What is the FAA Part 107 Exam?
The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is required by the FAA for anyone who wants to fly drones commercially in the United States. It demonstrates you understand airspace, weather, regulations, and safe operations.
- 60 multiple-choice questions drawn from a bank of 300+ possible questions
- 2 hours to complete the exam (most finish in 60-90 minutes)
- 70% passing score required (42 correct answers minimum)
- Cost: $175 testing fee (non-refundable, payable at testing center)
- Results provided immediately after completing the exam
- Certificate valid for 24 months before recurrent test required
- Must be 16+ years old, able to read/write/speak English, physically and mentally fit
Exam Topics & Weight Distribution
Understanding the weight of each section helps you prioritize your study time for maximum efficiency.
- Regulations (15-25%): Operating rules, waivers, registration, Remote ID requirements
- Airspace & Requirements (15-25%): Classes A-G, controlled vs uncontrolled, NOTAMs, TFRs
- Weather (11-16%): METARs, TAFs, density altitude, fog formation, wind patterns
- Loading & Performance (7-11%): Weight and balance, center of gravity calculations
- Operations (35-45%): Safety procedures, crew resource management, emergency procedures
- Radio Communications (optional): Not heavily tested but understand basic phraseology
The Hardest Topics (Master These First)
These topics consistently trip up test-takers. Master these areas and you'll be well ahead of the average student.
- Sectional chart interpretation: airspace boundaries, obstacles, navigation symbols, legends
- METAR decoding: understanding all abbreviations (visibility, clouds, wind, pressure)
- TAF forecasts: knowing how to read terminal area forecasts and time periods
- Night operations: equipment requirements, lighting rules, visual illusions
- Airspace authorization: when LAANC is required, where you can fly without authorization
- Weight and balance: calculating if your drone is within limits with payload
- Density altitude: effects on performance at high altitude and hot temperatures
Recommended Study Timeline
Most people can adequately prepare in 2-4 weeks with consistent daily study of 1-2 hours.
- Week 1: Regulations fundamentals, airspace classifications, and basic terminology
- Week 2: Weather theory - atmosphere, METARs, TAFs, hazardous conditions
- Week 3: Sectional charts and operations/safety procedures
- Week 4: Practice tests daily, review weak areas, light review of all topics
- Day before: Light review only, get good sleep, don't cram
- Test day: Arrive early, bring two forms of ID, take your time on each question
Test-Taking Strategies
Beyond knowing the material, these strategies help you maximize your score on exam day.
- Read every question twice before looking at answers - many wrong answers come from misreading
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers first to improve your odds on uncertain questions
- Flag difficult questions and return to them after finishing easier ones
- For chart questions, take your time - use the legend and measure carefully
- Don't change answers unless you're certain - your first instinct is usually correct
- Use all available time - there's no bonus for finishing early
- If stuck between two answers, choose the more conservative/safety-focused option
What to Bring on Test Day
Being prepared on test day reduces stress and helps you focus entirely on the exam.
- Two forms of government-issued ID (driver's license + passport, for example)
- Your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) from IACRA registration
- Knowledge of your testing center location and parking situation
- Light snack and water for afterward (not allowed in testing room)
- Nothing else - no phones, watches, calculators, or notes allowed in testing room
- Arrive 15-30 minutes early for check-in procedures
After You Pass
Passing the exam is just the first step. Here's what happens next to get your actual certificate.
- You'll receive a temporary certificate at the testing center immediately
- Permanent certificate arrives by mail in 6-8 weeks (plastic card)
- Certificate is valid for 24 months from issue date
- Register your drone with FAA if over 0.55 lbs (250g) - required before flying
- Consider additional training for your specific niche (inspections, mapping, etc.)
- Start building your portfolio and marketing your services immediately
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