How to Get Your FAA Part 107 License (2026 Complete Guide)
If you want to fly a drone commercially in the United States, you need an FAA Part 107 license.
That includes real estate photography, construction progress, inspections, marketing videos, public safety operations, and any situation where money is involved, even if you are flying the drone to promote your business or your blog. The drone industry is all the buzz right now, as the opportunities are abundant - you can learn more about it in our blog post Careers in the Drone Industry.
We teach Part 107 prep in person in Cleveland, Ohio, to general public and train public safety agencies nationwide. After working with hundreds of students, we can tell you this clearly:
The Part 107 test is very passable.
But it requires structured preparation.
Here is exactly how the FAA Part 107 test works and how to pass it the first time.
What Is the FAA Part 107 License?
The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (aka drone license) is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It allows you to operate a drone for commercial purposes under 14 CFR Part 107 regulations.
There is no online version of the actual FAA exam. You must take the test in person at an approved PSI testing center.
Once you pass the knowledge test, you apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate through the FAA system.
Where Do You Schedule the FAA Part 107 Test?
The FAA Part 107 exam is a proctored, in-person test. That means it is supervised at an official testing center. You cannot take it at home.
All Part 107 knowledge tests are administered through PSI, the FAA’s approved testing provider.
To schedule your exam, you will:
Create an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application system (often referred to as IACRA).
Visit the PSI testing website.
Search for a testing center near you.
Select a date and pay the testing fee, which is typically around $175.
Testing centers are located throughout the United States, often inside small airports, aviation schools, or professional testing facilities.
If you are ready to schedule, you can find official testing locations and register directly through the PSI FAA Airman Knowledge Testing page.
It is important to schedule only after you are consistently scoring well on full-length practice exams. The exam fee is non-refundable, and rescheduling can delay your certification.
What Is on the Part 107 Test?
The FAA Part 107 test includes:
65 multiple choice questions
2 hours to complete the exam
A minimum passing score of 70 percent
The exam covers several core knowledge areas:
Airspace classification
Sectional charts, which are aviation maps that show controlled and uncontrolled airspace
Weather reports including METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report, which shows current airport weather conditions)
TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast, which provides forecasted weather conditions)
FAA regulations
Airport operations
Loading and performance
Emergency procedures
Aeronautical Decision Making, often shortened to ADM
Many students find the airspace and weather sections the most technical. You are expected to interpret real aviation charts and decode real weather reports, not just memorize definitions.
Is the Part 107 Test Hard?
The difficulty depends entirely on how you prepare.
Students who struggle usually rely only on videos or passive reading. Others practice random questions without ever taking a full-length timed simulation.
The FAA exam does not just test knowledge. It tests your ability to apply regulations, interpret sectional charts, and decode weather reports under time pressure.
That is why realistic practice exams matter.
How Many Times Can You Take the Part 107 Test?
If you fail the Part 107 test, you must wait 14 days before retaking it.
Each attempt costs approximately $175 depending on your testing center.
Failing is not catastrophic, but it is expensive and frustrating. It can also affect confidence. The better approach is to confirm you are ready before scheduling your exam.
What Score Should You Aim for Before Booking the Exam?
The FAA requires 70 percent to pass.
But 70 percent should not be your goal.
We recommend students consistently score at least 85 percent on full-length Part 107 practice exams before scheduling the real test. That number comes from real classroom experience. Students who score in the mid 80s or higher walk into the testing center calm and prepared. Students sitting around 70 percent often second guess themselves.
Seventy percent means you barely passed.
Eighty five percent means you understand the material.
That is why we built the 85 percent benchmark directly into our Part 107 Practice Test system. The Exam Readiness Tracker monitors your full-length test scores and confirms when you are consistently performing at or above that level. Instead of guessing when you are ready, you have measurable proof.
There is a big difference in how confident you feel walking into a PSI testing center when you know your scores are consistently strong.
The Best Way to Study for the FAA Part 107 Test
After teaching individual students and public safety agencies, here is what works consistently:
Learn the material in structured categories.
Practice with realistic FAA style questions.
Take full 65 question timed exams.
Identify weak areas and focus study time there.
There are several well-known Part 107 online courses available, including Pilot Institute, Sporty’s, and King Schools. These programs are primarily video-based training courses that walk you through the required knowledge areas and typically include practice quizzes or sample tests.
For many students, a structured video course is a helpful starting point. If you are disciplined with self-study and comfortable learning independently, that format can work well.
But not everyone learns best by watching videos alone.
Some students realize partway through self-study that they need more interaction, clearer explanations, or the ability to ask questions in real time. That is where in-person instruction can make a real difference. We run live Part 107 prep classes in Cleveland three to four times per year for students who prefer classroom learning and direct guidance through charts, weather interpretation, and regulations.
If you are local to Northeast Ohio and want live instruction, you can check our upcoming class dates on our site. We also wrote a detailed comparison of online versus in-person learning if you want to explore which format fits you best.
Regardless of how you learn the material, there is still a separate skill that determines success on test day: performing under exam conditions.
That is why we built our Part 107 Practice Test system specifically around realistic simulation and performance improvement. Instead of just offering additional practice questions, the system identifies weak categories, builds focused practice sessions around those areas, and links directly to targeted study guides tied to the exact topics you are missing.
Students can:
Take realistic 65 question timed simulations that mirror the FAA format
Take advantage of 300+ randomized FAA-style questions in practice and in test mode
See category breakdowns to identify weak topics
Use a Focus on Weak Areas feature that automatically builds practice sessions around categories below 70 percent
Jump directly from missed questions into the relevant study material
View sectional charts and official FAA figures directly inside the testing interface
Track score trends over time and confirm consistent 85 percent readiness
The goal is not just to consume information. It is to practice in a way that measurably improves your score.
When students combine structured learning with focused exam simulation, their readiness becomes clear. And that clarity is what leads to confident performance at the testing center.
Try a Free 15 Question Part 107 Practice Test
If you are not ready to commit to a full practice exam, start with our free 15 question demo.
It works like a scaled-down version of the full simulator. You will experience FAA-style questions, view sectional charts and official FAA figures directly inside the test interface, and receive immediate explanations for each answer.
The demo allows you to:
Understand how Part 107 exam questions are structured
See how aviation charts are presented and interpreted
Get instant feedback on your performance
After finishing, you will see your score and topic breakdown.
If you decide to continue, the full system includes complete 65 question timed simulations, focused practice sessions built around weak categories, integrated study guides, and the Exam Readiness Tracker that confirms consistent 85 percent performance.
You do not need to commit immediately.
Start with the 15 question test drive.
See where you stand.
Then decide your next step.
👉 Try the Free 15 Question Part 107 Practice Test
For First Responders and Agencies
Departments training multiple drone pilots need more than just exam prep.
They often require structured classroom instruction, clear regulatory understanding, scenario-based discussion, and operational readiness guidance.
We provide nationwide Public Safety Agencies group instruction for Part 107 certification, DFR & Shielded Ops program consultation & documentation help, as well as basic and advanced scenario-based first responder drone training and program development support.
If you are coordinating drone training for a department, contact us directly to discuss group training options.
Final Advice Before You Schedule Your FAA Part 107 Test
Do not schedule your exam based on how confident you feel.
Schedule it when:
You can complete 65 questions comfortably within two hours.
You consistently score above 85 percent on full-length practice exams.
You understand why answers are correct, not just which ones are correct.
That is when you are actually ready.
And if you are unsure where you stand today, start with the free 15 question demo and measure your readiness before you spend money on the real exam.
Part 91 COW vs. Part 107: Understanding the New Regulatory Standard for Police and Fire Drone Programs with the Shielded Operations Waivers
Updated February 2026
This post replaces our June 2025 article “COA vs. Part 107: Which Path Is Best for Police and Fire Drone Operations?” to reflect major FAA regulatory changes.
The Regulatory Landscape Has Changed
The regulatory landscape for public safety drone operations has changed dramatically.
If your department is still operating under the old Certificate of Authorization (COA) framework — or if you've been hesitant to pursue beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations because of the lengthy approval process — there’s good news:
The FAA has streamlined everything.
The traditional COA process that once took 6–10+ months has been replaced by a new Certificate of Waiver (COW) framework.
What’s changed:
Processing times dropped from months to as little as 1–2 weeks
Some Drone as First Responder (DFR) waivers approved in under 2 hours
Waiver validity extended from 2 years to 4 years
Visual observers no longer required for many BVLOS operations
In this post, we’ll break down the two primary pathways now available to public safety agencies and help you determine which is right for your department.
The Big Picture — What Changed?
The Old Way (Pre-2026)
COA applications processed through FAA Air Traffic Organization
6–10+ month processing times
Required rooftop visual observers for BVLOS
2-year validity
Monthly reporting requirements
Complex NOTAM filing
The New Way (2025–Present)
Certificate of Waiver (COW) processed through FAA Flight Standards
1–2 week processing times (some same-day approvals)
Visual observers replaced by detection equipment (ADS-B In)
4-year validity
No monthly reporting
Simplified application via email or FAA DroneZone
This shift was driven by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-63), which streamlined processes for public safety drone operations and formally defined “Public Safety Organizations” under Section 926(e).
Understanding Your Two Options
Public safety agencies now have two distinct pathways for BVLOS and DFR operations.
Option 1 — Part 107 PSO Shielded Operations Waiver
Best for:
Volunteer fire departments
501(c)(3) search and rescue organizations
Public safety organizations that may not qualify for Public Aircraft status
Key Features
Available to ANY Public Safety Organization (PSO)
Does NOT require Public Aircraft Operator (PAO) status
BVLOS up to 1 statute mile from the Remote Pilot in Command
Operations up to 200 feet AGL
No visual observers required
Requires Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate for all pilots
What Gets Waived
107.31 (Visual line of sight)
107.39 (Operations over human beings)
107.145 (Operations over moving vehicles)
Important:
This waiver does NOT waive airspace authorization requirements (107.41).
If operating in controlled airspace:
You must apply separately for a Wide Area Authorization (WAA) through FAA DroneZone
LAANC cannot be used with BVLOS waivers
Option 2 — Part 91 PAO/PSO Shielded Operations Waiver
Best for:
Municipal police departments
County sheriff’s offices
Fire districts
Governmental entities qualifying as both PAO and PSO
Key Features
Requires BOTH PAO and PSO status
Two altitude tiers available:
200-foot waiver
Primary collision avoidance via obstruction shielding + ADS-B In
400-foot waiver
Requires FCC-approved DAA (Detect and Avoid) systems meeting ASTM/RTCA standards
No distance limitations (operational limits still apply)
No visual observers required
Broader operational flexibility
What Gets Waived
14 CFR 91.113 (Right-of-way / see-and-avoid rules)
14 CFR 91.119 (Minimum safe altitudes)
91.126–91.131 (Certain airspace communication requirements)
14 CFR 91.155 (Basic VFR weather minimums)
Critical Distinction — Part 91 Does NOT Require Part 107 Certificate
Part 91 operations do NOT require pilots to hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Under Part 91, agencies may self-certify their aircraft and pilots. This means:
The department is responsible for establishing training standards
The department must verify pilot competency
The department must defend its internal training if an incident occurs
This flexibility can also increase liability exposure.
Why We Still Strongly Recommend Part 107 Training and Certification
Even under Part 91, we strongly recommend Part 107 certification for all pilots because it provides:
A recognized baseline of aeronautical knowledge
Portable credentials if officers transfer
Demonstrated compliance with FAA testing standards
Reduced liability exposure
A foundation for internal documentation
Professional certification that upskills employees that they can use outside of work
Part 107 certification adds professionalism, protects your officers, and reassures the public that your department is operating responsibly.
Which Path Is Right for Your Department?
You Likely Qualify for Part 107 PSO Waiver If:
You’re a volunteer fire department
You’re a 501(c)(3) search and rescue organization
You receive reimbursement (e.g., FEMA)
You’re a private ambulance service providing public safety support
You want the simplest and fastest path to BVLOS
You May Qualify for Part 91 PAO/PSO Waiver If:
You’re a political subdivision (city, county, state, tribal government)
Your agency owns the aircraft or leases exclusively for 90+ days
Operations are strictly governmental
You do NOT receive compensation
You do NOT fly commercially
Pro Tip:
If uncertain about PAO status, consult legal counsel. Operating under the wrong framework creates liability risks.
The Application Process
Part 107 PSO Shielded Operations Waiver
Step 1: Prepare Documentation
Agency letter certifying PSO status per PL 118-63 Section 926(e)
Signed FAA checklist
Concept of Operations
Step 2: Submit via FAA DroneZone
Log in
Select Part 107 Waiver Application
Attach documentation
Step 3: Apply Separately for Airspace Authorization (If Needed)
Submit Wide Area Authorization (WAA)
Allow 60+ days for controlled airspace
Processing Time: 1–2 weeks typical
Part 91 PAO/PSO Waiver
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm PAO status under 49 USC 40102(a)(41) and 40125
Confirm PSO status under PL 118-63 Section 926(e)
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
Letter certifying PAO + PSO status
FAA Form 7711-2
Appropriate checklist
Concept of Operations
Step 3: Submit via Email
Send to: 9-AVS-AFS-750-91.113Waivers@faa.gov
Processing Time: 1–2 weeks typical
Common Application Mistakes That Cause Delays
The FAA frequently sees:
Letters that fail to reference PSO qualification per PL 118-63
Missing Responsible Person signature
Submitting Public Declaration Letter instead of PSO certification
Unsigned or incomplete checklist
Illegible submissions
Missing equipment specs
While the process is faster, it’s not simpler. A single documentation error can reset your timeline.
DFR — The Numbers Tell the Story
Old COA Process vs. New COW Process
Processing time: 10+ months → 1–2 weeks (some under 2 hours)
DFR waivers (2018–2024): ~50 total
DFR submissions (as of June 2025): 300+
DFR approvals: 214+
Validity: 2 years → 4 years
Monthly reporting: Required → Not required
Visual observers: Required → Not required
DFR adoption has accelerated dramatically.
What About Existing COAs?
If you currently operate under a COA:
Continue operating under your current COA
Begin applying for a Shielded Operations COW ASAP
COAs will NOT be renewed under the old process
A new COW does NOT automatically cancel your COA
There is no operational gap during transition.
Looking Ahead — Part 108 BVLOS Rulemaking
The FAA is developing Part 108 for permanent BVLOS rules.
NPRM published: August 7, 2025
Comment period closed: October 6, 2025
Limited comments reopened: Through February 11, 2026
Final rule expected: Spring 2026
Agencies investing now in compliant equipment and documentation will be positioned well when Part 108 becomes law.
Our Recommendation — Start with Part 107, Then Expand
Get pilots Part 107 certified
Apply for Part 107 PSO Shielded Operations Waiver
If eligible, pursue Part 91 PAO/PSO waiver for additional flexibility
Invest in hands-on training
Regulatory compliance is only the beginning. Tactical proficiency matters.
Need Help Getting Started?
V1DroneMedia provides:
Shielded Operations Waiver Application Assistance
Advanced Public Safety Drone Training: Search & Rescue and Tactical Drone Operations
Our instructors combine aviation and real-world police operational expertise
👉 Request Drone Training Consultation
👉 Subscribe to our First Responder Newsletter
NIST-Based Drone Flight Training for Police & Public Safety
Why Professional Drone Programs Require Standards-Based Flight Training
Professional drone programs are expected to perform safely, consistently, and under pressure. Whether the mission involves search and rescue, scene documentation, tactical overwatch, or operational support, there is little margin for error when aircraft are deployed in real-world conditions.
One of the most common misconceptions in drone operations is that flight proficiency is permanent once certification is achieved. In reality, flight skills are perishable. Without structured practice and evaluation, even experienced pilots can see skill decay over time. That is why professional aviation — and increasingly professional drone programs — rely on initial and ongoing, standards-based flight training.
This is where NIST-based flight training plays a critical role.
What Is the NIST Drone Flight Training Course?
The NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) is an independent federal organization known for developing objective, repeatable standards across technical and operational domains. In the drone space, NIST has developed standardized flight courses designed to evaluate pilot proficiency through clearly defined tasks and measurable outcomes.
The NIST drone flight course is not a certification and it is not academic theory. It is a task-based, hands-on flight skills framework focused on how well a pilot can control an aircraft, maintain situational awareness, and execute precise maneuvers under defined conditions.
Because the course is standardized and repeatable, it allows organizations to evaluate flight performance objectively — something that resonates strongly with police departments, public safety agencies, and operational teams that need defensible training standards.
Borrowed Directly from Airline Recurrent Training Culture
The philosophy behind our drone flight training at V1DroneMedia is borrowed directly from airline recurrent training culture.
The owner and lead instructor of V1DroneMedia is a professionally trained airline pilot with more than 20 years of experience in airline operations (read Jason Damman’s story here). In that world, training does not end once a pilot is hired or certified. Airline pilots undergo mandatory recurrent training once or twice per year to maintain proficiency, reinforce safety standards, and integrate new knowledge.
Recurrent training in aviation includes:
Continuous evaluation of flight skills
Reinforcement of standard operating procedures
Incorporation of FAA guidance and regulatory updates
Lessons learned from accidents and incidents across the industry
This culture exists for one reason: repeatable performance and accident avoidance depend on structured, ongoing training. Pilots are trained not just to know what to do, but to develop automatic responses that hold up under stress.
That same philosophy translates directly to professional drone operations.
Training Flight “Muscles” and Automatic Responses
In aviation, pilots often talk about training their “flight muscles.” This refers to muscle memory, coordination, and instinctive control inputs that allow pilots to respond correctly without hesitation.
Under stress, cognitive bandwidth is limited. The more a pilot has to consciously think about basic aircraft control, the greater the risk of errors. Structured flight training builds automatic responses that reduce workload and improve safety when conditions are less than ideal.
For airline pilots, this training happens in simulators. For drone pilots, structured and repeatable flight courses like the NIST framework serve the same purpose.
Why This Model Applies Directly to Drone Operations
Many drone programs — particularly in policing and public safety — do not fly every day. Flights may be intermittent, mission-driven, and time-sensitive. When a call comes in, there is rarely time for a warm-up or refresher.
Without structured training, this creates risk:
Skill decay from infrequent flying
Overconfidence in basic maneuvers
Slower or incorrect responses under pressure
Structured flight training matters especially when pilots don’t fly every day — because missions don’t wait for skills to come back.
NIST-Based Drone Flight Training for Learning and Refresher Training
One of the strengths of the NIST flight course is that it works equally well for pilots learning professional flight skills and for experienced pilots who need refresher training.
For newer pilots, the course provides structured flight training beyond hobby-level flying. It introduces professional expectations around precision, control, and consistency in a way that builds a strong foundation for operational use.
For experienced pilots, the same course functions as a refresher. It reinforces fundamentals, identifies bad habits that can develop over time, and restores confidence before real-world missions.
In our classes, we regularly train mixed experience levels together. When group sizes allow, we adjust instruction in real time — breaking into smaller groups when needed — to ensure each pilot is challenged appropriately while still benefiting from a shared training standard.
This approach helps organizations build consistency across their teams rather than relying on individual flying styles.
How NIST-Based Training Improves Flight Skills
Precision and Aircraft Control
Pilots develop tighter control through defined maneuvers that emphasize smooth inputs, controlled altitude changes, and precise lateral movement — skills that directly translate to operational environments.
Situational Awareness
The course reinforces orientation management, aircraft positioning, and multi-axis control while performing tasks, helping pilots maintain awareness beyond simply keeping the drone airborne.
Consistency and Measurable Improvement
Because the course layout is standardized, pilots can repeat the same tasks over time and objectively see improvement. This removes guesswork from training and provides clear feedback for both pilots and leadership.
Public safety drone pilots flying standardized NIST flight course
How We Integrate NIST Training into Our 2-Day Drone Operations & Flight Training Class
NIST-based flight exercises are a core component of our Drone Operations & Flight Training (2-day class). The course balances operational context, safety considerations, and hands-on flight proficiency to ensure training is practical and applicable.
Pilots receive instructor-guided feedback throughout the course, with progressive skill building that mirrors real-world operational demands. The emphasis is on standards, repetition, and readiness — the same principles that underpin airline recurrent training.
This approach ensures pilots leave not only with improved skills, but with a clear understanding of what professional flight performance looks like.
Police officers completing NIST-based drone flight training course
Building Mission-Ready Drone Programs Through Ongoing Training
For command staff and program managers, structured flight training is more than a technical exercise. It is a leadership decision that directly impacts safety, performance, and program credibility.
NIST-based training provides a defensible framework for both learning and refresher training, helping organizations maintain high standards over time rather than relying on ad-hoc flying.
Mission-ready drone programs are built through intentional, ongoing training — not last-minute preparation.
Learn More
If your organization is looking to strengthen flight proficiency, reinforce safety standards, or implement structured refresher training, we invite you to learn more about our Drone Operations & Flight Training (2-day class) or Request a Consultation to discuss your training needs.