What you need to do to fly a drone commercially
To fly a drone commercially in the United States, you need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This is not optional if you are paid to fly a drone—even if you are paid indirectly, like a real estate agent who uses drone footage in listings. The certificate shows you understand airspace rules, safety procedures, and how to operate a drone without endangering people or property.
The path is straightforward: study the FAA knowledge areas, pass a written test at an approved testing center, and you are done. There is no flight test, no practical exam, and no aircraft to own before you start. You can take the test with a drone you do not yet own. The whole process typically takes four to eight weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you study and schedule your test.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass the FAA Part 107 knowledge test at an approved testing center; there is no online test option or alternative route.
- The test covers airspace rules, weather, drone mechanics, and safety—study materials are free on the FAA website, and most people study for two to four weeks.
- You do not need to own a drone or have flying experience before taking the test.
- Your certificate lasts for two years, then you renew by passing a recurrent test that takes less time than the initial one.
- Flying a drone for money without this certificate can result in fines up to $27,500 and criminal penalties.
The FAA Part 107 knowledge test: what it covers and how to prepare
The test has 60 multiple-choice questions and you have two hours to complete it. You need a score of 70 percent or higher to pass. The FAA publishes the exact topics you will be tested on—they are not hidden. The main areas are airspace and weather, drone mechanics and performance, regulations and procedures, and safety and emergency operations.
Free study materials come directly from the FAA. The FAA Part 107 Study Guide is available on the FAA website and covers every topic on the test. Many people also use the FAA Knowledge Test for Unmanned Aircraft practice test, which is the official practice version and mimics the real test format. You can take the practice test as many times as you want at no cost.
Most people study for two to four weeks, spending 30 minutes to an hour per day. If you have no aviation background, budget toward the longer end. If you have flown manned aircraft or have technical knowledge, you may move faster. The test is not tricky—it tests whether you actually know the material, not whether you can guess.
Finding an approved testing center and scheduling your exam
The FAA does not run the test itself. Instead, it approves testing centers—usually Pearson VUE locations—where you take the exam in person. You can find the nearest testing center on the Pearson VUE website by searching for "FAA Knowledge Test" and your zip code. Most cities have at least one location within 20 miles.
When you schedule, you will need a valid government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number. The test costs $175. You can schedule weeks in advance or sometimes find same-week appointments, depending on how busy your local center is. Arrive 15 minutes early; the testing center will not let you bring notes, phones, or study materials into the testing room.
After you pass, the testing center prints your passing score report on the spot. You do not receive a physical certificate that day—that comes later through the FAA's system. Keep your score report; you will need it if you ever need to prove you passed.
What happens after you pass the test
Once you have your passing score, you need to create an account on the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating process (IACRA) system. This is where you formally request your Part 107 certificate. You will enter your personal information, your test score details, and answer questions about your background. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.
The FAA then reviews your process. This usually takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer if there are questions about your background or if the FAA is processing a high volume of applications. You will receive an email when your certificate is ready. You can then print it from IACRA or request a physical copy by mail.
Your certificate is valid for two years from the date it is issued. After two years, you renew by taking a recurrent test—a shorter version that covers updates to regulations and safety practices. The recurrent test is 40 questions instead of 60, and most people study for one to two weeks.
Age, citizenship, and background requirements
You must be at least 16 years old to hold a Part 107 certificate. You must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident with a valid green card. If you are a citizen of another country on a visa, you cannot get a Part 107 certificate, though you may be able to fly under other FAA rules in limited situations.
The FAA will ask about your background during the IACRA process. You do not need a clean criminal record to be denied—the FAA evaluates each case individually. However, certain convictions or ongoing legal issues may disqualify you. If you have concerns about your background, contact the FAA directly before you explore; they can tell you whether you are may be able to access without you having to take the test first.
Rules you must follow once you have your certificate
Your Part 107 certificate allows you to fly a drone for commercial purposes, but it comes with strict rules. You can only fly during daylight or civil twilight (roughly 30 minutes after sunset). You must keep your drone within visual line of sight at all times—you cannot use a spotter to extend your range. Your drone must weigh less than 55 pounds.
You cannot fly over people, moving vehicles, or buildings unless you have special permission from the FAA. You cannot fly higher than 400 feet above ground level. You must maintain a safe distance from manned aircraft and airports. You cannot fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and you cannot fly if you are fatigued.
These rules exist because drones can cause serious injury or death if they collide with a person or aircraft. The FAA enforces them through inspections and complaints. If someone reports you flying illegally, the FAA will investigate. Fines start at $27,500 for civil violations and can go higher. Criminal penalties include jail time for serious violations.
When you might need additional FAA permission
Your Part 107 certificate covers most commercial drone work, but some situations require extra permission from the FAA. If you want to fly at night, fly beyond visual line of sight, fly over people, or fly higher than 400 feet, you need a waiver or an exemption. These are separate requests you submit through the FAA's DroneZone system.
Waivers and exemptions are not automatic. The FAA reviews your request, your safety plan, and your qualifications. Some requests are approved in days; others take weeks. If you are planning a job that requires a waiver, submit your request well in advance—do not wait until the day before you need to fly.
For routine commercial work—real estate photography, inspections, surveying—your Part 107 certificate is usually all you need. Waivers are more common for specialized work like night flying or flying over crowds at events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to own a drone before I take the test?
No. You can take the Part 107 test without owning a drone or having any flying experience. The test covers the rules and safety knowledge you need, not hands-on flying skills. Many people buy their first drone after they pass the test.
Can I take the test online from home?
No. The FAA requires you to take the test in person at an approved testing center. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through any other method. This is to prevent cheating and may support the integrity of the certificate.
What if I fail the test?
You can retake it. There is no limit on how many times you can take the test, but you must wait 14 days between attempts. You pay the $175 fee each time you test. Most people who fail study for another week or two and pass on the second attempt.
Do I need insurance to fly commercially?
The FAA does not require it, but most clients do. Real estate agents, construction companies, and event organizers typically ask to see proof of liability insurance before they hire you. Insurance costs vary but often runs $300 to $1,000 per year for small operations. Check with your homeowner's or business insurance first—some policies cover drone use.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
Most people take four to eight weeks. This breaks down as two to four weeks of studying, one to two weeks to schedule and take the test, and one to two weeks for the FAA to process your process. If you study faster or your testing center has quick appointments, you could finish in three weeks. If you fail and retake, add another two weeks.