✈ Certification Guide

FAA Part 107 2026: The Complete Certification Guide

Everything you need to get certified, stay legal, and operate commercially with confidence.

Updated 2026 All commercial operators Free resource

Full Video Breakdown

5 Key Takeaways

You Need It for Any Commercial Work

Any drone flight for business purposes — photography, inspections, surveys, even a monetized YouTube channel — requires a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

The Test Is Passable With Focused Study

60 questions, 70% to pass, broad aeronautical topics. Regulations (25%) and Operations (20%) are the biggest weights — understand the rules, not just the answers.

Remote ID Is Now Mandatory

As of 2023, virtually all registered drones must broadcast Remote ID. No workarounds for most operations — if your aircraft lacks it, you need a module or a new drone.

Certificate Is Valid 24 Months

After passing, your certificate is current for 24 months. Recurrent training is free via the FAA WINGS program — no re-test required to maintain currency.

Waivers Exist But Take Time

Night operations, flights over people, and BVLOS all require waivers. Night and over-people waivers: 90 days typical. BVLOS: 90–120 days, much more complex documentation.

Part 107 at a Glance

FAA Part 107 Certification Guide 2026 infographic — 4-step certification path, operational limits (400ft altitude, 100mph, 3mi visibility, daylight, VLOS), and knowledge test topic weights

Click to enlarge · FAA Part 107 Certification Guide 2026 — Certification Path, Operational Limits & Knowledge Test Breakdown

Complete Certification Briefing

10-slide deck: What Part 107 is, who needs it, certificate requirements, the 4-step path, knowledge test breakdown, 2026 operational limits, Remote ID, waivers, and next steps.

The Numbers That Matter

400 ft AGL
Or 400 ft above a structure within 400 ft horizontal
100 mph (87 kts)
Indicated airspeed limit
3 statute miles min.
From control station position
Daylight + 30 min twilight
Civil twilight only, without waiver
Under 55 lbs
Including payload at takeoff
24 months
Free recurrent training via WINGS program
$175
PSI Services testing centers, nationwide
$5
FAA DroneZone — required for aircraft over 250g
💡

Pro Tip: Study the regulations section hardest — it's 25% of the test and the most testable material. Understand WHY rules exist, not just what they say. The FAA tests your judgment, not just memorization.

Source: FAA Become a Drone Pilot · IACRA.faa.gov · FAA DroneZone

Your 8-Step Path to Certification

Follow this sequence — each step builds on the last. Most operators complete certification within 4–6 weeks.

PSI Services: psiexams.com · IACRA: iacra.faa.gov · FAA DroneZone: faadronezone.faa.gov

Ready to Go Further Than Part 107?

Waiver applications, BVLOS ConOps, enterprise compliance programs — we help commercial operators build operations that hold up under scrutiny.

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