If you fly a drone for anything other than pure recreation, you need an FAA remote pilot certificate under Part 107, often called a “drone license”. This guide explains who needs it, how the knowledge test works and the steps to get certified.

Who needs it

Anyone flying a drone for something other than pure recreation: real estate photos, roof and tower inspections, mapping, video for a business or any paid job. Recreational flyers don’t need Part 107. Instead, they take the FAA’s free Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), carry proof of completion and follow the recreational rules.

The test

The Unmanned Aircraft General, Small (UAG) knowledge test has 60 multiple-choice questions and a 2-hour time limit. You need 70% to pass, so at least 42 right. You take it in person at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center, and you must be at least 14 to take it (16 to receive the certificate).

Some questions refer to figures in the FAA’s testing supplement (FAA-CT-8080-2H), such as sectional chart excerpts and weather reports. You get the supplement at the test.

Steps to get certified

1. Create a profile in IACRA, the FAA’s online system, to get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN).
2. Schedule the test with the FAA’s testing provider, PSI.
3. Pass the test.
4. Apply for your remote pilot certificate in IACRA. The TSA runs a security check before the certificate is issued.

If you fail

You can retake the test after 14 calendar days. Bring the failed test report to the testing center; no instructor sign-off is needed.

Keeping your certificate

The certificate doesn’t expire, but to keep flying under it you must complete the FAA’s free online recurrent training every 24 calendar months.

How hard is the Part 107 test?

For most people the rules (altitude limits, visual line of sight, flying over people, waivers) are the easy part. The hard part is the aviation knowledge: reading sectional charts and airspace classes, decoding METAR and TAF weather reports, and loading and performance. If you’ve never flown a manned aircraft, those will be new, so give them the most time.

How to study

If you have two weeks: spend the first week on regulations and airspace, including reading sectional charts, and the second week on weather, loading and performance, then take full practice tests.

If you have four weeks: add a week just for sectional charts and a week of full timed practice tests using the testing supplement figures, until you score well above 70%.

Start with free practice on the home page.