What You Need to Do to Fly a Drone Commercially

To fly a drone commercially in the United States, you need a Part 107 certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This is the official license that allows you to operate a drone for business purposes — delivering packages, filming for clients, inspecting property, or any other paid work. The process takes roughly four to eight weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you study and schedule your exam.

If you fly a drone only for personal recreation, you do not need this license. But the moment you accept payment or fly for a business purpose, the FAA requires the certificate. The good news is the path is straightforward: study the material, pass a written test, and you are licensed to fly.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass the FAA's Part 107 written exam, which costs $175 and covers airspace rules, weather, and drone operation.
  • You need to be at least 16 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and able to read and speak English to take the test.
  • Study materials are free or low-cost through the FAA website and third-party sites; most people spend 20 to 40 hours preparing.
  • You schedule the exam at a testing center near you through a company called Pearson VUE, and results come back the same day.
  • Your certificate lasts two years, then you renew by passing the exam again or taking a shorter recurrent training course.

Check Your Basic may be able to access

Before you study, confirm you meet the FAA's baseline requirements. You must be at least 16 years old (some testing centers allow 14- and 15-year-olds with parental consent, but the FAA's official minimum is 16). You must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English well enough to pass a written test and communicate with air traffic control if needed.

You do not need a pilot's license, a high school diploma, or any prior aviation experience. You do not need to own a drone yet — you can study and pass the exam before you buy one. The FAA does not require you to register your drone before taking the test, though you will need to register it with the FAA before you fly it commercially.

Gather Free Study Materials from the FAA

The FAA publishes its official study guide for free on its website. read the Part 107 Study Guide (also called the Remote Pilot Knowledge Test Study Guide) from faa.gov. This document covers everything the exam tests: airspace classifications, weather interpretation, drone regulations, safety procedures, and how to read aeronautical charts. It is roughly 100 pages and is the most authoritative source available.

The FAA also offers a free online course called the Part 107 e-Learning Course on its website. It walks you through the same material in video and text format, which some people find easier to follow than reading the study guide alone. You can use both together — watch the videos, then read the guide to fill in gaps. Most people spend 20 to 40 hours studying before they feel ready to test.

Use Low-Cost Third-Party Study Resources

Many websites and apps offer practice tests and study guides that mirror the real exam. Popular options include Drone Pilot Ground School, UAV Coach, and Prepware (made by ASA). These typically cost $20 to $50 and include hundreds of practice questions organized by topic. Taking practice tests repeatedly is one of the fastest ways to prepare — you see the types of questions the FAA asks and learn to spot the correct answers.

YouTube also has free study channels dedicated to Part 107 prep. Search "Part 107 study" and you will find instructors walking through difficult topics like airspace rules and weather. These work best as a supplement to the official FAA materials, not as your only source. The exam draws directly from the FAA study guide, so make sure you cover that material thoroughly.

Schedule and Pass the Written Exam

Once you feel ready, schedule your exam through Pearson VUE, the testing company that administers the Part 107 exam for the FAA. Go to pearsonvue.com/faa, create an account, and search for testing centers near you. You can usually find an appointment within a week or two. The exam costs $175 and you pay when you book.

On test day, bring a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID). Arrive 15 minutes early. The exam itself is 60 questions and you have two hours to complete it. You need a score of 70 percent or higher to pass — that is 42 correct answers out of 60. The testing center will tell you whether you passed before you leave, and you will receive your official score report by email within 24 hours.

If you do not pass, you can retake the exam. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you do pay the $175 fee each time. Most people who study the official materials thoroughly pass on their first try.

Understand What Your Certificate Covers and Limits

Once you pass, you receive a Remote Pilot Certificate that is valid for two years. This certificate allows you to fly a drone commercially under Part 107 rules. You can fly during daylight hours and twilight (30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset). You must keep your drone within visual line of sight — meaning you can see it with your own eyes, not through a camera or binoculars. You cannot fly higher than 400 feet above ground level, and you cannot fly over people or moving vehicles.

These are not suggestions — they are federal regulations. Breaking them can result in fines up to $27,500 and criminal penalties. Your certificate proves you understand these rules. Clients and employers will ask to see it before hiring you, so keep a copy handy.

Renew Your Certificate After Two Years

Your certificate expires two years from the date you pass the exam. To keep flying commercially, you have two options: retake the full Part 107 exam (the same $175 test), or take a Part 107 recurrent training course. The recurrent course is shorter — usually one to two hours online — and covers updates to regulations and safety practices. It costs $20 to $100 depending on the provider. Many people choose the recurrent course because it is faster and cheaper than retaking the full exam.

You can take the recurrent course up to 60 days before your certificate expires. Schedule it early so you do not accidentally let your certificate lapse while waiting for the course to be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a drone to take the Part 107 exam?

No. You can study and pass the exam without owning a drone. However, you will need to register your drone with the FAA before you fly it commercially, which costs $5 and takes a few minutes online. Many people buy their drone after passing the exam.

Can I fly a drone for money without a Part 107 certificate?

No. Flying a drone for any business purpose — including filming for social media if you are paid, delivering items, or inspecting property — requires the certificate. The FAA enforces this rule and can fine you thousands of dollars if you operate commercially without it.

How long does it take to study for the Part 107 exam?

Most people spend 20 to 40 hours studying, spread over two to four weeks. This depends on your background — someone with aviation experience may need less time, while someone new to the subject may need more. Start with the free FAA study guide and practice tests to gauge how much time you need.

What happens if I fail the Part 107 exam?

You can retake it when ready. There is no waiting period, but you pay the $175 fee again. The testing center will tell you which topics you scored lowest on, so you can focus your next study session on those areas.

Is the Part 107 certificate the same as a pilot's license?

No. A Part 107 certificate is for drone operation only. A pilot's license is for manned aircraft. They are separate credentials issued by the FAA. You do not need a pilot's license to get a Part 107 certificate.