Step-by-step guide
How to get your FAA
Part 107 certificate
Five steps from zero to certificated remote pilot — every link, fee, deadline, and common pitfall in one place. No hunting across FAA websites.
Full timeline at a glance
Create FTN
5 min · free
Schedule PSI
$175 fee
Study
Your pace
Sit exam
2 hrs · 60 Q
IACRA apply
15 min · free
Temp cert
PDF download
Plastic card
By mail
Step 01
Create your FTN (FAA Tracking Number)
The FTN is your permanent FAA identifier. You need it before you can schedule the exam. It links your legal name to all FAA records — this matters on test day.
Go to iacra.faa.gov and click "Create New Account".
Enter your legal name exactly as it appears on the government ID you will bring to the testing center.
Choose a username and password, verify your email address.
Your FTN appears in your account profile — save it (screenshot or write it down). You will paste it into the PSI scheduling form.
⚠️ Name mismatch = turned away at the door
This is the #1 reason people get rejected at the test center. Your FTN name must be character-for-character identical to your ID. No "Mike" if your ID says "Michael". No missing middle name if your ID shows it.
Already have an FTN from a previous FAA test?
If you ever took any FAA written test (private pilot, commercial, etc.) you already have an FTN. Use that one — do not create a duplicate. Log into iacra.faa.gov with your old credentials to find it.
Real user pitfalls
"I accidentally created two FTNs" — Contact the FAA at (405) 954-3261 to merge them before scheduling.
"The site keeps timing out" — Use Chrome or Firefox; the IACRA site has compatibility issues with Safari on some versions.
The FTN is permanent — once created it is yours for life.
The same FTN is used for every FAA knowledge test you ever take.
Step 02
Schedule your exam at a PSI testing center
PSI is the FAA-authorized testing provider. You book your slot on their website, select a testing center and date, and pay the $175 fee. The exam is the same everywhere.
Go to faa.psiexams.com — this is the official FAA exam scheduling portal.
Create a PSI account (separate from your FTN/IACRA account).
Search for the exam by name: "Unmanned Aircraft General - Small" or filter by code "UAG".
Enter your FTN when prompted.
Search for a testing center by ZIP code and choose your preferred date and time.
Pay the $175 FAA exam fee by credit or debit card. Save the confirmation email.
⚠️ Book at least 5–7 days ahead
Popular centers (major cities, weekends) fill up 2–3 weeks out. If you wait until the week of your target date, you may have to drive further or push back your plans.
⚠️ Cancellation: 2 business days or you lose the fee
PSI requires at least 2 full business days notice to reschedule or cancel without forfeiting the $175. Cancelling Monday for a Wednesday exam = fee lost.
Real user pitfalls
"I booked the wrong exam" — Double-check it says UAG (Unmanned Aircraft General - Small), not an older or different test code. If wrong, contact PSI immediately to reschedule.
"I can't find a center near me" — You can take the exam at any U.S. PSI center regardless of your home address. It doesn't have to be in your state.
"PSI charged me but the appointment didn't confirm" — Check your spam folder first. If nothing, call PSI at 1-800-211-2754 before assuming it failed.
PSI has testing centers in most cities. Use the ZIP search and look within a 50-mile radius if nothing shows locally.
Weekday morning slots are usually easiest to find available.
Step 03
Test day — what to bring and what to expect
60 questions on a computer terminal. 120 minutes. You see your score before you leave. Here is the exact sequence of events and what trips people up.
Arrive 20–30 minutes early. Late arrivals may be turned away.
Present two forms of ID: one government-issued with photo and signature (passport or driver's license), one with at least a signature.
The proctor photographs you, checks your ID against your FTN registration, and has you sign in.
All personal items go in a locker — phone, wallet, keys, notes, everything.
You get an erasable notepad and marker for scratch work at the desk.
The test starts when you click Start. Each question appears one at a time. Flag uncertain ones and review before submitting.
Some questions include a side panel with charts or weather excerpts. Take the time to read them — they are provided precisely because you need them.
When finished, the proctor prints your score report immediately. It shows your raw score and a breakdown by topic.
⚠️ Bring TWO forms of ID — one must be government-issued
Debit card + driver's license ✓. Driver's license only = usually fine but rules say two. Passport alone = fine. Student ID = not acceptable as a primary. When in doubt, bring passport + anything with a signature.
⚠️ The score report is NOT the certificate
You will leave with a printed score report showing you passed. This is not the Remote Pilot Certificate. You still need to complete the IACRA application (Step 4) before you are legally certificated.
Real user pitfalls
"I ran out of time on chart questions" — Flag chart/weather questions on first pass. Answer everything else first, then return. Most people finish with 30+ minutes to spare.
"I second-guessed my first answers" — Studies consistently show first instinct answers are more often correct. Only change an answer if you have a specific, concrete reason.
"I failed by one question" — Wait 14 calendar days and rebook. Use your topic breakdown report to drill only the weak areas. Many people pass on their second attempt within 3–4 weeks.
If you fail: 14 calendar days minimum before retesting. No limit on total attempts. The $175 fee applies each time.
Aim for 85%+ in practice — not 70%. The buffer accounts for exam-day nerves and wording surprises.
The exam includes questions from chart figures you see on screen — these are not memorization tests, they are reading tests.
Step 04
Apply for your certificate via IACRA
After passing, your certificate does not exist until you apply through IACRA. This is the official FAA application that creates your Remote Pilot Certificate. Do it the same day you pass — no reason to wait.
Go to iacra.faa.gov and log in with the credentials you created in Step 1.
Click "Start New Application" → certificate type: "Remote Pilot" → rating: "Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)".
When prompted for your knowledge test result, enter the Airman Test ID number printed on your score report.
Fill in your personal information exactly as it appears on your ID.
Review everything carefully — your name, date of birth, address.
Submit the application electronically. The TSA security check begins automatically.
If TSA clears immediately: a temporary certificate PDF appears for download. Print or save it — this is your legal certificate.
If TSA places a hold: the FAA will email you updates. The hold can last a few days to a few weeks. It is normal.
⚠️ Apply within 24 months of your test date
Knowledge test scores expire after 24 calendar months. If you wait longer than that to file your IACRA application, your score is no longer valid and you have to retake the exam from scratch.
⚠️ TSA hold is not a rejection
A TSA hold means the security review is still processing — it is not a denial. Most holds resolve within a few business days. Do not refile or contact PSI during this time. Wait for the FAA email.
Real user pitfalls
"IACRA won't accept my test ID" — Make sure you're entering the Airman Test ID (printed on the score sheet), not your FTN or PSI appointment number. These are three different numbers.
"I can't log in to IACRA after passing" — Use the exact username/password from Step 1. If forgotten, use the reset link. Do not create a new account.
"It's been 3 weeks and still no certificate" — If the TSA hold is more than 30 days, contact FAA at (405) 954-3261 to check status.
The temporary certificate PDF downloads immediately if TSA clears on the spot. Save it to your phone AND email it to yourself.
The plastic permanent certificate arrives by mail in approximately 2–3 weeks after approval.
The temp PDF is 100% legally valid — you can fly commercially the same day you receive it.
Step 05
After your certificate — staying current and legal
Your Remote Pilot Certificate does not expire, but your currency does. Here is everything you need to keep flying legally and stay compliant.
Register your drone at faadronezone.faa.gov under Part 48. $5 per drone, valid 3 years. Required for drones weighing 0.55 lbs (250g) or more.
Mark your FAA registration number on the outside of your drone where it is clearly visible.
Ensure your drone has Remote ID compliance — either a built-in broadcast module or an add-on module meeting Part 89 requirements.
Before every flight: check TFRs at 1800wxbrief.com or the FAA B4UFLY app. Check NOTAM D for your area.
Every 24 months: complete the free FAA recurrent training (ALC-677) at FAASafety.gov to maintain currency. No re-exam required.
For controlled airspace operations: obtain LAANC authorization through apps like Aloft, DroneLink, or Kittyhawk before flying in Class B/C/D/surface E.
⚠️ Drone registration is separate from your pilot certificate
Many new pilots assume the Part 107 certificate covers the drone too. It doesn't. You need a separate FAA drone registration ($5) for each drone over 250g. Flying unregistered is a $250K fine.
⚠️ Remote ID is now required
As of March 16, 2024, all drone operations under Part 107 must comply with Remote ID (Part 89). Flying a non-compliant drone without authorization is a rule violation.
Real user pitfalls
"I forgot to renew my currency" — If your 24-month window lapses, complete the recurrent training immediately. You cannot legally act as Remote PIC while uncurrent, even with a valid certificate.
"I got denied LAANC but flew anyway" — LAANC denial means no authorization. Contact the facility directly or apply for a FAA Part 107 waiver for operations that require it.
"My drone firmware update changed my Remote ID settings" — After major firmware updates, verify your Remote ID is still broadcasting correctly before the next flight.
The FAA recurrent training (ALC-677) is free, entirely online, and takes about 1–2 hours.
Keep a photo of your temp certificate PDF on your phone. You need to be able to present your certificate on request.
B4UFLY is the easiest app for quick go/no-go airspace checks. Free from the FAA.
Direct links
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a medical certificate or a practical flying test?
No. Part 107 is a written knowledge test only. No medical exam and no practical (hands-on flying) test are required.
What is the minimum age?
You must be at least 16 years old to hold a Remote Pilot Certificate.
I already have a manned aircraft pilot certificate. Do I still need the full exam?
No. If you hold a Part 61 airman certificate (private pilot or above) and have a current flight review, you can take a free online training course at FAASafety.gov (ALC-451) instead of the $175 PSI exam. You still apply through IACRA afterward.
What if I fail the exam?
Wait 14 calendar days, then rebook at PSI and pay the $175 again. Use the topic breakdown report from your failed attempt to drill weak areas. There is no limit on retake attempts.
How long does my knowledge test score stay valid?
24 calendar months from the test date. You must submit your IACRA application before it expires, or you have to retake the exam.
Can I fly commercially right after passing the exam?
No — you must complete the IACRA application and receive the temporary certificate PDF first. The score report alone does not make you certificated. Once you have the PDF, you can fly that same day.
Does the Remote Pilot Certificate expire?
The certificate itself does not expire. However, your currency expires every 24 months. Renew it by completing the free FAA recurrent training (ALC-677) — no re-exam required.
Do I need to register my drone separately?
Yes. Drone registration (Part 48) is separate from your pilot certificate. Any drone weighing 0.55 lbs (250g) or more must be registered at FAA DroneZone for $5, valid 3 years. Fly-without-registration fines start at $250K.
What is Remote ID and do I need it?
Remote ID broadcasts your drone's location and identification in real time. As of March 16, 2024 it is required for all Part 107 operations. Most drones manufactured after that date have it built in. Older drones may need a retrofit broadcast module.
All official resources in one place
IACRA — FTN creation & certificate application
Steps 1 & 4
PSI — FAA exam scheduling portal
Step 2 · $175
FAA acceptable ID for testing
Step 3
FAA DroneZone — drone registration (Part 48)
Step 5 · $5
FAA recurrent training ALC-677
24-month renewal
FAA Part 61 → Part 107 training (ALC-451)
Pilot cert holders
1800wxbrief — TFR & NOTAM check
Pre-flight
B4UFLY — airspace go/no-go app
iOS & Android
Aloft — LAANC authorization
Controlled airspace
FAA Part 107 full regulation text (14 CFR)
The actual rules
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