I passed the FAA Part 107 test. Here’s exactly how I studied — and what test day is actually like.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2016 — right after I took the Part 107 test for the first time. It’s been updated in 2026 with current test fees, the latest FAA pass rate data, and my updated course recommendations. The test-day story? That part is all original.

I passed the FAA Part 107 test on my first try with a 90%. I’m telling you that upfront not to brag, but because it’s the most useful thing I can say to someone who’s nervous about taking it: it is very doable, and the right preparation makes all the difference.

Here’s everything I know about what the experience is actually like — from scheduling the test to walking out with a passing score — plus an honest breakdown of how I studied and what I’d do differently if I were starting from scratch today.

What you need to know before you schedule

The FAA Part 107 test — officially called the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) Knowledge Test — is administered in person at FAA-approved testing centers. There are roughly 700 locations around the U.S. Find one near you here.

A few logistics to sort out before you go:

• Book in advance. Most centers take appointments; walk-ins aren’t always guaranteed.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver’s license or passport works.
• Budget $175 for the test fee. This goes directly to the testing center, not the FAA, and you pay it whether you pass or fail..which is a good reason to study.
• You get two hours to answer 60 multiple-choice questions. Most people finish in about an hour.

Related post: FAA Part 107 test: everything you need to know (except the answers)

What test day feels like

I took the test in Oakland, Calfornia at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance. It’s just around the corner from Oakland International Airport.

They’ll provide you with a pen, scratch paper and calculator, but if you would rather bring your own approved calculator, you’re allowed to do that. You’re even allowed to bring in your magnifying class! Here is an in-depth guide to everything you need to bring to the Part 107 test.

I showed up on test day, and everyone was super nice! I had to wait a bit for them to set up and then was walked into the testing room. They had a computer where I took the test. They gave me an overview of how to use the very basic testing software, and then they left the room. There was a camera for the test proctor to observe me from outside. They give you 2 hours to take the test, but I took up about one hour.

There are 60 official questions on the test, but here’s something I didn’t know: they actually throw in a few test questions that the FAA themselves are testing out. You don’t know which ones they are and they aren’t counted toward your score, But I ended up having 63 test questions (with only 60 counted in my score).

My test leaned heavily on sectional charts. I had two METAR questions. And I had a few curveball questions like this one:

1. 14 CFR Part 91 requires that your blood alcohol level be less than

• .04 percent
• .06 percent
• .08 percent

Answer: .04%!

Once I waived my hand for the camera to indicate I was finished, the test proctor came in and we looked at my final score, which was 90%. I just barely got that A, but more importantly I passed!!

How hard is the Part 107 test?

Though passing the test is not an unsurmountable feat, it is definitely difficult for some. In fact, in 2025, the FAA reported that the average score on the Part 107 test hit an all-time low of 79.31% — barely above the 70% minimum to pass — and the pass rate dropped to 82.96%. That means roughly one in six people who take this test fail it.

For comparison, the overall pass rate across all FAA Airman Knowledge Tests in 2025 was 89.56%. Drone pilots are consistently the lowest-performing group, and the gap is widening year over year as more people enter the field with less aviation background.

None of this is meant to scare you. It’s meant to make the case that showing up underprepared is a real risk, and a $175 retake fee is a very avoidable expense.

How I studied for the FAA Part 107 test

When I took the test in 2016, I used Drone Pilot Ground School — a choice I made simply because they were the first company to approach me and let me know that online study courses even existed! The teacher Alan has hours and hours of videos, multiple practice tests for each section and multiple final exams too. But I passed using Drone Pilot Ground School, so I definitely recommend it!

The good news if you’re studying now: the course has gotten significantly better since I took it. DPGS did a complete overhaul in 2024 with all new videos, updated content and a lot more study tools. Here’s what’s currently included:

• 80+ video lessons covering all 120+ FAA test topics
• 400+ practice questions with detailed answer explanations and a performance report breaking down your weak areas
• Digital flashcards for studying on the go
• A 17-page cram sheet — this was genuinely one of the most useful things I used
• Weekly live Zoom sessions with an instructor (a 28-year Air Force vet)
• Unlimited 1:1 support — I’ve emailed questions myself and gotten fast responses, sometimes from the founder Alan directly
• Lifetime access, which matters because you’ll need to recertify every two years
• A pass guarantee: if you fail the FAA exam, DPGS covers your $175 retake fee and refunds your course cost, as long as you passed one of their practice exams with 85% or higher

The course normally costs $299. But, my custom link gives you $100 off, bringing your price to $199. Enroll here with the discount applied.

If budget is a concern, Drone Launch Academy is a solid alternative at $149 with code DRONEGIRL50. I’ve reviewed both in depth in my full Part 107 test prep course guide.

Whatever you use, don’t try to wing it. The FAA provides a free 79-page study guide that covers the test material — and if you can absorb it all, you will pass. But most people, myself included, do better with structured video lessons and practice tests than a dense government PDF.

What’s changed about the test since I took it

Quite a bit, actually. A few things worth knowing if you’re finding old study materials online:

• Night flying questions are now on the test. Since 2021, Part 107 allows drone pilots to fly at night without a waiver (with the right lighting equipment), and the test reflects this. Make sure your study materials are updated.
• Remote ID is now on the test. Remote ID became mandatory in 2023. If a prep course doesn’t cover it, it’s out of date.
• Recurrent certification is now free and online. When I first got my certificate, renewal required an in-person exam. As of 2021, you just complete a free online course through the FAA every two years. Much less painful.

Is the Part 107 test worth taking?

While it was definitely tough, it’s worth taking. Once you’ve passed the FAA Part 107 test, you’ve gained your first official entry into the safest airspace in the world. And it feels awesome to have that certificate proving you have substantial knowledge of our airspace.

Having your Remote Pilot Certificate opens you up to legal commercial drone work — real estate photography, roof inspections, mapping, construction surveys, content creation — and it signals to clients that you take the work seriously. I’ve had my certificate for nearly a decade and it’s been one of the best professional investments I’ve made in covering the drone industry.

Have you passed the FAA Part 107 test already? Share your tips in the comments below! And for everyone else, what are you waiting for? Happy studying, and happy flying!

Use this specific link to enroll in Drone Pilot Ground School for $199 →

FTC disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I used Drone Pilot Ground School to pass the Part 107 test myself and recommend it based on that experience.