Eligibility, Testing, and Getting Certificated

To qualify for a Remote Pilot Certificate, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English (exceptions exist for medical reasons that don't compromise safety).
• Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a small UAS.
• Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test (the UAG exam).

There is no medical certificate required for Part 107 — only the self-assessment that you are fit to fly.

The exam is the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) test:

• 60 multiple-choice questions, three answer choices each.
• 2 hours allotted.
• Passing score is 70% (42 of 60 correct).
• Taken at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center (PSI/CATS network).
• You need a government-issued photo ID and an FTN (FAA Tracking Number) from IACRA.

1. Complete FAA Form 8710-13 through the IACRA system.
2. The TSA conducts a background/security check.
3. You receive a temporary certificate (printable from IACRA), then the permanent card by mail.

If you hold a current Part 61 pilot certificate (other than student) and have completed a flight review within the past 24 months, you do not take the UAG test. Instead you complete the free online training course "Part 107 Small UAS Initial" (ALC-451) and then apply through IACRA.

The certificate does not expire, but to exercise its privileges you must complete the free online recurrent training every 24 calendar months (the rules changed from a paid recurrent test to free online training). Keep your training completion certificate available.