The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the starting point for most nonrecreational small-drone work in the United States. The flight’s purpose—not whether money changes hands—usually determines which rules apply. If you are preparing for the Unmanned Aircraft General–Small (UAG) test, focus on the FAA’s published knowledge areas, practice under realistic conditions, and remember that passing the test is only one step in becoming certificated.
When Part 107 Applies
Part 107 covers most civil small-UAS operations that do not qualify for the recreational exception. Common examples include real-estate photography, inspections, mapping, client work, and flights that support an employer or organization. Compensation is a useful warning sign, but it is not the only test: a flight can be nonrecreational even when nobody is paid.
A certificate does not automatically authorize every mission. Controlled-airspace access may still require FAA authorization, and operations at night, over people, or over moving vehicles must meet the applicable conditions. Some missions require a waiver, exemption, or another operating certificate.
Part 107 Exam Facts
The initial knowledge test is officially called Unmanned Aircraft General–Small (UAG). The FAA’s testing matrix specifies 60 multiple-choice questions, a two-hour time limit, and a 70% passing score. First-time applicants take it at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center after obtaining an FAA Tracking Number through IACRA. The testing provider displays the current fee during scheduling.
What to Study
The current FAA Airman Certification Standards organize the exam into five broad areas:
- Regulations — operating rules, pilot privileges, registration, Remote ID, and waivers
- Airspace and requirements — charts, classifications, authorizations, and flight restrictions
- Weather — reports, forecasts, atmospheric effects, and operational risk
- Loading and performance — weight, balance, aircraft performance, and battery considerations
- Operations — airport procedures, emergency response, crew coordination, decision-making, and maintenance
Use the FAA’s Remote Pilot Study Guide, Airman Certification Standards, and knowledge-testing supplement as your source of truth. Sectional-chart interpretation and aviation weather often need more than passive reading, so build in scored practice and review every missed answer.
Practice With the All About UAVs Prep Tool
Our free, independent Part 107 Pilot Prep tool provides practice quizzes, a 60-question timed mock exam, flashcards, weather exercises, and a sectional-chart trainer. Use it to identify weak areas, then verify the underlying rule or concept in the FAA materials.
The tool is an All About UAVs learning resource. It is not produced, approved, or endorsed by the FAA, and it does not replace the regulations or official testing guidance.
What Happens After You Pass
Passing the knowledge test does not make the applicant a certificated remote pilot immediately. Submit FAA Form 8710-13 through IACRA and wait for the TSA security check. The FAA says first-time applicants can print the temporary certificate after vetting; its current Part 107 information says this is generally within 10 business days, while the IACRA guide says about seven days. Do not act as remote pilot in command under Part 107 until the temporary or permanent certificate is available.
Before operating, register each aircraft as required through FAA DroneZone and carry the certificate during operations. To remain current, complete the applicable free FAA online recurrent training every 24 calendar months.
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