Part 107 License Explained: Step-by-Step Guide to Pass the FAA Exam

So, you've got a drone. Now you've learned how to fly it without crashing into trees and captured amazing shots of your area. Now a thought arises: "Can I make money with this?"

The answer is, absolutely yes! But if you want to do business or paid work with your drone in the U.S., there's one important step: getting an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

I remember feeling quite overwhelmed when I first researched it. The FAA? Exams? Regulations? It all seemed like a very scary government process. But trust me, it's manageable. Don't treat it like a boring test – it's your golden ticket to unlocking the world of professional drone flying.

This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, from "What is this?" to "I passed!", in simple language. Get ready to launch your drone career!

Part 107 License Explained: Step-by-Step Guide to Pass the FAA Exam

What is a Part 107 Drone License?

First, let's clear up some confusion. Officially, it's not a "license" like a driver's license, it's actually a certificate. But everyone calls it a license, so we'll do the same.

In simple terms, a Part 107 license is an FAA rule that sets the rules for commercial drone flying. Obtaining a certificate means you've proven to the FAA that you understand aviation safety, airspace rules, and drone regulations.

What Counts as Commercial Drone Work?

What work counts as commercial? More than you might think,

Real Estate: Taking photos/videos of homes and properties

Weddings & Events: Capturing aerial footage of weddings or events

Inspections: Checking roofs, solar panels, or construction sites

Agriculture: Monitoring the health of crops

Photography/Filmmaking: Selling aerial photos or videos

Even if you take a photo of a friend's house and charge them $5, a license is technically required.

If money or any compensation is involved, a Part 107 license is required. The rules for hobby flying are different and a little easier.

Why Get Your Part 107 Drone License?

It's not just for legal reasons, getting this license is a game-changer.

Following the Law & Avoiding Fines: Flying commercially without a license can result in a fine of up to $10,000. The FAA doesn't joke.

Money-Making Opportunity: You can turn your hobby into a side hustle or a full-time career.

Becoming a Safe & Smart Pilot: You'll learn how to read airspace maps, understand weather reports, and fly safely around other aircraft.

Professional Credibility: Having a license gives client’s confidence that you're a professional, not just a guy with a fancy toy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Part 107 Certification

The process is fairly straightforward. Follow these steps and you'll easily clear it.

Step 1: Study for the FAA Knowledge Test

The main part of the FAA exam is the "Unmanned Aircraft General - Small (UAG)" test. There are 60 multiple-choice questions, and a score of 70% is required.

What Does the Test Cover:

• Drone Regulations: Rules, pre-flight checks, operational limits
• Airspace Classes: Class B, C, D, E, G, where you can fly and where you can't
• Weather & Meteorology: How weather affects drone flight, reading weather reports
• Drone Performance: Impact of battery life, weight, and flight time
• Emergency Procedures: What to do if something goes wrong
• Pilot Thinking: How to make safe decisions

My Study Tips:

• Take an Online Course (Highly Recommended): Pilot Institute's course is best for beginners. The videos are easy and engaging, and the pass rate is near 100%.
• Download the FAA's Free Study Guide: It tells you the exact topics that will appear on the test.
• Take Practice Tests: Keep practicing until you're consistently scoring 90%.
• Use Flashcards: This is the best trick for memorizing weather codes and airspace dimensions.

I personally studied for 1 hour every night for 3 weeks. The airspace and weather sections seemed a little tough, but the practice tests made everything clear.

Step 2: Schedule and Take the FAA Exam

Once you score well on the practice exams, schedule the real test.

• Create an account on the FAA's IACRA website and get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN).
• Find the nearest FAA-approved test center.
• Book a slot (cost approx. $175).
• Bring two IDs on test day. The result is immediately available, pass/fail.

Step 3: Apply for Your FAA Certificate

After passing, log in to IACRA and fill out the application. The FAA will process it and mail the physical card within a few weeks. In the meantime, you can print a temporary certificate and use it.

What Happens After You Get Your Part 107 License?

You’ve Got Your License… Now What?

The certificate is valid for two years. You must complete free online recurrent training every 24 months to stay updated.

Always check the airspace before flying with the B4UFLY or Aloft app. It is essential to fly safely and ethically.

Conclusion: Start Your Drone Career Today

Getting a Part 107 license may seem scary at first, but trust me, thousands of pilots have completed this process. It's a structured and doable process that earns you money in your first paid gig.

Take a good study course, put in some time, and unlock your future. You're not just getting a card – you're building the knowledge and confidence for a successful drone business.

Next Steps to Become a Certified Remote Pilot

Next Step: Download the free ACS document from the FAA website or watch Pilot Institute's free YouTube videos. Start your journey to becoming a Certified Remote Pilot today.

Svetlana

Svetlana is a writer and senior editor at DroneInsuranceUSA, passionate about making drone laws, insurance, and safety tips simple for every pilot.

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Editorial note: This article was prepared by the DroneInsuranceUSA editorial team using official FAA guidance, insurer resources, and industry FAQs. We update the content regularly to reflect changes in drone regulations and best practices.

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