How to Get Part 107 Certification from Start to Finish

To get Part 107 certification, meet the eligibility rules and submit FAA Form 8710-13 through IACRA for TSA vetting. If you hold a Part 61 pilot certificate, aren’t a student pilot, and have a current flight review, you can complete FAA online training instead of taking the initial test.

Complete the Part 107 certification process

1. Confirm your certification route. Decide whether you’ll take the initial knowledge test or qualify for the Part 61 alternative: you must hold a Part 61 pilot certificate, be other than a student pilot, and have a current flight review to use that alternative.

2. Get your FAA Tracking Number. Create an IACRA profile before registering for the initial test; IACRA displays your FTN and sends it by email.

3. Schedule and pass the UAG test. Use your FTN to create a profile with the FAA-designated testing provider, then book the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. If you don’t qualify for the Part 61 alternative, you must take the initial test in person, not online. Bring government-issued photo identification.

4. Submit FAA Form 8710-13 in IACRA. After passing, select “Pilot” and “Remote Pilot,” enter the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID, electronically sign, and submit the application. If you used the Part 61 alternative, complete the applicable FAA online training instead of taking the initial test.

5. Wait for TSA security vetting. The FAA conducts the security check as part of the certificate process. The FAA anticipates issuing a temporary certificate within 10 business days after receiving a completed application, subject to vetting; that timing isn’t guaranteed. Once the background check is complete, you’ll receive an email with instructions to print the temporary certificate from IACRA.

6. Receive your permanent certificate. The FAA mails it after processing is complete. Its FAQ describes application validation within 10 days and a temporary certificate valid for 120 days while the permanent certificate is mailed; treat these as processing expectations, not guaranteed deadlines.

Meet the eligibility and exam requirements

You must be at least 16 years old to take the initial Part 107 knowledge test, and you must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English and be physically and mentally able to safely operate a small unmanned aircraft (FAA).

Before you register for the test, create an IACRA profile to get your FAA Tracking Number (FTN); IACRA displays the number and emails it to you. You’ll use the FTN to create a profile with the FAA-designated testing provider and schedule your exam at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center.

The initial test is the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam, with 60 questions and a 2-hour time limit. You need a score of at least 70% to pass. Bring government-issued photo identification to the test center.

For applicants who don’t qualify for the Part 61 alternative, the UAG exam must be taken in person at an FAA-designated Knowledge Testing Center; it isn’t available online. Prior drone-flying experience and documented training before the exam aren’t required.

This is an alternative to the test, not an online version of the UAG exam.

Keep your remote pilot certificate current

Your Remote Pilot Certificate doesn’t expire unless it’s revoked, but you must complete FAA recurrent training within the previous 24 calendar months to keep exercising your Part 107 privileges. This is an ongoing recency requirement for certificated pilots, separate from earning your initial certificate.

For most remote pilots, complete the FAA’s Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent course, ALC-677. If you hold a Part 61 certificate and have a current flight review, complete ALC-515 instead. Both are online FAA training courses that satisfy the recurrent-training requirement for the applicable pilot group.

After you finish, keep proof of course completion available. Track the 24-calendar-month interval from your training completion so you can complete the next course before your recency lapses.

Complete the applicable FAA recurrent course before flying under Part 107 again, then keep the completion proof available. Recurrent training maintains the recency needed to use your certificate; it doesn’t replace the initial certification process.

Part 107 requirements at a glance

Part 107 requirements cover age, English and fitness eligibility, the initial knowledge test, the IACRA application, and recurrent training. The table lists the confirmed requirements and steps; the Part 61 alternative applies only to eligible certificate holders.

The initial test is an in-person requirement for applicants who don’t qualify for the Part 61 alternative; it isn’t offered online to them. Eligible Part 61 certificate holders with a current flight review can use FAA online training instead of the initial test, but this is a separate route.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a Part 107 certificate?

The required steps are to pass the UAG knowledge test and submit FAA Form 8710-13 through IACRA, but the requirements don’t specify a test fee or total certification cost. Check the FAA-designated testing provider’s current fee when booking, since you’ll schedule the exam through that provider.

How soon can you retake the Part 107 test after failing?

The FAA’s stated requirements don’t set a waiting period before you retake the UAG test. You’ll need to schedule another in-person appointment through the FAA-designated testing provider, and you must score at least 70% to pass.

What topics are covered on the Part 107 knowledge test?

The UAG test covers aeronautical knowledge required for a Remote Pilot Certificate, but the requirements don’t list its individual subject areas.

How do you study for the Part 107 exam?

Use FAA Part 107 study materials and practice the aeronautical knowledge needed for the UAG exam; prior drone-flying experience or documented pre-test training isn’t required.

What can you do with a Part 107 remote pilot certificate?

A Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate lets you operate a drone under Part 107, provided you meet the rules for exercising its privileges. The certificate doesn’t expire unless revoked, but you must complete applicable FAA recurrent training within the previous 24 calendar months to stay current.

Conclusion

If you’re eligible for the Part 61 alternative, use the FAA online training route; otherwise, start by creating an IACRA profile and getting your FTN so you can book the in-person UAG test. After you pass or complete the alternative training, submit Form 8710-13 in IACRA and watch for the FAA’s certificate instructions. Once you’re certified, set a reminder tied to your recurrent-training completion date and finish the applicable course before your recency lapses.

Sources

1. Become a Certificated Remote Pilot (faa.gov)
2. faa.gov (faa.gov)
3. faa.gov (faa.gov)
4. iacra.faa.gov (iacra.faa.gov)
5. faa.gov (faa.gov)
6. faa.gov (faa.gov)
7. faa.gov (faa.gov)