To fly a drone for any business or non-recreational purpose in the United States, you need a Remote Pilot Certificate under FAA Part 107. Here is the full path, in order.

Quick facts: You must be at least 16, pass the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) knowledge test (60 questions, 2 hours, 70% to pass), apply in IACRA, and clear a TSA security check.

Step 1: Create an IACRA account and get your FTN

Register at IACRA, the FAA’s online certification system. Your profile gives you an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). You need the FTN before you can book the knowledge test.

Step 2: Study for the UAG knowledge test

The test covers regulations, airspace and sectional charts, weather, loading and performance, operations, and human factors. Since October 26, 2026, it can also show current sectional chart images on screen, alongside the charts in the FAA testing supplement (FAA-CT-8080-2H).

Not sure where you stand? Take our free 15-question practice test.

Step 3: Book and take the test

Schedule the UAG test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center. The fee is paid when you book, and it has commonly been about $175 per attempt; confirm the current fee when you schedule. Bring a government-issued photo ID.

Test detail	What to expect
Questions	60 multiple choice
Time limit	2 hours
Passing score	70% (42 correct)
Minimum age	16
If you don’t pass	You can retest after 14 days

Step 4: Apply in IACRA (FAA Form 8710-13)

After you pass, log in to IACRA and start a Remote Pilot application. Enter the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID from your test report. Results can take up to 48 hours to appear in the system.

Step 5: Clear the TSA check and print your temporary certificate

The TSA runs a security background check. Once it clears, you can print a temporary certificate from IACRA, valid for up to 120 days, while your permanent card is mailed to you.

Step 6: Stay current every 24 months

Your certificate does not expire, but you must complete free FAA recurrent training every 24 calendar months to keep flying under Part 107. Most remote pilots take course ALC-677 on FAASafety.gov.

Before you fly commercially

Register any drone over 0.55 lb with the FAA and mark the registration number on its outside.
Meet the Remote ID rule with a standard Remote ID drone, a broadcast module, or by flying inside a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
Get ATC authorization (for example through LAANC) before flying in controlled airspace.

Sources: FAA: Become a Certificated Remote Pilot · Pilot Institute: FAA knowledge test changes. Rules and fees change; always confirm on faa.gov.