- Address: FAA Airmen Certification Branch, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125
---
Step 7: Maintain Currency โ 24-Month Recurrent Training {#step-7-recurrent}
Your Remote Pilot Certificate never expires, but your operational currency must be renewed every 24 months via free online training.
ALC-677: The Free Recurrent Course
The FAA Safety Team's ALC-677 course is the standard recurrent training path:
- Platform: FAA Wings Program
- Cost: Free
- Time: Approximately 1โ2 hours
- No test required โ it's a training course, not an exam
- Upon completion: Download your completion certificate and keep it on record
Important: Do NOT let your 24-month period lapse. If it does, you must retake the full UAG knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center (~$175 fee) to regain currency. That's the same test you took to get certified originally. Source: 14 CFR ยง 107.65
---
What Happens If You Let Your Currency Lapse? {#currency-lapse}
If more than 24 months pass without completing recurrent training:
| Situation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Flying commercially while lapsed | Federal aviation violation โ civil penalties apply |
| Restoring currency | Must retake and pass UAG knowledge test (~$175) |
| Certificate itself | Remains valid; currency is separate from the certificate |
This is one of the most common โ and most avoidable โ compliance failures in the industry. MmowW was built in part to eliminate this exact problem.
---
How MmowW Keeps You Current {#mmoww-section}
MmowW Drone SaaS โ designed by Gyoseishoshi compliance specialists โ automatically manages your Part 107 currency:
- 24-month countdown: Starts from your last recurrent training date
- Smart reminders: Alerts at 60 days, 30 days, 14 days, and 7 days before expiry
- Direct link to ALC-677: One click to start your free recurrent course
- Multi-pilot management: Fleet operators can track currency for every Remote Pilot in their organization
- Before MmowW: Calendar reminders, spreadsheets, or hoping you remember
- After MmowW: Automated alerts โ never lapse again
$5.69 per aircraft / month manages registration, currency, flight logs, and Remote ID compliance.
---
FAQ {#faq}
Can I take the Part 107 test online from home?
No. The UAG knowledge test must be taken in person at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. This is a federal requirement to ensure test integrity. PSI and AeroKnowledge operate hundreds of testing centers nationwide. Source: FAA Part 107 certification process
I hold a manned aircraft pilot certificate. Can I skip the test?
Yes, with conditions. If you hold a Part 61 pilot certificate (other than student pilot) and have completed a flight review within the past 24 months, you can take a free online training course (Part 61 Pilot pathway) instead of the in-person UAG test. However, you still need to apply through IACRA. Source: 14 CFR ยง 107.63
How long is the Temporary Airman Certificate valid?
The Temporary Airman Certificate is valid for 120 days from issuance โ more than enough time for your permanent certificate to arrive. If your permanent certificate hasn't arrived after 60 days, contact the FAA Airmen Certification Branch. Source: FAA Airmen Certification
Can I fly commercially the same day I pass the test?
Not quite โ you need to complete the IACRA application and receive your Temporary Airman Certificate first. But since IACRA processing is typically same-day or next-day, you can realistically be flying commercially within 24โ48 hours of passing your test. Source: FAA IACRA
Do I need separate certification for each type of drone I fly?
No. One Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate covers all small UAS operations under 55 lbs, regardless of drone brand or type. Your aircraft must still be individually registered with the FAA, but the certificate is universal. Source: 14 CFR ยง 107.61
---
Summary {#summary}
Getting your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in 2026:
- Eligibility: Age 16+, English-proficient, TSA-clearable
- Test: 60-question UAG exam, 70% passing score, ~$175 at FAA-approved testing center
- Application: FAA IACRA online โ Temporary Certificate issued immediately
- Physical card: Arrives by mail in 4โ6 weeks
- Currency: Free ALC-677 course every 24 months โ do NOT let it lapse
- Commercial flying: Legal as soon as you have your Temporary Certificate
Related Articles
- Part 107 Explained: The Complete Guide to Commercial Drone Operations in the US (2026)
- Part 107 Knowledge Test: 50 Practice Questions with FAA-Sourced Answers
- Part 107 Recurrent Training: Your 24-Month Renewal Checklist
- FAA Drone Registration 2026: DroneZone Walkthrough and $5 Fee Explained
- Remote ID for Drones: What You Must Broadcast (14 CFR Part 89 Complete Guide)
---
CTA
Ready to comply in just 3 seconds?
MmowW Drone SaaS tracks your Part 107 currency, aircraft registrations, flight logs, and Remote ID compliance โ all in one place.
$5.69 per aircraft / month ยท 14-day free trial ยท No credit card required
Start Free Trial โ*The Gyoseishoshi for the US drone pilot.*
---
Disclaimer
This information is provided for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For official FAA regulations, please consult faa.gov/uas. MmowW acts as a compliance assistance platform โ operators remain fully responsible for their compliance with applicable regulations.
References
- FAA Part 107 (14 CFR Part 107): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-107
- FAA IACRA: https://iacra.faa.gov/
- FAA DroneZone: https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/
- FAA Safety Team (FAAST): https://www.faasafety.gov/
- FAA UAS Home: https://www.faa.gov/uas/
- โ Initial publication
Drone compliance, simplified ๐ฎ
Flight logs, technical logbooks, audit-ready exports โ all automated
Credit card not required ยท 14-day free trial
Was this article helpful? Let us know:
๐ฎ Was this article helpful? Let us know:
Your feedback helps us improve. Our AI team (Poppo ๐ฆ) reviews every submission.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or regulatory advice. Regulations change frequently โ always verify with the relevant aviation authority (CAA) for the most current requirements. MmowW automates compliance tracking but does not replace professional consultation where required by law.
What is MmowW? ๐ฎ
Drones. Food safety. All compliance in one place.
Operated by Sawai Gyoseishoshi Office โ making global compliance blissfully simple.
Discover MmowW โ