Pass Your Part 107 on the First Try
By Renzo, CPL · Updated March 2026
The FAA Part 107 exam has a 12% fail rate. Most failures come from poor test prep. We've helped 10,000+ pilots ace their exams.
500+ practice questions · Mock exams · AI-powered explanations · Updated for 2026
What Is the Part 107 Exam?
The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test is the federal exam required to fly drones commercially in the United States. Passing it earns you a Remote Pilot Certificate, which allows you to operate small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) under 55 lbs for paid work. The test is administered at FAA-approved testing centers nationwide.
60
Questions on the exam
Multiple choice
2 hours
Time limit
120 minutes total
$175
Test fee
Per attempt
70%
Passing score
42 out of 60
Who Needs a Part 107 Certificate?
If you earn money — directly or indirectly — from drone flights, the FAA requires Part 107 certification. Here are the most common use cases:
Real Estate Photography
Aerial photos and videos for property listings. One of the fastest-growing drone markets — agents pay $150-$500 per shoot.
Construction & Inspections
Site surveys, progress monitoring, and infrastructure inspections. Drones reduce inspection costs by up to 70% compared to traditional methods.
Film & Video Production
Cinematic aerial shots for commercials, documentaries, and social media content. Hollywood and indie productions rely on drone operators daily.
Agriculture & Mapping
Crop health monitoring, precision spraying, and topographic mapping. Agricultural drones cover hundreds of acres per day.
Delivery Services
Package and medical supply delivery. Companies like Amazon, Wing, and Zipline are scaling drone delivery nationwide.
Any Commercial Operation
Insurance documentation, search & rescue support, event coverage, solar panel inspection — if money changes hands, you need Part 107.
What the Part 107 Exam Covers
The exam tests five major knowledge areas. Understanding the weight of each topic helps you prioritize your study time effectively.
Operations
35-40%~21-24 questionsThe largest section. Covers visual line of sight (VLOS) requirements, right-of-way rules, emergency procedures, crew resource management (CRM), preflight inspections, and aeronautical decision-making. You need to know how to handle in-flight emergencies, communication protocols with ATC, and night operations requirements added in 2021.
Airspace & Requirements
15-20%~9-12 questionsUnderstanding the National Airspace System is critical. You must know Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace boundaries, entry requirements, and altitude restrictions. Expect questions on reading sectional charts, identifying airspace on maps, LAANC authorization, and temporary flight restrictions (TFRs). Sectional chart interpretation is one of the most commonly missed areas.
Regulations
15-20%~9-12 questionsCovers 14 CFR Part 107 rules in detail: drone registration requirements, Remote ID compliance, operating limitations (400 ft AGL, visual line of sight, daylight/civil twilight operations), waiver process, accident reporting thresholds ($500+ property damage or serious injury), and the responsibilities of remote pilots in command (RPIC).
Weather
11-15%~7-9 questionsYou need to decode METARs (routine weather reports) and TAFs (terminal area forecasts), understand weather theory including stable vs. unstable air masses, cloud formation, wind shear, microbursts, and density altitude effects. Know visibility and cloud clearance minimums: 3 statute miles visibility and 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal from clouds.
Loading & Performance
7-11%~4-7 questionsThe smallest but often trickiest section. Covers weight and balance calculations, center of gravity effects on stability, density altitude impact on drone performance, and how temperature, humidity, and pressure altitude affect flight characteristics. Understanding how a loaded drone behaves differently than an unloaded one is key.
The #1 Mistake Part 107 Test-Takers Make
Most people study from free YouTube videos and random PDFs. They show up to the test center thinking they're ready — and fail.
The retake costs another $175 and you must wait at least 14 days before rebooking. Factor in testing center availability, and most people wait 3 to 6 weeks before they can try again. That's weeks of lost commercial drone revenue.
Don't be that person. Practice with real exam-style questions until you're consistently scoring 85%+.
How Rotate Prepares You for Part 107
Rotate is the study platform built by pilots, for pilots. Here's what you get:
500+ Practice Questions
Every question includes a detailed explanation of why each answer is correct or wrong. Our question bank covers all five exam knowledge areas with real exam-style questions.
Realistic Mock Exams
Simulate the actual test: 60 randomized questions, 2-hour time limit, instant scoring. Take unlimited mock exams and track your scores over time.
AI Tutor Explains Everything
Stuck on a question? Our AI tutor breaks down complex topics like sectional charts, METARs, and airspace rules in plain English until you truly understand.
Weak Area Tracking
Your dashboard shows exactly which topics need more work. Stop wasting time on what you already know and focus on the areas that will actually improve your score.
Study Anywhere
Phone, tablet, or computer. Pick up where you left off on any device. Study during lunch breaks, commutes, or while waiting at the field.
Updated for 2026
Our question bank reflects the latest FAA regulations including Remote ID, updated night operations rules, and current airspace procedures. No outdated material.
Start Studying Today
Get full access to every Part 107 practice question, mock exam, flashcards, and study guides for just $7.49/mo (50% off first month with PILOT50).
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Part 107 Exam — Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Part 107 exam?
The Part 107 exam has roughly an 88% pass rate, meaning about 12% of test-takers fail on their first attempt. The difficulty depends heavily on your preparation. Pilots who study with structured practice tests and question banks tend to pass comfortably, often scoring in the 85-95% range. The hardest sections for most people are reading sectional charts, interpreting METARs and TAFs, and understanding the nuances of controlled airspace. If you can consistently score 85%+ on practice exams, you are well-prepared for the real thing.
How long should I study for Part 107?
Most people need 15 to 30 hours of focused study time spread over 2 to 4 weeks. If you already have a manned aircraft pilot certificate or aviation background, you may need as little as 8 to 10 hours. Complete beginners with no aviation knowledge should plan for closer to 40 hours. The key is active studying — taking practice tests, reviewing wrong answers, and understanding why each answer is correct — rather than passively watching videos. Using a question bank with explanations is significantly more effective than reading a textbook cover-to-cover.
What score do I need to pass Part 107?
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass, which means answering at least 42 out of 60 questions correctly. The exam is scored on a simple percentage basis with no weighting by topic area. While 70% is the minimum, we recommend aiming for 85%+ on practice exams to give yourself a comfortable margin. The FAA does not publish which specific questions you got wrong, only your overall score and performance by knowledge area, so there is no way to know exactly which questions tripped you up.
Can I retake the Part 107 if I fail?
Yes, you can retake the Part 107 exam, but you must wait 14 calendar days before scheduling your next attempt. Each retake costs the full $175 testing fee. There is no limit to the number of times you can retake the exam. However, the 14-day wait plus scheduling availability at your local testing center means most retakes happen 3 to 6 weeks after the initial failure. This is why thorough preparation the first time is so important — a failed attempt costs you both money and weeks of lost time when you could already be flying commercially.
How long is Part 107 certification valid?
Your Remote Pilot Certificate itself does not expire, but you must complete recurrent training every 24 months (2 years) to maintain your privileges. Since April 2021, recurrent training can be completed online for free through the FAA Safety website (faasafety.gov) — you no longer need to retake the full proctored exam. The online recurrent course takes about 1 to 2 hours and covers regulatory updates and a knowledge review. If you let your recurrency lapse, you simply need to complete the training before your next commercial flight — your certificate is not revoked.
Do I need Part 107 to fly a drone?
You need Part 107 certification if you fly a drone for any commercial purpose — meaning you receive compensation or the flight furthers a business. This includes real estate photography, construction inspections, agricultural surveys, filmmaking, roof inspections, and any other work-for-hire drone operations. Recreational (hobby) flying does not require Part 107, but you must still follow The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) requirements, fly under 400 feet, keep the drone in visual line of sight, and avoid controlled airspace without authorization. If there is any doubt whether your flight is commercial, get your Part 107 — the FAA interprets 'commercial' broadly.