If you want to fly drones commercially in the United States, the FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate is the standard path. The process is straightforward, but the order matters: you need an FAA Tracking Number before you can schedule, you need structured study before you rely on luck, and you need to know what test day actually looks like so you're not distracted by surprises. Here's a practical sequence that works for most new pilots.
Step 1: Get your FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
Go to iacra.faa.gov, create an account, and obtain your FTN. It's free and usually takes only a few minutes. You'll need this number to register for the knowledge test at PSI — without it, you can't complete scheduling. Treat the FTN like a prerequisite, not an afterthought; getting it early removes a common last-minute blocker.
Step 2: Study the right material
The exam draws from six topic areas with different weights — airspace and weather alone account for a large share of your score. Use the FAA's ACS as your north star, pair it with a structured prep platform, and avoid the trap of passive reading. The knowledge test rewards recall of specific rules, chart symbols, and weather products. Plan roughly two to four weeks of focused study at one to two hours per day if you can — consistency beats cramming.
Step 3: Take practice exams
Start before you feel ready. A timed, weighted practice exam shows you where you're losing points — often in airspace or METAR-style questions — so you can study deliberately instead of broadly. Retake until you're scoring comfortably above the real passing threshold: the official test requires 70% (42/60), but building margin reduces test-day stress. Aim for consistent performance in the 80%+ range on representative practice tests before you pay the testing fee.
Step 4: Book the exam at a PSI test center
Visit faa.psiexams.com, select the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam, and choose a location and time. Fees are typically around $175, though some PSI-owned centers advertise lower rates (occasionally near $96). Have your FTN ready when you register. Pick a date that gives you enough runway to close gaps revealed by practice exams — not the other way around.
Step 5: What to bring on test day
Bring a government-issued photo ID and know your FTN. Arrive early — at least 15 minutes before your appointment — so you're calm during check-in. You won't bring notes; testing centers follow standard PSI rules. Expect 60 questions, 2 hours, and a 70% passing bar. Calculators are provided if the exam software allows them for specific items — follow proctor instructions.
Step 6: After you pass
You'll receive temporary certificate documentation electronically; your physical card follows by mail. Remember: currency matters — the remote pilot certificate is valid for 24 months before you need recurrent training under current FAA pathways. Set a calendar reminder now so recurrent training doesn't sneak up on you. If you operate aircraft that require FAA registration, complete that workflow through official FAA channels when applicable.
Common reasons people fail
- Underestimating airspace — it's roughly a fifth of the exam; weak chart work shows up fast.
- METAR gaps — recognition beats memorizing a single example METAR from a video.
- Authorization vs. waiver confusion — know which tool solves which problem.
- No timed practice — you need pacing practice, not just open-book review.
Start with lessons and a weighted practice exam — know your gaps before you pay the testing center.
The Part 107 exam has a high pass rate among pilots who prepare with intent. The material is specific, but it is learnable: give yourself a few weeks of structured study, respect the topic weights, and use practice exams to drive where you spend your hours. You'll walk into PSI knowing what to expect — and walk out ready to operate legally under Part 107.