What Is Part 107 Certification?

Part 107 refers to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR Part 107), the federal regulation that governs commercial use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the United States. Enacted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in August 2016, Part 107 created a framework for small unmanned aircraft operations under 55 pounds without requiring a traditional pilot's license.

The Remote Pilot Certificate is the official credential you receive after passing the Part 107 Knowledge Test. This certificate authorizes you to operate small unmanned aircraft for commercial purposes, including aerial photography, real estate marketing, construction site monitoring, agricultural surveys, and countless other business applications.

Part 107 vs. Recreational Flying: Key Differences

Part 107 Commercial Operations

Requires: Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Aircraft Registration: Required for all UAS operations
Operating Limitations: Specific altitude, distance, and airspace restrictions
Allowed Activities: Any commercial use including photography, surveys, inspections
Renewal: Certificate valid for 24 months, recurrent training required
Airspace Access: Can request authorizations for controlled airspace

Recreational Flying (Exception)

Requires: The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Aircraft Registration: Required for aircraft over 0.55 pounds
Operating Limitations: Must follow community-based organization guidelines
Allowed Activities: Purely recreational use only - no commercial benefit
Renewal: TRUST certificate never expires
Airspace Access: Limited access to controlled airspace

Critical Legal Distinction:

If you receive any compensation, benefit, or consideration for your drone operations - including social media monetization, real estate marketing, or business promotion - you are conducting commercial operations and must hold a Part 107 certificate. The FAA defines "commercial" very broadly.

Part 107 Eligibility Requirements

The FAA has established specific eligibility criteria for Part 107 certification. These requirements are designed to ensure that remote pilots have the necessary maturity, responsibility, and physical capability to operate unmanned aircraft safely in the National Airspace System.

Mandatory Eligibility Criteria

Basic Requirements

• Age: Minimum 16 years old
• Language: Able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• Physical Condition: No physical or mental condition that would interfere with safe operation
• Knowledge Test: Pass the Part 107 initial aeronautical knowledge test
• Background Check: TSA security threat assessment (conducted during application)

Disqualifying Factors

• Drug/Alcohol Convictions: Recent violations may disqualify
• Mental Health Issues: Conditions affecting judgment or decision-making
• Vision Problems: Uncorrectable vision that prevents safe operation
• Federal Violations: Previous FAA certificate suspensions or revocations
• Security Concerns: Failure to pass TSA background check

Special Cases and Exemptions

Certain individuals may qualify for expedited or alternative certification paths based on existing aviation credentials or military experience.

Alternative Certification Paths:

• Current Pilot Certificate Holders: Pilots with valid Part 61 certificates can complete online training instead of taking the knowledge test
• Military Pilots: May qualify for expedited processing with appropriate documentation
• Flight Instructors: Can provide Part 107 training and endorsements to other pilots
• International Pilots: Foreign pilots must still complete full Part 107 requirements for US operations

Part 107 Knowledge Test Overview

The Part 107 Knowledge Test is a computer-based examination administered at FAA-approved testing centers nationwide. Understanding the exam structure, content areas, and scoring system is essential for developing an effective study strategy.

Exam Structure and Statistics

Multiple Choice Questions

120

Minutes Time Limit

70%

Minimum Passing Score

Exam Content Breakdown

Airspace & Requirements: 25-30% (15-18 questions)
Weather Systems: 20-25% (12-15 questions)
Regulations & Procedures: 15-20% (9-12 questions)
Performance & Loading: 10-15% (6-9 questions)
Operations: 10-15% (6-9 questions)
Human Factors: 5-10% (3-6 questions)

National Pass Rates

Overall Pass Rate: ~85% (first attempt)
Well-Prepared Candidates: ~95% pass rate
Inadequate Preparation: ~60% pass rate
Retake Success: ~92% pass on second attempt
Average Score: 78-82% for passing candidates
Study Time Correlation: 40+ hours = 95% pass rate

Test Center Experience

Part 107 exams are administered at PSI Services testing centers located throughout the United States. Understanding what to expect on test day reduces anxiety and helps ensure peak performance.

Test Day Procedures:

Check-In Process

• Arrive 30 minutes before scheduled time
• Bring valid government-issued photo ID
• Provide confirmation number from registration
• Complete identity verification and palm scan
• Secure all personal items in provided locker

Testing Environment

• Computer-based testing in monitored room
• All reference materials provided on screen
• Scratch paper and pencil provided
• No personal calculators or materials allowed
• Proctors monitor throughout entire exam

Cost Breakdown and Financial Planning

Obtaining your Part 107 certification involves several mandatory costs plus optional study materials and training resources. Understanding the complete financial picture helps you budget appropriately and choose cost-effective preparation methods.

Complete Cost Analysis

Mandatory Costs

Knowledge Test Fee $175.00

FTN (Federal Testing Network) Fee Included

TSA Security Threat Assessment Included

Certificate Processing Free

Total Mandatory $175.00

Optional Study Costs

FAA Study Materials Free

Commercial Study Course $150-$500

Practice Test Software $40-$100

Study Books/Guides $30-$80

Online Training Platform $100-$300

Recommended Budget $200-$400

Hidden Costs to Consider:

• Retake Fee: Additional $175 if you fail the first attempt
• Travel Costs: Gas, parking, or lodging for distant testing centers
• Lost Income: Time away from work for studying and testing
• Recurrent Training: $150-$300 every 24 months for certificate renewal

Conclusion: Your Path to Part 107 Success

Part 107 certification represents a significant milestone that transforms hobby flying into professional opportunities. The knowledge and skills required extend far beyond simple drone operation - you're becoming an airspace professional responsible for safe integration with manned aircraft, weather assessment, and regulatory compliance.

This comprehensive training series provides everything you need to not just pass the exam, but to become a competent, confident commercial drone operator. Each subsequent part builds upon this foundation, taking you from certification overview to mastery of specific knowledge areas that appear on the exam. Remember that the goal isn't just to pass a test - it's to develop the expertise that keeps you, your equipment, and the flying public safe while building a successful drone operation.

Ready for Part 2? Continue Your Training:

Next up: Mastering Part 107 Regulations & Operational Limitations - where we dive deep into the specific rules that govern your commercial operations. This is where strong regulation knowledge pays dividends on exam day.

Continue to Part 2 Subscribe for Updates

Educational Disclaimer: This training series provides educational content based on current FAA regulations and best practices. Always verify current requirements with official FAA sources before taking your exam. Regulations can change, and this content is supplementary to official FAA study materials.

Last updated: September 14, 2025 | Based on current Part 107 regulations and exam structure

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