Part 107 Test Locations: Where to Take the FAA Drone Exam in 2026
By Renzo, CPL · Updated March 2026
The FAA Part 107 knowledge test is your gateway to flying drones commercially in the United States. With over 700 PSI testing centers nationwide, there's almost certainly one near you. This guide covers how to find a testing center, schedule your exam, what to bring, and exactly what to expect on test day.
1. Where to Take the Part 107 Test
The FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) knowledge test is administered exclusively through PSI Services (formerly CATS and LaserGrade). PSI operates over 700 testing centers across all 50 states, making it one of the most accessible FAA knowledge exams to schedule.
PSI testing centers are typically located in office parks, business centers, universities, and community colleges. They are purpose-built testing facilities used for a wide range of professional certifications, not just aviation. When you arrive, you'll check in at a front desk and be assigned a computer workstation in a monitored testing room.
These centers are the same facilities used for other FAA knowledge tests (Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, etc.), so if you've taken any FAA written exam before, the environment will be familiar. The key difference is the test content — the Part 107 exam covers drone-specific regulations, airspace, weather, and operations.
Important: PSI, Not Pearson VUE
A common mistake is searching for FAA tests on Pearson VUE, which handles many other professional exams. FAA knowledge tests, including Part 107, are administered only through PSI. If you're on the wrong testing platform, you won't find the Part 107 exam listed.
2. How to Find a Testing Center Near You
Finding your nearest PSI testing center takes about 2 minutes. Here's the step-by-step process:
Go to the PSI Exam Scheduling Portal
Visit psiexams.com and select "FAA" from the exam sponsor list, or go directly to the FAA scheduling page. You'll need to create a PSI account if you don't already have one.
Select "Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG)"
This is the official name for the Part 107 knowledge test. Don't confuse it with the recurrent exam (which has a different code). The UAG test code is the initial certification exam.
Enter Your Location
Type your ZIP code or city name. PSI will display all testing centers within a radius, sorted by distance. You can expand the search radius if needed.
Compare Available Dates
Each testing center shows available appointment slots. Major city locations may be booked 1-2 weeks out, while suburban and rural centers often have same-week availability.
Select and Confirm
Choose your preferred location and time slot, then pay the $175 exam fee. You'll receive a confirmation email with the testing center address, directions, and what to bring.
Pro Tip
If the nearest testing center is booked out, check locations 30-50 miles away. Smaller centers in suburban areas often have significantly more availability, and the drive is worth avoiding a multi-week wait.
3. Top Testing Centers by State
PSI maintains testing centers in every U.S. state. Below are the top 20 states with the highest concentration of Part 107 test locations and their major cities with testing centers:
California
Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento
Texas
Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio
Florida
Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville
New York
New York City, Buffalo, Albany, Syracuse
Illinois
Chicago, Springfield, Rockford
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg
Ohio
Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati
Georgia
Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta
North Carolina
Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro
Michigan
Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing
New Jersey
Newark, Trenton, Cherry Hill
Virginia
Richmond, Virginia Beach, Arlington
Washington
Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma
Arizona
Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa
Massachusetts
Boston, Worcester, Springfield
Tennessee
Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville
Indiana
Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville
Missouri
Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield
Maryland
Baltimore, Rockville, Annapolis
Colorado
Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins
Don't see your state? PSI has centers in all 50 states plus U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Use the PSI portal to search by your ZIP code for the most accurate, up-to-date results.
4. How to Schedule Your Part 107 Test
Before you can schedule your Part 107 test, you need to complete two prerequisite steps. Here's the full process from start to finish:
Create an IACRA Account
Go to iacra.faa.gov and create an account. IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) is the FAA's system for all airman certificates. During registration, you'll receive your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) — a unique identifier you'll need for scheduling and tracking your certification.
Get Your FTN (FAA Tracking Number)
Your FTN is generated automatically when you complete your IACRA registration. Write this number down and keep it safe — you'll need it to schedule the test, check in on test day, and apply for your certificate after passing. It looks like a string of letters and numbers (e.g., A1234567).
Schedule via PSI
Visit psiexams.com, select the FAA UAG exam, and choose your preferred testing center and date. Pay the $175 fee with a credit or debit card. You'll receive an email confirmation with all the details you need.
Study and Prepare
You'll want to study for 2-4 weeks before your test date. Focus on the key knowledge areas: airspace classification, weather theory, Part 107 regulations, loading and performance, and airport operations. Practice tests are the most effective way to prepare.
Need help studying? Practice with real exam questions.
Our Part 107 practice test uses questions modeled after the actual FAA exam. See where you stand before scheduling your test date.
5. What to Expect on Test Day
Knowing what to expect eliminates test-day anxiety. Here's a detailed walkthrough of the entire experience:
Arrival and Check-In (30 Minutes Before)
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. At the front desk, you'll present your government-issued photo ID and provide your FTN. The proctor will verify your identity, have you sign in, and explain the testing rules. You'll store all personal belongings — phone, wallet, keys, watch — in a secure locker.
The Testing Room
You'll be escorted to a computer workstation in a monitored room. Each station has dividers for privacy. The room is typically kept cold (bring a light jacket). You'll have access to a basic on-screen calculator, scratch paper or a small dry-erase board, and a supplemental reference document (sectional chart legends, airspace diagrams). Cameras monitor the room at all times.
The Exam Itself
The Part 107 knowledge test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour (120-minute) time limit. You need at least 42 correct answers (70%) to pass.
Questions are drawn randomly from the FAA's question bank, covering: regulations (14 CFR Part 107), airspace classification and requirements, weather sources and effects, loading and performance, airport operations, radio communication procedures, emergency procedures, crew resource management, and physiological factors.
You can flag questions and return to them later. The system tracks your time remaining in the corner of the screen. Most prepared test-takers finish in 60-90 minutes.
Getting Your Results
When you submit your test, your pass/fail result appears immediately on screen. The proctor will then print your official Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR), which shows your overall score and performance by knowledge area. Keep this document — you'll need it for your IACRA application.
6. Test Day Checklist
Don't leave anything to chance. Here's everything you need to bring (and leave behind) on test day:
Government-issued photo ID
Valid driver's license or passport — must match your IACRA name exactly
FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
From your IACRA account — write it down or screenshot it
Scheduling confirmation
PSI confirmation email with date, time, and location address
Knowledge of testing center location
Know the exact address, parking situation, and plan to arrive 30 minutes early
No personal electronics
Phones, smartwatches, and tablets must be stored in a locker — not on your person
Comfort items
Earplugs are allowed (and recommended). Bring a light jacket — testing rooms are cold
Do NOT Bring
- - Cell phones or smartphones (must be locked away)
- - Smartwatches or fitness trackers
- - Personal calculators (one is provided on-screen)
- - Notes, textbooks, or study materials
- - Food or drinks (water may be allowed outside the room)
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7. Part 107 Test Cost
The Part 107 knowledge test costs $175, paid directly to PSI at the time of scheduling. Here's what you need to know about the fee:
Payment Methods
Credit card or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). Payment is processed at the time of scheduling, not on test day.
Rescheduling Policy
You can reschedule for free with at least 2 business days' notice before your appointment. Less than 2 business days' notice may result in forfeiture of the fee.
No-Show Policy
If you miss your appointment without canceling, you forfeit the $175 fee and must pay again to reschedule. Always cancel or reschedule if your plans change.
Retake Fee
If you fail, the retake costs the same $175. There are no discounts for retakes. The 14-day waiting period applies before you can schedule again.
Total Cost to Get Your Part 107 Certificate
8. After You Pass the Part 107 Test
Passing the knowledge test is a major milestone, but you're not done yet. Here's what happens next:
Complete Your IACRA Application
Log into iacra.faa.gov and complete the Remote Pilot Certificate application. You'll enter your test results (they should appear automatically via your FTN), personal information, and certify that you meet all eligibility requirements. The application takes about 15-20 minutes.
TSA Background Check
The FAA automatically initiates a TSA security background check when you submit your IACRA application. This is a standard check and is free of charge. Most checks clear within a few hours to a few days.
Receive Your Temporary Certificate
Once the TSA check clears, your temporary Remote Pilot Certificate becomes available in IACRA. You can print it immediately. This temporary certificate is legally valid — you can start flying commercially right away.
Permanent Certificate by Mail
Your permanent plastic Remote Pilot Certificate card arrives by mail in 6-8 weeks. It's sent to the address on your IACRA application. Your certificate is valid for 24 months before you need to complete recurrent training.
9. If You Fail the Part 107 Test
Failing the Part 107 test is not the end of the road. About 8-10% of test-takers don't pass on their first attempt. Here's your plan for retaking:
14-Day Waiting Period
You must wait at least 14 calendar days from your failed test date before you can retake the exam. This is an FAA regulation and cannot be waived. Use this time to study your weak areas intensively.
Retake Fee: $175
Unfortunately, you must pay the full $175 fee again for each retake. There are no discounts or fee waivers for repeat attempts. This is another reason to study thoroughly before scheduling.
Retake Study Strategy
Your score report breaks down your performance by knowledge area. Focus your study on the areas where you scored lowest. Common problem areas include:
- Airspace classification and requirements
- Sectional chart reading and symbology
- Weather theory and METAR/TAF interpretation
- Loading, performance, and weight/balance
- Part 107 regulatory details
Practice tests are the most effective retake study tool. Take our free Part 107 practice test to identify your remaining weak spots before scheduling your retake.
10. Online vs In-Person Testing
One of the most common questions is whether you can take the Part 107 test online. The short answer: it depends on which test.
Initial Test: IN-PERSON ONLY
The Part 107 initial knowledge test (UAG) must be taken in person at a PSI testing center. There is no online option for first-time test-takers. This is an FAA requirement with no exceptions.
Recurrent Test: ONLINE Available
Since 2024, the Part 107 recurrent knowledge test (required every 24 months) can be completed online through the FAA's training portal. This replaced the previous requirement to take the recurrent test at a testing center, saving pilots time and money.
Why Can't the Initial Test Be Online?
The FAA requires proctored, in-person testing for initial airman knowledge exams to maintain test integrity. The controlled testing environment prevents cheating and ensures that the person taking the test is the person applying for the certificate. The recurrent test was moved online because it's a shorter assessment of pilots who have already demonstrated competency.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I take the Part 107 test?
The Part 107 knowledge test is administered at PSI (formerly CATS/LaserGrade) testing centers. There are over 700 locations across the United States, including all 50 states and U.S. territories. You can find the nearest location using the PSI exam scheduling portal at psiexams.com.
How much does the Part 107 test cost?
The Part 107 knowledge test costs $175, paid directly to PSI when you schedule your exam. This fee is non-refundable if you no-show, but you can reschedule for free with at least 2 business days' notice. If you fail, the retake also costs $175.
Can I take the Part 107 test online?
No. The initial Part 107 knowledge test must be taken in person at a PSI testing center. However, as of 2024, the Part 107 recurrent knowledge test (required every 24 months to maintain your certificate) can be completed online through the FAA's CATS system. Only the initial test requires an in-person visit.
What do I need to bring to the Part 107 test?
You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) from IACRA. A basic calculator is provided at the testing center. Personal electronics, including phones, smartwatches, and tablets, are not allowed in the testing room.
How long is the Part 107 test?
You have 2 hours (120 minutes) to complete the Part 107 knowledge test. The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 42 correctly (70%) to pass. Most well-prepared test-takers finish in 60-90 minutes.
What happens if I fail the Part 107 test?
If you fail, you must wait 14 calendar days before retaking the exam. You'll need to pay the $175 fee again. There is no limit to the number of retake attempts. Your score report will show which knowledge areas need improvement, so you can focus your study on weak areas before retaking.
How soon can I schedule the Part 107 test?
You can schedule your Part 107 test as soon as you have your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) from IACRA. Most testing centers have availability within 1-2 weeks, though popular locations in major cities may book up faster. Rural testing centers often have same-week availability.
Do I get my Part 107 results immediately?
Yes. You will see your pass/fail result on the screen immediately after submitting your test. You'll also receive a printed score report before leaving the testing center. If you pass, you can apply for your temporary certificate through IACRA within hours, and the permanent plastic card arrives by mail in 6-8 weeks.
Related Guides
Part 107 FAQ
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Step-by-step guide from zero to certified commercial drone pilot.
Free Part 107 Practice Test
20-question practice exam modeled after the real FAA test.
Part 107 Study Quiz
Test your knowledge with flashcard-style Part 107 questions.
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