Difficulty
How hard is the Part 107 test?
The Part 107 test is learnable, but it is not a common-sense drone quiz. It uses aviation language and asks you to apply a rule to a scenario. A choice can sound reasonable and still be wrong because one altitude, distance, crew role, or airspace condition changes the answer.
The sections that usually require the most active practice are sectional charts, airspace, airport data, weather reports, and questions that ask for the first safe action. Memorizing fixed limits helps, but the exam also tests whether you can read an unfamiliar chart and separate legal authority from good operating judgment.
Treat 70% as the passing line, not the study target. Before scheduling, aim for at least 80% on several shuffled full-length practice runs and make sure the explanations, not repeated question wording, are carrying the result.
Knowledge areas
What is on the Part 107 test?
The FAA Remote Pilot Airman Certification Standards organize the UAG test around five areas. The active questions are protected, so prepare for the underlying task instead of memorizing a familiar screenshot.
Regulations
Operating limits, certification, registration, Remote ID, waivers, night operations, and operations over people.
02Airspace and charts
Airspace classes, authorization, sectional symbols, airport data, latitude and longitude, NOTAMs, and TFRs.
03Weather
METARs, TAFs, visibility, clouds, wind, stability, density altitude, fronts, fog, and hazardous weather.
04Loading and performance
Weight, balance, center of gravity, load factor, stability, and environmental effects on aircraft performance.
05Operations and ADM
Crew roles, airport operations, radio, emergencies, maintenance, night vision, physiology, and aeronautical decision-making.
Registration
How to schedule the UAG test
- 01
Create an IACRA account and get an FTN
Your FAA Tracking Number identifies you throughout testing and certification. Enter your legal name carefully because IACRA and PSI compare it.
- 02
Create a PSI account
Use the FAA testing portal operated by PSI. Make sure the name in PSI matches IACRA and the identification you will present at the center.
- 03
Choose Unmanned Aircraft General - Small
The test code is UAG. Select a nearby approved center, an available appointment, and pay the testing fee during checkout.
- 04
Save the confirmation and verify the center rules
Check the appointment time, address, arrival instructions, accepted identification, and rescheduling policy before test day.
What to bring
Bring identification that matches your registration.
The FAA requires current identification showing your photograph, date of birth, signature, and physical residential address. Common U.S. options include a state driver license, government ID, military ID, passport, or resident card. Rules differ for non-U.S. citizens, so use the current FAA testing matrix instead of relying on a generic checklist.
Check that your legal name matches IACRA and PSI before the appointment. Bring the confirmation and any authorization document required for a retest. Personal study materials do not enter the testing station.
At the center
Expect a controlled, timed computer exam.
The proctor verifies your identity and eligibility, stores prohibited personal items, explains the testing controls, and starts the UAG session. When you finish, the center issues an Airman Knowledge Test Report showing the score and ACS codes tied to missed knowledge areas.
Keep the AKTR. A passing report supports the certificate application; a failed report identifies what to repair and serves as authorization after the current 14-day retest wait.
After the score
Passing the test is not the final application.
After a passing result reaches IACRA, complete FAA Form 8710-13 for the Remote Pilot Certificate. The application then moves through TSA security vetting. Once approved, IACRA can issue a temporary certificate while the permanent card is processed.
The certificate does not expire, but operating currency does. Complete the applicable free FAA recurrent training every 24 calendar months and keep the completion record.
Direct answers
Part 107 test FAQ
How many questions are on the Part 107 test?
The FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix lists 60 scored UAG questions and two hours of testing time. FAA guidance says validation questions may be included without affecting the score. Current administrations commonly show 65 total questions, so this site models a 65-item session while scoring 60.
Do I need a class or instructor endorsement before taking it?
No. The FAA does not require an instructor endorsement or proof of a ground-school course for an initial UAG attempt. You still need an FAA Tracking Number and an appointment with PSI.
Can I take the initial Part 107 test online?
Most first-time applicants take the UAG knowledge test in person at an FAA-approved PSI testing center. A current Part 61 pilot who meets the FAA flight-review requirement can use the FAA online training path instead.
What happens if I fail the Part 107 test?
The current FAA testing matrix requires a 14-day wait after a failed UAG attempt. No instructor endorsement is required, but the failed Airman Knowledge Test Report is used as retest authorization. You must pay for another attempt.
Does a Part 107 certificate expire?
The Remote Pilot Certificate itself does not expire. To exercise Part 107 privileges, you must complete the applicable free FAA recurrent training within the preceding 24 calendar months.
Ready check
Work one complete timed run before paying PSI.
The free simulator includes scoring, explanations, FAA figures, a calculator, and a scratch pad. No account or course purchase is required.