If you plan to use a drone for work, the Remote Pilot Certificate is as important as the drone. It is also something you can start on before you buy anything. This guide explains the Part 107 certification steps as the FAA describes them and how they affect your drone purchase.
Key takeaways
- The FAA requires a Remote Pilot Certificate for flying under Part 107.
- The steps: get an FAA Tracking Number, schedule and pass the knowledge test, then complete the application.
- Recurrent training is required every 24 calendar months to keep the certificate current.
Who is eligible
According to the FAA, to become a certificated remote pilot you must be at least 16 years old, be able to read, speak, write and understand English, be in a physical and mental condition to fly a drone safely, and pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test.
Step 1: Get an FAA Tracking Number
The FAA says to create a profile in its Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application system, called IACRA, to obtain an FAA Tracking Number before registering for the knowledge test.
Step 2: Schedule the knowledge test
The test is taken in person at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. Bring a government-issued photo ID. The test is called Unmanned Aircraft General – Small.
Step 3: Pass the test
The FAA lists the topics, which include regulations, airspace classification and restrictions, aviation weather sources and effects, drone loading and performance, emergency procedures, crew resource management, radio communication, the effects of drugs and alcohol, decision-making and judgment, airport operations, maintenance and preflight inspection, and night operations. The FAA publishes study materials, including a study guide.
Step 4: Complete the application
After passing, complete FAA Form 8710-13 in IACRA to apply for the Remote Pilot Certificate. Your certificate must be easily accessible whenever you fly under Part 107.
Keeping current
The FAA requires certificate holders to complete online recurrent training every 24 calendar months to maintain aeronautical knowledge recency. Put a reminder in your calendar the day you receive the certificate.
Steps at a glance
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| FAA Tracking Number | Create an IACRA profile |
| Schedule | Book at an FAA-approved testing center |
| Knowledge test | Pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small test |
| Application | Complete FAA Form 8710-13 in IACRA |
| Stay current | Online recurrent training every 24 calendar months |
Registering the work drone
The FAA says every drone flown under Part 107 must be registered in FAADroneZone, whatever its weight. It costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years. You will need the make and model, and the Remote ID serial number if the drone has Standard Remote ID. Mark the registration number on the outside of the drone. Each Part 107 drone gets its own registration number.
How certification affects the purchase
Studying for the test teaches you about airspace, weather and performance, which helps you judge drones. For work, favor drones with dependable positioning, good cameras, a steady supply of batteries and parts, and Standard Remote ID. Night operations are allowed under Part 107 when the rule’s requirements are met; the FAA’s rules include anti-collision lighting for night flight, so check lighting if you plan evening work.
Tip: Study before you buy the drone. The airspace section of the test changes how you think about where you will fly, which can change which drone you need.
Operations that need more
The FAA says some operations need a waiver, such as flying beyond visual line of sight or from a moving vehicle in certain cases, and flying in controlled airspace needs an airspace authorization, often through LAANC. Plan your typical jobs and check whether any would need extra approvals.
Which path fits
If you expect paid or organizational work within the next year, start the certification now. If work is only a possibility, you can begin with recreational flying and the TRUST test, but plan the switch before your first work job. See Hobby or Business? Why the Answer Changes the Drone Rules.
Preparing for the test
Many people prepare with the FAA’s own study guide and sample questions, reading a section at a time and practicing chart reading, which often takes the most effort. Sectional charts, airspace classes and weather reports are unfamiliar to most new pilots. Give yourself a few weeks of steady study rather than cramming, and book the test only when practice questions feel comfortable.
Common mistakes
- Buying a work drone first and leaving certification for later.
- Forgetting the 24-month recurrent training.
- Registering a work drone under the recreational path.
- Assuming a light drone does not need registration for work.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I take the Part 107 test?
At an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center, in person, with government-issued photo ID.
How often do I need recurrent training?
Every 24 calendar months, online.
Do I need to register a small drone for Part 107?
Yes. Every drone flown under Part 107 must be registered.
For work uses, see Drones for Real Estate Photos: What to Buy and What the FAA Requires.