The FAA Part 107 knowledge test — officially called the FAA Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) knowledge test — contains 60 multiple-choice questions. The time limit for the Part 107 test is 120 minutes, and you need to answer at least 42 of those 60 questions correctly to pass, which works out to a 70% passing score.
The test is administered at PSI-approved testing centers nationwide. You’ll sit at a computer in a proctored environment with no open books, no personal notes — just you, the screen, and an FAA-provided chart supplement booklet to reference during the exam.
| Detail | Info |
| Number of Questions | 60 multiple-choice |
| Time Allowed | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| FAA Part 107 passing score | 70% (42 out of 60 correct) |
| Exam Fee | $175 per attempt |
| Where to Take It | PSI-approved testing centers |
| Official Exam Name | FAA Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) |
That’s the core of it, but knowing how many questions are on the Part 107 test is just the starting point. Understanding what those 60 questions cover, how to prepare, and what happens after you pass is where the real value is.
Key Takeaways
- The Part 107 exam is 60 multiple-choice questions, administered in 120 minutes at PSI testing centers, with a 70% passing score (42 correct answers) required.
- Five topic areas are tested, with Operations carrying the most weight (35–45%) and Airspace questions being the most commonly missed due to sectional chart reading requirements.
- Most candidates need 15–20 hours of study to pass; those without aviation backgrounds should plan for 25–30 hours, with dedicated time for chart practice.
- Registration requires an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) created through IACRA before you can schedule the exam — skipping this step creates delays after you pass.
- The certificate requires free FAA online recurrent training (ALC-677) every 24 months, completed through the FAA Safety Team website — no in-person PSI exam required.
How Many Questions Are on the Part 107 Test and What Topics Are Covered?
The FAA Part 107 exam follows a structured blueprint published in the FAA’s Airman Certification Standards (ACS). Every question traces back to one of five knowledge areas, each weighted differently. Knowing the weighting helps you study smarter, not harder.
Here’s how the five FAA Part 107 test topics break down:
| Topic Area | Approximate Weight | What to Expect |
| Regulations | 15–25% | FAA rules, waivers, remote pilot responsibilities, certificate requirements |
| Airspace Classification & Operating Requirements | 15–25% | Class B/C/D/E/G airspace, TFRs, NOTAMs, sectional charts |
| Weather | 11–16% | METARs, TAFs, weather charts, wind, visibility, cloud ceilings |
| Loading & Performance | 7–11% | Weight and balance, performance charts, drone limitations |
| Operations | 35–45% | Emergency procedures, crew resource management, radio comms, aeronautical decision-making, airport ops, maintenance |
Note:
- The Operations category carries the most weight at 35–45%.
- Regulations and Airspace each fall within the 15–25% band, meaning together they can account for nearly half the exam.
- Regulation questions tend to be scenario-based, testing what a UAV pilot should do in a given situation rather than requiring rule-number recitation.
- Weather questions often involve reading a METAR or identifying hazardous conditions from a forecast.
Airspace Questions: The Most Commonly Missed Category
Airspace classification is where many candidates lose unexpected points. The challenge isn’t that the rules are complex — it’s that applying them requires reading a sectional aeronautical chart, a skill that takes hands-on practice. Questions may ask you to identify airspace class above a specific airport, determine whether authorization is required before flying, or interpret a NOTAM or TFR boundary.
Budget dedicated time for chart practice. Flashcards won’t cut it here.
How Hard Is the Part 107 Test, Really?
Honestly? It’s a serious exam — but it’s very passable with the right preparation. Candidates who follow a structured study plan consistently report higher first-attempt success rates. The candidates who struggle are almost always those who underestimated the preparation required.
The Part 107 initial knowledge exam is closed-book and computer-based. No outside materials are permitted beyond the FAA-supplied test supplement. Difficulty concentrates in three areas:
- Reading sectional aeronautical charts — requires visual interpretation, not memorization
- FAA regulation interpretation — scenario-based, testing applied judgment
- Weather decoding — METARs, TAFs, and weather charts require familiarity with aviation-specific formats
The good news: the FAA draws from a published question pool, which means consistent practice with Part 107 exam questions directly prepares you for what you’ll see on test day. Candidates who study consistently and take multiple timed practice exams routinely pass on their first attempt.
Ready to pass on your first try? Our FAA Part 107 test prep course is the fastest and easiest way to earn your remote pilot certification. Join over 30,000 students who have trusted Drone Launch Academy to help them pass the exam the first time — with a 99.54% success rate.
Part 107 Exam Cost, Registration, and What to Expect on Test Day
The Part 107 exam costs $175 as of the current FAA guidance. Always verify the current amount through PSI’s testing portal when you register.
Here’s the full registration process:
Step 1 — Create your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) via IACRA
Before anything else, you’ll need to get your FTN registered in the FAA’s IACRA system — this is the step most candidates skip and later regret. Completing it first ensures you can submit your certificate application the moment you pass, without any frustrating delays.
Step 2 — Schedule through PSI
Once you have your FTN, use PSI’s testing center portal to find a location and book your exam date.
Step 3 — Arrive with a valid government-issued ID
Bring a current government-issued photo ID. No ID, no test.
Step 4 — Take the exam
You’ll work through 60 on-screen questions with access to the printed FAA Airman Knowledge Test Supplement. A basic calculator is available on-screen. Personal notes, phones, and your own calculator are not allowed.
Step 5 — Get your score and apply
Your score report prints immediately after the exam. If you pass, log in to IACRA to submit your remote pilot certificate application. A temporary certificate arrives digitally; the physical card follows by mail within a few weeks.
Getting the FTN step right before anything else is the single most important procedural detail in the entire Part 107 exam process.
How to Study for the Part 107 Test: Building a Winning Prep Plan
Most candidates need 15–20 hours of focused study to pass on their first attempt. Without any aviation background, plan for 25–30 hours. Broken into daily sessions over two to four weeks, that’s very manageable.
For topics like weather and airspace, where judgment matters as much as memorization, expert-led instruction can dramatically shorten your learning curve.
Here’s a four-phase approach that works:
- Benchmark cold: Take a Part 107 practice test before you’ve studied anything. The goal isn’t to score well — it’s to identify your knowledge gaps so you can prioritize.
- Systematic content review: Work through a structured Part 107 study guide covering each topic area: regulations, airspace, weather, loading and performance, and operations. Don’t skip topics that seem minor.
- Drill practice questions: This is the single most effective preparation technique. The FAA draws from a known question pool, so repeated exposure to Part 107 practice exam questions builds the pattern recognition you need on test day.
- Simulate the full exam: At least once before your test, complete a full 60-question practice exam under 120-minute time conditions. This builds pacing confidence and reduces test-day anxiety.
Using Practice Exams the Right Way
Don’t just note whether you got a question right or wrong — read the explanation for every incorrect answer and every correct answer you weren’t fully confident about. The FAA rotates question phrasing, so candidates who rely on pattern-matching rather than genuine understanding often get tripped up. The goal is comprehension, not memorization.
Mastering Sectional Charts
Sectional chart reading deserves at least 3–5 dedicated hours separate from your general study time. Work with actual FAA sectional chart excerpts from the test supplement, practice identifying airspace boundaries, and get comfortable reading the symbology. The more time you spend with real charts, the more confident you’ll feel when those questions appear on test day.
After You Pass: Recurrency, Renewal, and What Your Certificate Allows
Passing the Part 107 exam earns you a drone remote pilot certificate that opens real professional doors, and understanding what that certificate allows, and what it requires going forward, is just as important as passing the test itself. Here’s what it authorizes:
- Commercial UAS operations with aircraft under 55 lbs
- Flying in Class G airspace without prior authorization
- Flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and E) with proper LAANC authorization or an FAA waiver
- Operations below 400 ft AGL (with defined exceptions near structures)
- Daylight operations and civil twilight operations with required anti-collision lighting
- Flights within the visual line of sight
What it does not authorize without a specific FAA waiver: Beyond visual line of sight operations, flight over moving vehicles or people without meeting the specific category requirements defined under the FAA’s Operations Over People rule (e.g., drone weight, exposed rotating parts, remote ID compliance), and operations outside standard altitude and airspace limits.
On recurrency: Every 24 calendar months, you must complete the free FAA online recurrent training course (ALC-677), available through the FAA Safety Team website. The course takes approximately 2 hours and concludes with a 45-question online knowledge check. No in-person PSI exam or fee is required for recertification. These requirements are distinct from the TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test), which applies to recreational flyers — a separate rule that sometimes creates confusion.
The initial knowledge test is the gateway to a legitimate commercial drone career, and the right preparation makes all the difference.
FAQs
How many questions are on the Part 107 knowledge test?
The Part 107 knowledge test has exactly 60 multiple-choice questions. You’ll have 120 minutes to complete the exam at a PSI-approved testing center, and questions are drawn from five topic areas: regulations, airspace, weather, loading and performance, and operations.
What is the passing score for the Part 107 exam?
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass, which means answering at least 42 out of 60 questions correctly. If you score below 70%, you can retake the exam after a 14-day waiting period.
How much does the Part 107 test cost?
The exam currently costs $175, payable when you schedule through PSI. This fee applies to the initial knowledge test. Recurrent training is completed online for free. Always confirm the current fee on PSI’s portal, as pricing can change.
Learn more about drone pilot training costs here.
How long should I study for the Part 107 test?
Most candidates without an aviation background need 25–30 hours; those with some aviation familiarity typically need 15–20 hours. A structured four-phase approach — benchmark test, content review, practice drilling, and timed simulation — is the most reliable path to passing on your first attempt.
Can I retake the Part 107 test if I fail?
Yes. You must wait 14 calendar days before retaking the exam and pay the $175 fee again. There’s no limit on retakes, but use the waiting period productively — review your score report, identify weak areas, and focus your study there before scheduling again.
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