MmowW's Vice Director Pippo here ๐Ÿฆ‰ The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is your legal requirement for commercial drone work in the United States. This guide walks you through every step โ€” from eligibility check to holding your permanent certificate โ€” using only official FAA procedures. No shortcuts, no confusion.

Quick Takeaways
  • The entire process from study start to temporary certificate can take as little as 2 weeks
  • The UAG knowledge test costs approximately $175 at an FAA-approved testing center
  • You need to score 70% or higher (42 out of 60 questions) to pass
  • After passing, you apply through IACRA and receive a temporary certificate immediately
  • Existing Part 61 pilots can skip the written test entirely

Table of Contents

  1. Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
  2. Step 2: Study for the UAG Knowledge Test
  3. Step 3: Schedule and Take the Exam
  4. Step 4: Apply Through IACRA
  5. Step 5: TSA Background Check and Certificate Issuance
  6. The Part 61 Streamlined Path
  7. Frequently Asked Questions

    8.

    Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

    Before investing time and money in exam preparation, verify that you meet all four eligibility requirements under 14 CFR Section 107.61.

    The Four Requirements

    1. Age: 16 years or older. There is no upper age limit. You must be at least 16 on the day you take the knowledge test.

    1. English proficiency. You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English. The FAA does not specify a particular proficiency test โ€” this is a self-certification tied to your ability to safely operate in the National Airspace System, communicate with ATC if needed, and understand regulatory documents.

    1. Physical and mental condition. You must be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a small unmanned aircraft. Unlike manned aircraft, Part 107 does not require a medical certificate. However, if you know of a condition that would prevent safe operation, you are legally required not to fly.

    1. TSA security threat assessment. Upon applying for your certificate through IACRA, the TSA conducts a background check. Certain criminal convictions or immigration status issues may disqualify you. The TSA assessment happens automatically as part of the application process โ€” you do not need to apply separately.

    Common Mistake: Some applicants assume they need an FAA medical certificate. Part 107 explicitly does not require one. The "physical and mental condition" requirement under Section 107.61 is a self-assessment, not a formal medical examination.

    Step 2: Study for the UAG Knowledge Test

    The knowledge test is called "Unmanned Aircraft General โ€“ Small" (UAG). It is the only exam-based barrier between you and your Remote Pilot Certificate.

    Test Specifications

    Specification Detail
    Official exam name Unmanned Aircraft General โ€“ Small (UAG)
    Number of questions 60 multiple-choice
    Time limit 2 hours
    Passing score 70% (42 out of 60 correct)
    Fee Approximately $175 (paid to the testing center)
    Location FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Centers nationwide

    Topics Covered

    The UAG exam draws from the following subject areas. Weight your study time accordingly โ€” airspace and regulations typically account for the most questions.

    1. Airspace classification and operating requirements โ€” Classes A, B, C, D, E, and G; LAANC procedures; controlled vs. uncontrolled airspace; special use airspace
    2. 14 CFR Part 107 regulations โ€” operational rules, certification requirements, waivers
    3. 14 CFR Part 89 Remote ID โ€” broadcast requirements, compliance pathways, enforcement
    4. Weather and meteorology โ€” METARs, TAFs, wind, visibility, cloud types, density altitude effects on performance
    5. Loading and performance โ€” center of gravity, weight limits, payload effects, density altitude
    6. Radio communications โ€” phraseology, frequencies, ATC communication procedures
    7. Crew resource management โ€” workload management, situational awareness, communication with visual observers
    8. Emergency procedures โ€” lost link, flyaway, battery failure, airspace intrusion response
    9. Aeronautical decision-making โ€” risk assessment, IMSAFE checklist, hazard identification
    10. Airport operations โ€” runway markings, traffic patterns, right-of-way rules near airports
    11. Maintenance and preflight inspection โ€” Section 107.49 requirements, airworthiness determination

    Study Resources

    Tip: The FAA publishes a free study guide specifically for the UAG exam. This is your primary resource. Supplement with sectional chart reading practice โ€” many test-takers report that airspace identification from sectional charts is the most challenging portion of the exam.

    Free official resources:
    • FAA Remote Pilot Study Guide (free PDF at faa.gov)
    • FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement (charts and figures used during the exam)
    • ALC training modules on the FAA Safety Team website

    Study timeline: Most test-takers report 20-40 hours of study over 2-4 weeks. If you have prior aviation knowledge, the timeline may be shorter.

    Study Tips from the Field

    • Master sectional charts first. Learn to identify airspace boundaries, airport symbols, and restricted areas by sight. The exam provides chart excerpts โ€” you need to read them fluently.
    • Know the numbers cold. 400 ft AGL altitude limit, 100 mph speed limit, 3 statute miles visibility, 500 ft below clouds, 2,000 ft horizontal from clouds, civil twilight boundaries. These operational limits under Section 107.51 appear repeatedly.
    • Understand weather reports. Practice decoding METAR and TAF reports. The exam tests whether you can extract wind speed, visibility, ceiling, and temperature from real weather data.
    • Practice with timed conditions. You have 2 hours for 60 questions โ€” that is 2 minutes per question. Comfortable time for most, but chart questions can consume more.

      •

      Step 3: Schedule and Take the Exam

      Finding a Testing Center

      FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Centers are located throughout the United States. These include PSI Exams (formerly CATS/LaserGrade) locations, many community colleges, and flight schools. Search for testing centers through the FAA's approved testing center list at faa.gov.

      Scheduling

      Book your exam directly with the testing center. Most centers offer scheduling online or by phone. Popular times fill quickly โ€” book at least 1-2 weeks in advance.

      What to Bring on Test Day

      Test Day Checklist:
      • Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
      • Your testing center confirmation or appointment number
      • No personal electronics allowed in the testing room
      • The testing center provides all materials โ€” scratch paper, calculator, and the FAA Testing Supplement with charts and figures

      During the Exam

      • You will sit at a computer terminal in a proctored environment
      • 60 multiple-choice questions, 2-hour time limit
      • You can flag questions and return to them before submitting
      • Reference materials (FAA Testing Supplement) are provided โ€” you do not need to memorize every chart
      • Results are provided immediately upon completion

      After Passing

      When you pass, the testing center gives you a printed exam report showing your score. This document is critical โ€” you will need the exam ID number for your IACRA application. Keep this report in a safe place.

      Common Mistake: Losing the exam report before completing the IACRA application. Take a photo of it immediately. Without the exam ID, your IACRA application will be delayed.

      If You Don't Pass

      Step 4: Apply Through IACRA

      IACRA โ€” the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application โ€” is the FAA's online system for airman certificate applications. This is where your exam pass becomes an actual Remote Pilot Certificate.

      IACRA Application Steps
      1. Go to iacra.faa.gov and create an account (if you don't have one)
      2. Select application type: "Remote Pilot Certificate" under 14 CFR Part 107
      3. Enter your personal information, FTN (FAA Tracking Number), and UAG exam ID
      4. Sign the application electronically
      5. The system automatically initiates a TSA security threat assessment
      6. Temporary certificate is available for download immediately after submission

      Important IACRA Details

      • Your FTN (FAA Tracking Number) is assigned when you first register in the FAA system โ€” you may have received one when registering your drone on DroneZone. If you don't have an FTN, IACRA will create one during the application.
      • The exam ID from your test report links your passing score to the application.
      • Electronic signature is sufficient โ€” no paper forms or notarization required.

        •

        Step 5: TSA Background Check and Certificate Issuance

        TSA Security Threat Assessment

        The TSA background check is initiated automatically when you submit your IACRA application. You do not file a separate application with the TSA. The assessment typically takes a few days to several weeks. During this time, the TSA verifies your identity and checks for disqualifying factors. Most applicants clear without issues.

        Temporary Certificate

        Upon submitting your IACRA application, you can download a temporary Remote Pilot Certificate. This temporary certificate is valid for 120 days and allows you to begin commercial operations immediately โ€” you do not need to wait for the permanent card.

        Permanent Certificate

        After the TSA clears your background check and the FAA processes your application, a permanent plastic Remote Pilot Certificate is mailed to the address on file. This typically takes 6-8 weeks from the date of your IACRA application. The permanent certificate has no expiration date printed on it โ€” because it does not expire. However, you must maintain currency through recurrent training (see below).

        Maintaining Your Certificate: ALC-677 Recurrent Training

        Under 14 CFR Section 107.65, you must complete the ALC-677 recurrent training course every 24 calendar months to maintain your aeronautical knowledge currency.

        • Course name: ALC-677 "Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent"
        • Cost: Free
        • Format: Online, self-paced
        • Exam: None โ€” completion-based
        • Cycle: Every 24 calendar months from your last test or training completion

        The Part 61 Streamlined Path

        If you already hold a pilot certificate under 14 CFR Part 61 (private pilot, commercial pilot, airline transport pilot, etc.) with a current flight review, you qualify for a simplified process.

        Part 61 Pilot Streamlined Path
        1. Complete the free ALC online training course (no written test required)
        2. Apply through IACRA with your Part 61 certificate information
        3. TSA background check (same as standard applicants)
        4. Receive temporary certificate immediately; permanent card mailed

        This path saves both time and money โ€” you skip the ~$175 UAG exam entirely. The rationale is that Part 61 pilots already possess the aeronautical knowledge foundation that the UAG exam tests.

        Tip: Even with the streamlined path, you must still complete the ALC-677 recurrent training every 24 calendar months. Part 61 and Part 107 currency requirements are independent โ€” maintaining your manned aircraft flight review does not satisfy the Part 107 recurrent requirement.

        Frequently Asked Questions

        How much does the entire Part 107 certification process cost?

        The primary cost is the UAG knowledge test at approximately $175. The IACRA application is free. The TSA background check is free. ALC-677 recurrent training is free. Total cost for initial certification: approximately $175. Part 61 pilots pay $0 (no exam required).

        How long is the Part 107 certificate valid?

        The certificate itself is permanent and never expires. Your aeronautical knowledge currency requires renewal every 24 calendar months through the free ALC-677 online course. If currency lapses, complete the course to regain privileges โ€” no re-examination is needed.

        Can a 16-year-old get a Part 107 certificate?

        Yes. The minimum age under 14 CFR Section 107.61 is 16 years. There is no parental consent requirement specified in the regulation, but the testing center may have its own policies for minors.

        What if I fail the knowledge test?

        You can retake the UAG exam after a 14-day waiting period. There is no limit on the number of retake attempts. Each attempt costs approximately $175. Review your exam report to identify weak areas and focus your study accordingly.

        Do I need to register my drone separately from getting my pilot certificate?

        Yes. Pilot certification (Part 107) and aircraft registration (FAA DroneZone) are separate processes. You need both. Registration costs $5 per aircraft for commercial operators and is valid for 3 years. Register at faadronezone-access.faa.gov.

        Can I fly commercially with just the temporary certificate?

        Yes. The temporary Remote Pilot Certificate issued through IACRA is valid for 120 days and carries the same privileges as the permanent card. You can begin commercial operations as soon as you have your temporary certificate, your drone is registered, and your aircraft complies with Remote ID requirements.

        Summary

        Getting your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is a straightforward process: confirm eligibility, study the material, pass the 60-question UAG exam at 70% or better, apply through IACRA, and clear the TSA background check. The total cost is approximately $175, and most applicants complete the process within 2-6 weeks. Once certified, keep your currency active by completing the free ALC-677 online recurrent training every 24 calendar months. The certificate itself never expires โ€” but your legal authority to fly commercially does if you miss the recurrent deadline.

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        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

        1. FAA Become a Drone Pilot โ€” https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot
        2. 14 CFR Section 107.61 Eligibility โ€” https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-107/subpart-C/section-107.61
        3. 14 CFR Section 107.65 Aeronautical Knowledge Recency โ€” https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-107/subpart-C/section-107.65
        4. FAA DroneZone Registration โ€” https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/
        5. FAA Recurrent Training Announcement โ€” https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/recurrent-training-courses-drone-pilots-available-online
        6. FAA UAS Main Portal โ€” https://www.faa.gov/uas
        7. 14 CFR Part 107 Full Text โ€” https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-107

        ๐Ÿ“ Update History
        • โ€” Initial publication
        โš ๏ธ Disclaimer

        This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Drone regulations change frequently โ€” always verify current requirements directly with FAA. MmowW provides compliance assistance tools and is not a substitute for professional advice where required.

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