How Much Does a Part 107 Drone License Cost? (Full 2026 Breakdown)
If you're thinking about getting your FAA Part 107 drone license, one of the first questions is straightforward:
How much does it actually cost?
The short answer is that most people spend between $175 and $400 or more, depending on how they choose to prepare.
That range, however, doesn’t tell the full story.
Some people spend more than they need to on expensive courses. Others try to study entirely for free and end up failing the test, which costs more in the long run. And there’s another factor that rarely gets discussed but often matters just as much as money:
Time.
In many cases, especially for professionals, time is money. If you need your license for a new role, a promotion, a contract requirement, or to expand your services, the speed at which you can get certified becomes just as important as the cost itself.
This guide breaks down the real costs involved, what is required, what is optional, and how to choose the most efficient path to getting licensed.
Total Cost Breakdown (Quick Answer)
Here’s what most people can expect:
Cost Breakdown of Part 107 Test Prep
A realistic total falls between $175 and $400 or more, plus your time.
Reduce Your Part 107 Prep Cost
The FAA exam fee is only one part of the cost. The bigger risk is spending too much time studying inefficiently — or paying to retake the test if you are not ready.
Our Part 107 Practice Test & Study System helps you prepare more efficiently with realistic timed exams, 300+ FAA-style questions, weak-area tracking, study guides, and an Exam Readiness Tracker that shows when you are consistently scoring at a safer test-ready level.
Use code SPRING26 coupon code to save $10 on full access.
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Required Cost: FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test
The only mandatory cost to obtain your Part 107 license is the FAA knowledge test.
Cost: $175
Location: PSI testing centers
Format: 65 multiple-choice questions
Passing score: 70 percent
This test must be taken in person, and there is no way to bypass this requirement.
👉 If you are just getting started and want a step-by-step overview of the process, refer to our full licensing guide below
How to Get Your FAA Part 107 License (Complete 2026 Guide)
Where Costs Actually Vary: How You Prepare
The biggest differences in both cost and time come down to how you choose to study.
Free Self-Study (No Cost, Highest Time Investment)
It is entirely possible to prepare for the exam using free resources such as:
FAA Remote Pilot Study Guide
FAA Test Supplement (charts and figures)
YouTube videos
Free quizzes and flashcards
This approach works for some people, but it comes with tradeoffs. There is no structured learning path, no feedback on weak areas, and no clear way to know when you are ready to take the test. As a result, it often becomes the most time-intensive option.
Many candidates underestimate how much they need to understand topics like weather, airspace, and sectional charts until they begin practicing.
Online Part 107 Courses (Higher Cost, Moderate to High Time Commitment)
Online courses are one of the most common paid preparation options.
They typically provide structured video lessons and a guided curriculum, which can be helpful for those who prefer a step-by-step approach. However, they also come with some limitations.
The cost is usually between $150 and $300 or more. The learning is largely passive, and completing the course requires consistent time investment over days or weeks. Many students start but struggle to maintain the pace needed to finish efficiently.
While these courses can provide a solid foundation, they do not always translate directly into test readiness.
👉 If you’re comparing formats, this breakdown is helpful:
FAA Part 107 Online Course vs In-Person: Which Actually Gets You Licensed?
In-Person Part 107 Training (Higher Cost, Faster Timeline)
In-person training offers a different approach, especially for those who want to move quickly and learn in a more interactive setting.
This format is often preferred by beginners, hands-on learners, and organizations training multiple team members. It allows for direct instruction, real-time questions, and a more focused learning environment.
It is particularly effective for professionals such as first responders, construction teams, inspectors, and others who need to become certified on a defined timeline.
The tradeoff is a higher upfront cost and the need to attend scheduled sessions, but it often reduces total study time significantly.
👉 Explore available options:
Drone Training Programs
Public Safety Drone Training
Practice-Based Test Preparation (Lower Cost, Most Efficient Use of Time)
An alternative approach focuses on active learning through practice.
Instead of primarily consuming content, this method emphasizes taking realistic practice exams, reviewing detailed explanations, identifying weak areas, and tracking performance over time.
This type of preparation is typically more efficient because it concentrates effort on the areas that need improvement, rather than re-covering material that is already understood.
For many aspiring drone pilots, this becomes the fastest path to building confidence and reaching test readiness.
If you want to keep prep costs low while still getting structured feedback, use code SPRING26 for $10 off full access to our Part 107 Practice Test & Study System.
You can start with the free practice test first, then upgrade when you are ready for full timed simulations, weak-area practice, score tracking, and study guides.
👉 Try a realistic practice test and see how you score:
Part 107 Practice Test & Study System
A More Efficient Study Approach
A practical strategy for many students combines free learning with targeted practice.
Start by using free FAA materials and free videos (YouTube) to understand the core concepts. Then transition to practice-based preparation to test knowledge, identify gaps, and simulate the actual exam.
This approach keeps costs low while significantly improving efficiency and reducing overall study time.
Cost and Time Comparison
Part 107 Study Method Cost Comparison
For most people, time becomes the deciding factor. A lower-cost option that takes significantly longer may not actually be the most efficient path.
The Lowest-Cost Path Is Usually the One That Gets You Ready Faster
The FAA knowledge test costs real money, but your time matters too. Studying randomly for weeks, guessing when you are ready, or failing and having to retest can make the process more expensive than it needs to be.
Start with the free Part 107 practice test and see where you stand.
If you decide to continue, use code SPRING26 to save $10 on the full Part 107 Practice Test & Study System.
Who This Matters Most For
The importance of time and efficiency increases for those pursuing certification for professional use.
This includes:
media and content creators
construction and project management teams
surveyors and inspectors
agriculture and mapping professionals
marketing and production teams
public safety and first responders
In these cases, delaying certification can mean delayed revenue, missed opportunities, or slower project timelines.
How to Know You’re Ready
The FAA requires a score of 70 percent to pass. In practice, most instructors (us included) recommend consistently scoring in the 80 to 85 percent range on practice exams before scheduling the real test.
This provides a buffer for variations in question wording and difficulty, and it increases confidence on test day.
👉 You can test your readiness here - Free Demo Available:
Part 107 Practice Test & Study System
Additional Costs to Consider
There are a few smaller costs that may apply depending on your situation.
Drone registration is required for commercial use and costs $5. If you do not pass the test on your first attempt, retesting requires paying the $175 exam fee again.
These factors reinforce the importance of preparing efficiently and avoiding unnecessary delays.
How Long Is the License Valid?
The Part 107 certificate itself does not expire. However, pilots must complete recurrent training every 24 months to remain current.
This recurrent training is completed online and does not require paying for another in-person test.
What Should You Expect to Spend on Part 107 Test Prep and Exam?
At a minimum, you will spend $175 for the FAA test.
From there, the total depends on how you choose to prepare and how quickly you want to become certified.
A cost-conscious and efficient path often combines self-guided free materials with targeted practice, resulting in a total cost of roughly $200 to $250.
A more structured path, such as an online or in-person course, may bring the total closer to $300 to $500 or more.
Final Takeaway
The cost of getting a Part 107 license is not just about dollars. It is also about time.
The longer it takes to prepare and pass the test, the longer it takes to begin using your certification for work or business.
An efficient approach focuses on understanding key concepts, identifying weak areas, and confirming readiness before scheduling the exam.
Next Step
If you want to understand where you stand before booking your test, the most useful step is to take a realistic practice exam, review your performance, and identify the areas that need improvement.
👉 Start here:
Part 107 Practice Test & Study System
Where you can get trained to fly drones in Cleveland, Ohio
V1DroneMedia gets frequent questions and inquiries about getting certified to fly drones or learning how to fly them proficiently. We’ve also met quite a few people who fly drones illegally around Cleveland (aka without FAA Part 107 Drone License), or not flying them in compliance with the FAA Drone Regulations.
We know that demand for consumer and commercial drones is soaring, as is the drone use in many industries, but few people know where to turn for credible information and training. So, we’ve put together this guide on available Drone Training in Cleveland, Ohio.
There are several options in the Cleveland area for drone training, both in-person and hands-on drone flight training, available for those interested to learn to fly drones proficiently, getting their drone FAA Part 107 certification that enables them to fly commercially, and learning about innovative drone technology applications in various industries.
Accredited degree programs in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) in Cleveland, Ohio
If you are looking for a traditional undergraduate program, Kent State University is known for its aviation programs, and it offers an undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics with the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Operations concentration. Kent State also offers an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Minor for those enrolled in its undergraduate program.
However, you don’t need to get a degree in drones to fly drones (especially if you already have a degree and are just looking to get your drone license). Flying drones is a skill that can be learned if you invest some time into learning to fly while studying the FAA rules and regulations so you are doing it safely and responsibly, and then schedule and pass the Part 107 Drone License Test (see our blog post Drone Pilot License for more details on that). There are several drone training options in the Cleveland area as well if you are looking for an in-person class where you can acquire drone skills.
Non-degree Drone Training Courses in Cleveland, Ohio
There are several in-person training options for the Part 107 drone license in the Cleveland, Ohio, area.
Kent State has a UAV Training and Part 107 Testing course that does just that. It is scheduled throughout the year and doesn’t appear to always be available, so you must keep an eye out when it opens up.
Cuyahoga County Community College (Tri-C) offers FAA Part 107 drone training for law enforcement and other first responders at its Drone Academy, also offered throughout the year, where our Chief Pilot Jason Damman is the lead instructor on the FAA Part 107 Rules and Regulations and National Airspace.
V1DroneMedia also offers a variety of Drone Training Courses in the Cleveland area, with in-person courses offered through a partnership with Lorain County Community College, and custom-scheduled courses for organizations and individuals. V1DroneMedia also offers educational content through video resources on our Resources page and YouTube channel Drone Education playlist. Our Chief Pilot and Drone Instructor, Jason Damman, is a Certified Flight Instructor with an extensive commercial airline, flight, and drone training, and drone flying background (see About to learn more).
For starters, if you are curious about what you can do with a drone, watch our Free Drone Business Information Webinar outlining major drone use cases, industries that use them, and opportunities for growth in this field.
If you are ready to learn more about what it takes to get started in this field, schedule with us an Introduction to Drones Class geared toward drone hobbyists or aspiring commercial drone pilots. Or, if you are more serious and ready to try out a career in the field, take the Part 107 Drone Certificate Prep Course preparing anyone to take the Part 107 Test to earn a commercial drone pilot license.
V1DroneMedia Drone License Prep Class is a 2-day in-person class that takes place in a classroom. It covers everything one needs to learn to pass the FAA Part 107 test, including practice tests, access to class materials and additional resources, in-person connection with the instructor, and a private Facebook group community to stay in touch with the class participants and the instructor. The Part 107 Prep Class costs $499 (the fee does not include the test fee payable to one of the FAA-authorized testing centers where you schedule to take your test).
The benefit of taking the in-person class is that the instructor has simplified the complex and lengthy aviation lingo-heavy Part 107 study guide into easy-to-understand digestible content. This class has been taught before to many Cleveland-area students who successfully passed the Part 107 Test.
V1DroneMedia is also available to teach its custom FAA Part 107 Drone License training courses based on the curriculum we developed, can conduct group or 1:1 Flight Training sessions, and provide consultations on all drone-related matters, including setting up an internal Drone Operations Program for a business that is looking to build one.
We recently also started offering individual and small group Drone Operations Classes and Hands-On Drone Flight Training sessions geared toward those who want to get started flying their drones with professional guidance or learn advanced flight skills.
If you are thinking about getting trained, but are not sure when you will be able to do it, Sign Up for an e-mail notification list to stay informed about V1DRoneMedia classes as they get scheduled
Online Drone Training
If you are good at following a self-paced YouTube, or another online course tool, there are many options out there. Google them, and you will find many, but it may take some time for you to make a decision on the one that’s right for you.
However, if you decide to go in this direction, you will still have to study the materials and take the test. The upside here can be lower cost (although not always), but the downside is that more often than none there isn’t any person to ask any questions for more information and clarification, and many of those programs can be very dense and full of aviation lingo (that we strip out in our courses, which give you only the essentials you need to know to fly and pass the test). We have had students in our in-person classes who have taken online courses and ended up coming to our class because the online course they took was very confusing. Of course, you are free to choose which learning mode best suits your needs.
You can also access official FAA Study materials on the FAA website (very comprehensive, but hard to digest if you are a non-aviator).
What about the FAA Trust Test?
FAA recently released a mandatory Trust Test (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) for recreational drone pilots (hobbyists). It is much more basic than the FAA Part 107 Drone License Test, and most of the information is laid out by the online accredited testing centers (you can learn more about Trust Test in our Trust Test blog post and YouTube video on this topic).
So if you are ready to embark on your drone hobby or a career, check out the Drone Classes we offer, Sign up for class notifications, and Contact Us if you are interested in a consultation or a custom class.