How to Pass the Part 107 Exam in 2026 (Complete Guide)
Introduction: This Test Is More Manageable Than You Think
Let's get something out of the way right now.
The FAA Part 107 exam — that's the federal test you have to pass before you can legally fly a drone for money — has a reputation for being brutal. Aviation weather charts. Airspace classification. Military training routes. It sounds like you need a pilot's license just to study for it.
You don't.
Thousands of people with zero aviation background pass this test every month. Most of them studied for two weeks or less. The ones who fail aren't failing because the material is too hard — they're failing because they studied the wrong things, or they studied the right things the wrong way.
This guide gives you the plan that works. Not everything on the exam. Not a textbook recap. Just what actually shows up, what you can safely skip, and exactly how to prepare so you walk into the testing center ready to pass.
If you want the structured version of this — with practice tests, an AI study assistant, and step-by-step guidance from instructors who've trained hundreds of pilots — that's what our Part 107 Online Course is built for. But if you want to understand the path first, keep reading.
Part 107 vs. TRUST: What You Actually Need
Before we get into how to study, let's clear up something that trips up a lot of new pilots.
There are two different FAA requirements floating around, and they are not the same thing.
The TRUST Certificate — TRUST stands for The Recreational UAS Safety Test. It's a free, online-only test that recreational hobbyist pilots (people flying purely for fun, never for money) are required to complete. It takes about 30 minutes, there's no fee, and it does not expire. It does not allow you to fly commercially in any capacity.
The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate — This is the real certification. It's what you need to fly a drone for any commercial purpose — real estate, inspections, photography, public safety, construction, literally anything involving money or a client. It requires passing a proctored 60-question exam at an FAA-approved testing center.
Here's the honest take: if you're reading this guide, you almost certainly need Part 107, not TRUST. TRUST is for people who fly as a hobby and never plan to make a dollar from it. The moment a client, employer, or business is involved — even if you personally aren't being paid — you need Part 107.
And here's why it's worth it: the Part 107 certificate also covers everything TRUST covers. If you hold a Part 107, you can fly recreationally too. It's the one credential that unlocks everything — hobby flying, commercial work, public safety operations, enterprise programs. Getting TRUST and nothing else is a dead end the moment anyone asks you to fly professionally.
For a full breakdown of requirements and who qualifies, check our Part 107 requirements guide.
What Is the Part 107 Exam, Actually?
The Part 107 exam (officially called the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small, or UAG exam) is a 60-question multiple-choice test you take in person at an FAA-approved testing center. You have 2 hours. You need a 70% to pass — that's 42 out of 60 questions.
It costs around $175 to take. If you fail, you can retake it after a 14-day waiting period (for another $175 fee — another good reason to prepare properly).
Once you pass, you apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate through the FAA's online system. That certificate is what legally allows you to fly a drone commercially — meaning for any job, any client, any money.
The Minimum Viable Study Plan (7 Days to Ready)
You don't need 6 weeks. You don't need aviation school. Here's the plan that works for most people who are starting from zero.
Day 1–2: Learn the Rules
Start with the regulations — not because they're exciting, but because they're the foundation everything else builds on. The key numbers to know cold:
Maximum altitude: 400 feet AGL (that means 400 feet above the ground directly below you — not above sea level)
Maximum speed: 100 mph
Maximum drone weight: 55 lbs
Minimum visibility: 3 statute miles
Distance from clouds: 500 feet below, 2,000 feet horizontally
You also need to understand Remote ID — think of it like a digital license plate that broadcasts your drone's location in real time. As of 2026, it's fully mandatory for commercial operations.
Day 3–5: Tackle Airspace (This Is the Big One)
Airspace is where most people lose points — and where the most points are available. Don't panic. There are really only a few things you need to understand:
The sky is divided into classes. Near busy airports, the FAA controls who flies there and when (Classes B, C, D, and some of E). Away from airports, you have much more freedom (Class G). You don't need to memorize every detail of every class. You need to be able to look at a map called a Sectional Chart and figure out what class you're in, and whether you need permission.
Sectional Chart Excerpt of the San Francisco Bay Area. (Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 74)
The charts look intimidating at first. They're not. Once someone walks you through the logic — blue means control tower, magenta means no tower, faded vignette means the airspace floor starts at 700 feet — it clicks fast. We walk through this in detail in our airspace guide here.
One cheat code: during the actual exam, you get a supplement booklet that includes the chart legend. You don't have to memorize what every single symbol means. You just need to be comfortable navigating the legend quickly.
Day 6: Weather Basics (Simpler Than It Sounds)
You'll see weather questions on the exam. The good news: you don't need to be a meteorologist. You need to know two things well:
How to read METARs and TAFs — they’re coded weather reports that tell you wind speed, visibility, cloud height, and temperature. METARs are the the current weather, while TAFs are future weather conditions. It looks like gibberish at first: METAR KSAC 121845Z 27010KT 10SM SKC 22/10 A3002. But once you learn the pattern (wind first, then visibility, then sky conditions), it becomes readable fast.
The difference between stable and unstable air. Stable air = smooth flying, but sometimes foggy. Unstable air = bumpy, but usually clear. That's the real-world version of what the exam is testing.
Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts TAF (Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 15)
Day 7: Operations and Practice
The operations section covers crew communication, decision-making, and radio basics. Most of it is common sense dressed up in aviation language. Focus on the "hazardous attitudes" — the FAA has names for bad pilot psychology like "Macho" (I can handle this) and "Impulsivity" (just do it) — and memorize the phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.).
Then take at least two full practice tests under timed conditions. This is non-negotiable. The questions on the real exam have specific phrasing you need to be familiar with. Practice tests train your brain for that phrasing.
What's Actually on the Test (And What You Can Skip)
The exam covers five areas. Here's what that looks like in practice — and what to focus your time on:
1. Regulations (15–25% of the exam)
Focus on: The key numbers (400 ft, 100 mph, 55 lbs), Remote ID rules, night flying requirements, and alcohol/drug rules (no flying within 8 hours of drinking — the "bottle to throttle" rule).
You can skim: The very detailed waiver application process. It might show up once. Don't spend hours on it.
2. Airspace and Charts (15–25% of the exam)
Focus on: Reading the Sectional Chart well enough to identify airspace class and understand whether you need authorization to fly. Learning the LAANC system — that's the app-based system (it stands for Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) that lets you request permission to fly in controlled airspace around airports, usually approved in seconds.
You can skim: Airspace above 18,000 feet (Class A). You can't fly there. It won't matter.
3. Weather (11–16% of the exam)
Focus on: Reading METARs and TAFs (the weather reports of aviation), understanding cloud ceiling rules, and the stable-vs-unstable air concept.
You can skim: Deep meteorological theory. The exam won't ask you to explain the physics of fog formation.
Figure 3.4. Turbulence caused by manmade obstructions. (Source: FAA-H-8083-25C, Figure 12-16)
4. Loading and Performance (7–11% of the exam)
Focus on: Density altitude — when it's hot and/or you're at high elevation, the air is thinner and your drone performs worse. Center of gravity — an unbalanced load makes the drone unstable and drains the battery faster.
You can skim: Highly technical weight-and-balance calculations. The exam keeps this at a conceptual level.
5. Operations (35–45% of the exam)
This is the biggest section by weight. Focus on: Crew Resource Management (how to communicate clearly with a Visual Observer — the person helping you watch for hazards), the hazardous attitudes (Macho, Impulsivity, Invulnerability, Resignation, Anti-Authority), and radio communication basics.
You can skim: Deep aviation physiology. It shows up occasionally but isn't heavily tested.
The 4 Mistakes That Cause Most Failures
We've seen hundreds of students come through our course. The failures almost always come down to one of these:
Mistake 1: Mixing Up AGL and MSL
AGL means "Above Ground Level" — height above the dirt below you. MSL means "Mean Sea Level" — height above the ocean. Your 400-foot limit is AGL. Charts show obstacle heights in MSL. The exam will give you a tower at 1,200 feet MSL in terrain that sits at 800 feet MSL. Your altitude limit isn't 1,200 + 400 = 1,600 feet MSL — you need to think through it carefully. Read every question about altitude twice.
Mistake 2: Guessing on Chart Questions Instead of Using the Legend
Your test booklet has a chart legend. It tells you what every symbol means. Use it. Students who try to memorize every symbol lose time and make errors. Students who know how to navigate the legend quickly ace the chart questions.
Sectional Aeronautical Chart Legend. (Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Legend 1)
Mistake 3: Rushing "NOT" Questions
The exam loves questions like "Which of the following is NOT a requirement for night operations?" Students who skim for the right answer instead of the wrong one fail these constantly. Every question that contains "NOT" or "EXCEPT" — read it twice before you answer.
Mistake 4: Skipping the Practice Tests
The biggest predictor of passing on the first try is the number of practice tests taken. Not the number of hours reading. Practice tests force you to apply what you've learned, and they train you to recognize how the FAA phrases questions. If you only have time for one thing before your exam, take practice tests.
Curious how hard is the actual exam? Here’s an honest breakdown.
Why the Exam Exists (And Why It Actually Makes You Better)
This is the part most study guides skip — and it matters.
You might be wondering: why do I need to know about military training routes if I'm just going to photograph houses? Why do I need to read weather charts if I'm going to check an app before I fly?
Here's the honest answer: because when something goes wrong at 300 feet in the air, it goes wrong fast, and the consequences affect everyone in the airspace — not just you.
The Part 107 exam exists to make sure that every commercial drone pilot understands how to share the sky. The fighter jet doing a training run at 500 feet. The medevac helicopter coming through the morning fog. The news chopper circling a fire. These aircraft are operating in the same airspace you are, and their crews are trusting that every drone pilot in the area is operating with awareness and judgment.
The certification doesn't just give you legal permission to fly commercially. It signals to every client, agency, and partner you work with that you understand the airspace, you respect the rules, and you can be trusted with a mission that matters.
That matters more than people realize — especially in the public safety, utilities, and enterprise markets where the stakes are highest. Curious what you can actually do with it once you pass? See every career path a Part 107 opens up.
What Happens After You Pass
Once you pass the exam, here's the sequence:
Get your score report from the testing center — you'll need this for your application
Go to IACRA (the FAA's online certification application system — iacra.faa.gov) and fill out your Remote Pilot Certificate application
Wait for your temporary certificate — this typically arrives within a few business days via email and is fully valid for flying
Your physical certificate arrives in the mail within a few weeks
From the day you pass the exam, you can legally begin commercial operations once your certificate application is submitted and approved.
One more thing: the Part 107 certificate doesn't expire, but your aeronautical knowledge does need to stay current. As of 2026, recurrent training is handled through a free online course from the FAA, which you take every 24 months. No additional in-person test required.
Ready to Stop Preparing and Start Flying?
You've got the plan. Now you need the tools to execute it.
At Red Raven UAS, we built our Part 107 Online Course specifically for people who want to pass on the first try without spending weeks buried in FAA handbooks. It's the fastest path from zero to certified — built by instructors who've trained public safety teams, enterprise programs, and new pilots across the country.
What's included:
Red Raven Study Guide — the core of the course. Every exam topic translated from FAA-speak into plain English, in the order that makes it click
Downloadable eBook — your full study guide in a format that works on any phone, tablet, or e-reader
18-Part Audio Companion — bite-sized audio lessons covering every topic, perfect for your commute or studying away from a screen
Printable Lesson PDFs — prefer studying on paper? Print any lesson and take notes by hand
Interactive Practice Tests — realistic exams modeled after the real FAA test format so you know exactly what to expect
AI Tutor — ask any question, anytime, and get an instant plain-English explanation
Pass Guarantee — complete the course, score 80%+ on our practice exam, and take the FAA exam within 14 days. If you don't pass, we refund your full course fee.
The current course price is $99 (normally $199). That's less than the cost of one failed exam retake. Want the full professional toolkit too? The Pro Pilot Package adds business guides, checklists, airspace authorization guides, and operational SOPs for just $30 more.
Watch: Red Raven Part 107 Online Course Overview
Links & Resources
FAA Part 107 Online Course & Test Prep: https://www.redravenuas.com/part107
How Hard Is the FAA Part 107 Test? Here’s What to Actually Expect
https://www.redravenuas.com/blog/part-107-how-hard-is-the-examPart 107 Requirements: Who Needs It and How to Qualify: https://www.redravenuas.com/blog/part-107-requirements-guide
Part 107 Exam Cost Breakdown: https://www.redravenuas.com/blog/part-107-exam-cost-breakdown
Understanding Airspace for the Part 107 Exam: https://www.redravenuas.com/blog/part-107-airspace
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What score do you need to pass the Part 107 exam?
You need a 70% or higher to pass the FAA Part 107 knowledge test.How hard is the Part 107 test?
It’s very manageable with a real study plan. Most people struggle because they underestimate airspace, charts, and weather, not because the test is “tricky.”How long should I study for the Part 107 exam?
Most students do well with 10–20 hours of focused study over 1–3 weeks. If you’re brand new to aviation concepts, plan for the longer end.What topics are most important on the Part 107 exam?
The biggest score drivers are usually airspace and sectional charts, weather, regulations, and operations(loading/performance, emergency procedures, radio comms basics, crew resource management).What are the most common mistakes people make on the test?
Not practicing sectional chart questions, skipping weather decoding, rushing through the wording, and not reviewing wrong answers. The best strategy is repeated practice with correction.Do you need to memorize the entire sectional chart legend?
No. You need to be comfortable reading key elements: airspace classes, airport symbols, controlled airspace boundaries, and altitude information—and know where to find legend details quickly.Can you use a calculator during the Part 107 exam?
Testing centers typically provide what you need or allow specific types of basic calculators, but rules vary by location. Assume no phone and plan to do simple math carefully.What should I bring on test day?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, arrive early, and know your test appointment details. Plan for a quiet, methodical pace—most errors come from rushing.What happens after you pass the Part 107 test?
After you pass, you complete the FAA application steps (through IACRA) to obtain your Remote Pilot Certificate. You can begin working commercially once your certificate process is complete per FAA rules.
About Red Raven UAS
Red Raven UAS was founded by public safety and drone industry veterans who know what it takes to get certified and fly professionally. Our Part 107 online course was built by Derrick Ward — 35-year LAFD veteran and public safety UAS pioneer — and Michael Wilson, former Director at DJI. It cuts through the confusion of FAA manuals and scattered YouTube videos and gives you a clear, structured path to passing your exam on the first try — guaranteed. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced drone pilot finally going legit, we give you everything you need: study guide, practice tests, audio lessons, and an AI tutor available anytime. Pass the test, get your certificate, and start flying professionally with confidence.
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