What You Need to Do to Fly Drones Commercially

To fly a drone commercially in the United States, you need a Part 107 certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This is not a license in the traditional sense — it is a certification that proves you understand drone regulations, airspace rules, and safety procedures. You cannot legally charge money for drone work, fly for a business, or operate a drone for any commercial purpose without it.

The process has three main steps: study the rules, pass a written test, and pass a practical exam. The entire path typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how much time you spend preparing. The written test costs $175, and the practical exam costs between $300 and $500, depending on which examiner you use.

If you only want to fly drones recreationally — for hobby, personal video, or just for fun — you do not need a Part 107 certificate. You do need to register your drone with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds, and you must follow the recreational rules, which include flying below 400 feet and keeping the drone in sight at all times.

Key Takeaways

  • The FAA Part 107 certificate requires passing a written knowledge test and a practical exam with an FAA examiner.
  • You must be at least 16 years old, have a valid government ID, and pass a TSA background check to take the written test.
  • The written test covers airspace rules, weather, drone mechanics, and emergency procedures; study materials are free on the FAA website.
  • The practical exam includes a preflight inspection, flight maneuvers, and an oral interview; examiners charge $300 to $500 per session.
  • Once you pass both tests, your certificate is valid for two years and requires a recurrent exam to renew.

The Written Knowledge Test: What to Study

The written test is called the Part 107 Knowledge Test, and it covers 60 questions in 120 minutes. You need a score of 70 percent or higher to pass. The FAA publishes the exact topics and sample questions on its website for free, so there are no surprises on test day.

The test covers five main areas: airspace and weather, drone mechanics and operations, regulations and safety, emergency procedures, and aeronautical decision-making. You will answer questions about reading weather reports, understanding airspace classifications, recognizing when a drone is not safe to fly, and knowing what to do if something goes wrong during a flight.

You can study using the FAA's official materials, which are free, or buy study guides and practice tests from third-party publishers. Many people use a combination: the FAA materials for accuracy, and practice tests to build speed and confidence. Budget two to four weeks of study time if you have no aviation background.

To take the written test, you must go to a testing center in person. You will need a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID), proof of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The test costs $175, and you can schedule it through the FAA's testing vendor, Pearson VUE.

Scheduling and Taking the Written Test

Once you have studied, go to the Pearson VUE website and search for testing centers near you. Most cities have at least one center, and many are open six days a week. You can schedule your test online, choose your date and time, and pay the $175 fee in one transaction.

Arrive at the testing center 15 minutes early. Bring your government ID and proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form all work. The testing center will take a photo and a fingerprint, then you will sit at a computer and answer 60 questions. You will see your score when ready after you finish.

If you pass, you receive a temporary passing certificate on the spot. This certificate is valid for two years and allows you to move on to the practical exam. If you do not pass, you can retake the test, but you must wait 14 days before scheduling another attempt.

The Practical Exam: Flight Skills and Inspection

The practical exam, called the Part 107 Practical Test, is conducted by an FAA examiner at a location you choose — usually an open field, parking lot, or airfield. The exam has three parts: a preflight inspection, flight maneuvers, and an oral interview. The whole session takes two to three hours.

The preflight inspection tests whether you can spot problems before flying. The examiner will ask you to inspect a drone and explain what you are checking and why. You will look at the propellers, battery, gimbal, camera, and frame for damage, and you will explain how each part affects flight safety. This part is open-book — you can bring the drone's manual and refer to it.

The flight maneuvers portion requires you to fly the drone through a series of tasks: hovering in place, flying in a straight line, flying in a circle, and recovering from unusual attitudes. The examiner is watching for smooth control, awareness of the wind, and the ability to keep the drone stable. You will fly for about 10 to 15 minutes total.

The oral interview covers the same topics as the written test — airspace, weather, regulations, and emergency procedures — but the examiner asks you to explain your thinking. For example, instead of choosing the right answer from four options, you might be asked, "What would you do if you saw a manned aircraft approaching your flight area?" Your answer shows whether you understand the rules and can make safe decisions.

Finding an Examiner and Scheduling the Practical Test

FAA examiners are called Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs), and they work independently or through testing companies. You can find examiners near you on the FAA's website by searching the DPE registry. Most examiners charge between $300 and $500 per practical test, and some charge extra if you need to reschedule or if they have to travel to your location.

Contact the examiner directly to schedule. They will tell you what drone to bring, what documents you need, and where to meet. You must bring your passing score from the written test, your government ID, and a drone that is in good working order. Some examiners have a list of approved drones; others will test you on any drone you bring.

Schedule the practical test after you have studied and practiced flying. Many people spend two to four weeks flying their drone regularly before taking the exam. If you do not own a drone, you can borrow one from a friend or rent one from a hobby shop, but make sure you are comfortable flying it before the exam day.

After You Pass: Your Certificate and Renewal

Once you pass the practical exam, the examiner will issue you a Remote Pilot Certificate. This certificate is valid for two years from the date you pass. You can now legally fly drones for commercial purposes — charging for aerial photography, surveying, inspection work, or any other paid drone service.

Your certificate does not require you to renew in the traditional sense. Instead, you must pass a recurrent exam before your certificate expires. The recurrent exam is a written test only — 40 questions in 60 minutes, with a passing score of 70 percent. It covers the same topics as the original knowledge test and costs $175.

You can take the recurrent exam up to 60 days before your certificate expires. Many people schedule it about a month before the expiration date to give themselves time to retake it if needed. Once you pass, your new certificate is valid for another two years.

Recreational Flying: What You Need to Know

If you do not plan to fly drones for money, you do not need a Part 107 certificate. However, you still have responsibilities. Any drone heavier than 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA, which costs $5 and takes five minutes online. You will receive a registration number that you must write on your drone.

Recreational flyers must follow the recreational rules: fly below 400 feet, keep the drone in sight at all times, do not fly near airports or over people, and do not fly at night. You also cannot fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and you must yield to manned aircraft. Breaking these rules can result in fines up to $27,500.

Some people start with recreational flying to learn the basics, then pursue the Part 107 certificate later when they want to offer drone services. This is a practical path because it lets you build flight hours and confidence without the cost and time of certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Part 107 certificate to fly a drone as a hobby?

No. You only need the certificate if you fly for money or for a business. For hobby flying, you must register your drone with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds, but you do not need to pass any test. You must follow the recreational rules: stay below 400 feet, keep the drone in sight, and do not fly near airports.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it after waiting 14 days. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test. Most people pass on the second attempt if they study the topics they missed the first time. The $175 fee applies each time you take it.

Can I use someone else's drone for the practical exam?

Yes. The examiner does not care who owns the drone, only that it works and you can fly it safely. Many people borrow a friend's drone or rent one from a hobby shop. Make sure you practice with the specific drone before the exam so you are comfortable with its controls.

How long does the Part 107 certificate last?

Your certificate is valid for two years. Before it expires, you must pass a recurrent exam, which is a 40-question written test. You can take the recurrent exam up to 60 days before your certificate expires. Once you pass, your new certificate is valid for another two years.

Can I fly drones for a business if I have a Part 107 certificate?

Yes. The certificate allows you to fly commercially for any lawful purpose — aerial photography, surveying, inspection, real estate, agriculture, and many other uses. However, you must still follow the operational rules: fly below 400 feet, keep the drone in sight, do not fly over people, and do not fly at night unless you have a waiver from the FAA.