The Part 107 knowledge test is taken in person at an FAA-approved Airman Knowledge Testing Center, usually at an airport, flight school or community college. Before booking, create a profile in IACRA (the FAA's online application system) to get your FAA Tracking Number (FTN). Then schedule through the FAA's testing provider, choose the nearest center, and pay the test fee when you book.
Step by step
- Get your FTN. Register at IACRA (iacra.faa.gov) as an applicant. Your FTN appears on your profile.
- Find a center near you. Use the FAA testing provider's scheduling site to search by ZIP code. Many areas have several centers within an hour's drive.
- Book and pay. Pick a date and time, enter your FTN, and pay the fee (about $175; confirm when you book). See Part 107 cost.
- Take the test. 60 questions, 2 hours, 70% to pass.
- Apply for your certificate. Back in IACRA, start a new application for a Remote Pilot certificate, enter the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID from your test report, and sign it.
- TSA check. The TSA runs a security background check automatically.
- Temporary certificate. Once approved, you get an email to print a temporary certificate. The permanent card comes by mail.
What to bring on test day
- Government-issued photo ID with your current address, or ID plus proof of address. The name must match your booking.
- Your FTN.
- A basic calculator if you want one. The center checks it.
- Nothing else. Phones and notes stay in a locker. The center provides the testing supplement with charts.
Who can take it
- At least 16 years old.
- Able to read, speak, write and understand English.
- In physical and mental condition to fly a drone safely.
No medical certificate is required for Part 107. See Part 107 medical requirements.
Already a pilot?
If you hold a Part 61 pilot certificate with a current flight review, you skip the testing center. Take the FAA's free online training course, then apply through IACRA with a flight instructor, examiner or Flight Standards office verifying your identity. See Part 107 for private pilots.
Tips for booking
- Book once you're scoring 85% or better on practice tests. Try our Part 107 practice test.
- Morning slots fill first at busy centers.
- Check the center's own instructions; parking and check-in times vary.
- If you fail, you can retake after a waiting period and pay the fee again.
After you pass
Keep your test report. Your certificate never expires, but you must complete free recurrent training every 24 calendar months to keep flying commercially. Register your drone at FAADroneZone before your first paid flight. See Part 107 renewal and FAA registration.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Still studying? Read the Part 107 study guide.
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