The Part 107 test in 2026: format, cost, topics and steps

The test at a glance

Most candidates pass, but at $175 per attempt it pays to pass the first time. The fastest way to know whether you are ready is to score 70% or more on full-length practice exams.

Who can take it

To be eligible for a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating, you must:

• be at least 16 years old;
• be able to read, speak, write and understand English;
• be in a physical and mental condition that would not interfere with the safe operation of a small UAS;
• pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test at a Knowledge Testing Center.

No FAA medical certificate is required. Pilots who already hold a part 61 certificate (other than student pilot) and a current flight review can complete an online training course on faasafety.gov instead of the knowledge test.

Sources: 14 CFR 107.61; FAA Advisory Circular 107-2A, para 6.3.

What's on the test

The knowledge test covers thirteen areas listed in the regulations:

1. Regulations relating to small UAS rating privileges, limitations and flight operation
2. Airspace classification, operating requirements and flight restrictions
3. Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small UAS performance
4. Small unmanned aircraft loading
5. Emergency procedures
6. Crew resource management
7. Radio communication procedures
8. Determining the performance of the small unmanned aircraft
9. Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol
10. Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
11. Airport operations
12. Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures
13. Operation at night

In practice, regulations make up about half of the test, operations about a quarter and airspace and charts about a fifth, with a few questions on weather and loading.

Sources: 14 CFR 107.73; FAA Advisory Circular 107-2A, para 6.7.1.

The October 2026 change: real charts

Since October 26, 2026, the Part 107 test shows images of real aeronautical charts instead of relying only on the figures of the testing supplement. Expect to read sectional chart excerpts: the airspace class at a given point and whether ATC authorization is needed, airport data such as elevation and frequencies, and obstacle heights.

From registration to certificate

If you don't hold a part 61 pilot certificate, the path looks like this:

1. Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). Create an account in IACRA, the FAA's online application system. Every applicant needs an FTN before taking any airman knowledge test.
2. Schedule the test with the FAA's testing provider and choose a Knowledge Testing Center near you.
3. Take the test with a government-issued photo ID. Your Airman Knowledge Test Report shows your FTN.
4. Apply in IACRA with FAA Form 8710-13, using the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID from your test.
5. TSA security vetting. Once it is complete, you receive an email and can print your temporary certificate. The permanent certificate follows by mail.

Applying online in IACRA is the fastest option: paper applicants without a part 61 certificate don't receive a temporary certificate.

Source: FAA Advisory Circular 107-2A, paras 6.4 to 6.6.

Staying current

Your certificate doesn't expire, but to keep flying under Part 107 you must complete recurrent training within 24 calendar months of passing the initial test or your last recurrent training. Calendar months run to the end of the month: pass on March 10, 2026, and your deadline is March 31, 2028.

Sources: 14 CFR 107.65; FAA Advisory Circular 107-2A, para 6.7.2.

How to prepare

• Learn the rules from the source. 14 CFR part 107 is short. Knowing where each rule comes from makes the tricky wording on the test easier.
• Practice chart reading daily. Airspace and charts are about a fifth of the test and the part most candidates find hardest.
• Take full-length exams. 60 questions with the real topic mix, and give yourself 2 hours. Book the test once you consistently score above 70%.

Last updated October 30, 2026. Hovertest is an independent study app, not affiliated with the FAA.