You need an FAA Part 107 certificate to fly a drone commercially, and it requires passing a written test

If you want to fly a drone for money — whether that's aerial photography, inspections, or delivery — the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires you to hold a Part 107 certificate. This is a real credential issued by the FAA, not a company certification or online badge. You get it by studying the rules, passing a multiple-choice exam at an FAA-approved testing center, and paying a fee.

If you fly drones only for personal use — recording your own videos, flying for fun in your backyard — you do not need this certificate. But the moment you accept payment or use the drone for any business purpose, you cross into commercial territory and the certificate becomes required by law.

Key Takeaways

  • The FAA Part 107 certificate is required to fly drones commercially and is obtained by passing a written exam at an FAA-approved testing center.
  • You must be at least 16 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and able to read and speak English to take the exam.
  • Study materials cover airspace rules, weather, aircraft performance, and safety procedures — the exam has 60 questions and you need a score of 70 percent or higher to pass.
  • The exam costs between $150 and $175 depending on the testing center, and you can retake it if you do not pass the first time.
  • After passing, your certificate is valid for two years, then you must pass a recurrent exam to renew it.

Who can take the Part 107 exam

You must meet basic requirements before you can sit for the test. You need to be at least 16 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and able to read, write, and speak English. You also need a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — to present at the testing center.

There is no prior experience requirement. You do not need to have flown a drone before, though many people study on their own or take a ground school course first. The exam tests knowledge, not hands-on flying ability.

What the Part 107 exam covers

The exam is 60 multiple-choice questions covering four main areas. The first is airspace and regulations — which airspace you can fly in, altitude limits, and distance rules from people and property. The second is weather and how it affects drone flight, including wind, visibility, and precipitation. The third is aircraft performance — how drones behave, battery life, and what happens when things go wrong. The fourth is safety and procedures, including emergency protocols and how to handle equipment failures.

You have two hours to complete the exam. You need a score of 70 percent or higher to pass, which means you can miss 18 questions and still receive your certificate. If you do not pass, you can retake the exam, but you must wait 14 days before your next attempt.

How to study for the exam

The FAA publishes the official study material free on its website — a document called the "Airman Certification Standards for Part 107." This covers everything that will appear on the exam. Many people also use third-party study guides, practice tests, and video courses, which are sold by various companies and range from free to several hundred dollars.

Ground school courses — either online or in-person — walk you through the material with an instructor. These typically cost $200 to $500 and take a few days to a week. They are not required, but they help many people understand the concepts faster than self-study alone. Some people combine ground school with independent study using practice tests to fill gaps.

The FAA also maintains a list of approved testing centers on its website. You can search by location and book your exam slot directly with the center. Most centers allow you to schedule weeks in advance, though some have openings within a few days.

Taking the exam and what happens after you pass

On exam day, arrive at the testing center with your photo ID and any materials the center requires. You will take the exam on a computer at the center. Results are usually available immediately after you finish — you will know whether you passed before you leave.

If you pass, the testing center prints a temporary certificate on the spot. This temporary certificate is valid for 120 days while the FAA processes your permanent certificate. The permanent certificate arrives by mail and is valid for two years from the date it is issued. You can fly commercially as soon as you have the temporary certificate — you do not have to wait for the permanent one.

Your certificate shows you are authorized to fly drones for commercial purposes under Part 107 rules. It does not mean you can fly anywhere or do anything — you still must follow airspace restrictions, notify air traffic control in certain areas, and obey local laws. But it means you have demonstrated knowledge of those rules to the FAA.

Renewing your certificate after two years

When your certificate is about to expire, you must pass a recurrent exam to renew it. This exam covers the same material as the initial exam and costs the same fee. You can take the recurrent exam up to 90 days before your certificate expires, so you have time to schedule it without losing your authorization to fly.

If your certificate expires before you renew, you cannot fly commercially until you pass the recurrent exam and receive a new certificate. The FAA does not have a grace period for expired certificates.

Costs and timeline

The exam fee ranges from $150 to $175 depending on which testing center you use. This is the only fee required by the FAA. Study materials vary — official FAA materials are free, but ground school courses and third-party study guides add cost if you choose to use them.

The timeline depends on how quickly you study and how soon you can schedule an exam. Some people pass within a week or two of starting to study. Others take several weeks. Once you pass, you have a temporary certificate immediately and the permanent certificate within a few weeks. There is no waiting list or processing delay beyond the mail delivery time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly drones commercially without a Part 107 certificate?

No. The FAA requires a Part 107 certificate for any commercial drone operation. Flying without one when you are being paid is illegal and can result in fines up to $27,500. The only exception is if you are flying under a specific FAA waiver or exemption, which is rare and requires a separate application.

What if I fail the exam the first time?

You can retake it after waiting 14 days. There is no limit to how many times you can attempt the exam. Many people pass on the second or third try after studying the areas where they struggled. Each retake costs the same fee as the initial exam.

Do I need a Part 107 certificate to fly a drone for fun in my backyard?

No. The certificate is only required for commercial use. If you fly purely for personal recreation and never accept payment, you do not need it. You still must follow basic FAA rules like keeping the drone in sight and not flying near airports, but you do not need the certificate.

How long does it take to get the permanent certificate after I pass the exam?

The FAA typically issues permanent certificates within two to four weeks of you passing the exam. Your temporary certificate is valid during this time, so you can start flying commercially right away. The permanent certificate arrives by mail.

Can I use my Part 107 certificate in other countries?

No. The Part 107 certificate is issued by the U.S. FAA and is only valid in U.S. airspace. Other countries have their own drone regulations and certification systems. If you plan to fly commercially abroad, you will need to research that country's requirements separately.