Obtaining Your Remote Pilot Certificate

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)/Drone users who want to fly for commercial use (such as providing aerial surveying or photography services) or fly incidental to a business (such as performing roof inspections, real estate photography, or using a drone for any business purpose) must follow the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) final rule for small, unmanned aircraft that went into effect on August 29, 2016.  The most recent modification to the Rule, known as the Operations Over People rule became effective on April 21, 2021. Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 107 is the Small Unmanned Aircraft Rule, also known by its short name, 14 CFR 107 or Part 107.  Want to learn more about Part 107?  Read the law here: Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 14, Part107

This rule includes operational limitations, requirements for certifications and responsibilities of the remote pilot in command, and aircraft requirements. You can download the FAA summary of the rule here.

For new pilots, to become a pilot you must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English (exceptions may be made if the person is unable to meet one of these requirements for a medical reason, such as hearing impairment)
• Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a small UAS
• Follow these steps to prepare for and pass the "Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)" knowledge test at an approved testing center...

  Study for the Knowledge Test
  Review Knowledge Test Suggested Study Materials provided by the FAA.

  Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
  Create an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile prior to registering for the knowledge test.

  Schedule an Appointment
  Take the Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. The fee to schedule the Knowledge Exam is $175.

  Complete FAA Form 8710-13
  Once you've passed your test, for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) login the FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application system (IACRA)* to complete FAA form 8710-13. Note: it may take up to 48 hours from the test date for the knowledge test to appear in IACRA. A confirmation email will be sent when an applicant has completed the TSA security background check. This email will provide instructions for printing a copy of the temporary remote pilot certificate from IACRA.

If you are already a manned licensed pilot, the process is different, conducted online and is free.

For existing manned pilots (Part 61 certificate holders), eligibility:

• Must hold a pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR part 61
• Must have completed a flight review within the previous 24 months

Requirements for Remote Pilot Certificate:

• Must be easily accessible by the remote pilot during all UAS operations
• If you manned pilot (Part 61 qualified) and you want to earn your Remote Pilot Certificate, you must complete the recurrent Part 107 training and exam online. After completing the online training, you will have 90 minutes to complete a 45 question, multiple-choice knowledge test where you must score 100% to pass and earn your recurrent certificate.
  1. Go to the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website to enroll, train and take the exam for free.
• Part 61 Certificate holders must complete an online recurrent training every 24 calendar months to maintain aeronautical knowledge recency.

You can learn more about the overall certification process by visiting the FAA website page devoted to explaining the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate rules and process:  https://www.faa.gov/uas/

For existing Remote Pilot certificate holders:

Initial (first-time earned) Remote Pilot Certificates are valid for two years. After the first two years, in order to continue to exercise the privileges of a Remote Pilot Certificate, drone pilots are required to complete a recurrent training course and pass a recurrent knowledge test within 24 calendar months of the issue date of their initial Remote Pilot Certificate. The good news is that as of April 2021, this process is now only available online and the cost is free. 

• If you are a drone pilot, and do not hold a Part 61 (manned pilot) qualification, you now complete the recurrent Part 107 training online. After completing the online training, you will have 90 minutes to complete a 45 question, multiple-choice knowledge test where you must score 100% to pass and earn your recurrent certificate.
  • Go to the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website to enroll, train and take the exam for free.
• If you are a drone and manned pilot (Part 61 qualified) you complete the recurrent Part 107 training online. After completing the online training, you will have 90 minutes to complete a 45 question, multiple-choice knowledge test where you must score 100% to pass and earn your recurrent certificate.
  1. Go to the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website to enroll, train and take the exam for free.

The difference between the initial and recurrent knowledge test/online training course is the cost, length, and degree of difficulty. The proctored test center knowledge test required for your Initial Remote Pilot Certificate is much more comprehensive in scope and complexity, includes testing your knowledge of sectional charts, and costs $175 per exam. The recurrent, online exam is much easier and it's free. Both versions now include questions about routine operations over people and routine operations at night.

After passing your inital or recurrent Aeronautical Knowledge Test, here are your next steps:

• Complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) using the electronic FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application system (IACRA)
• Register using the FAA IACRA system
• Login with your username and password
• Click on "Start New Application" and 1) Application Type "Pilot", 2) Certifications "Remote Pilot", 3) Other Path Information, 4) Start Application
• Follow application prompts
• When prompted, enter the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID found on your FAA Airman Knowledge Test Report provided to you after you successfully pass your exam. (NOTE: it may take up to 48 hours from the test date for the knowledge test to appear in IACRA)
• Sign the privacy policy and application electronically and submit to the Registry for processing.
• A confirmation email will be sent to you when you've completed the TSA security background check. This email will provide instructions for printing a copy of your temporary remote pilot certificate from IACRA. The FAA has stated that this should take about 7-10 days.
• You can login to the IACRA system periodically to monitor your progress.  When available, it is recommended that you print and retain a copy of the temporary remote pilot certificate and carry it with you when you fly.
• To monitor the processing speed, you can visit this page and review the dates for which permanent certificates are being processed, based on the temporary certificate issue week.  You will find the date in the "News & Highlights" container at the top of the page.
    https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/
• Once the Airman Registry processes your application, a permanent remote pilot certificate will be sent via mail once all other FAA-internal processing is complete.  This process is currently taking about 5-7 weeks.

New Rules Regarding Management of Documents

Please note for all Remote Pilot certificate holders:  Effective April 21, 2021, the FAA has modified its rules regarding how the certificate holder stores and displays his or her knowledge test report or course completion certificate, in addition to other documents.

As of April 21, 2021, any Remote Pilot is required to provide a hard copy (electronic version is NOT accepted) of picture ID, Remote Pilot Certificate, Proof of Currency (Recurring Certificate), Aircraft Registration, and any other "required FAA Documents" upon any request from someone with the following agencies:

• FAA
• NTSB
• TSA
• and any Federal, state, or local Law Enforcement Officer

This means a physical copy (plastic/paper) of the documents must be available while out in the field. An electronic version of these documents, even if available on your phone/tablet/laptop are not acceptable. A physical copy of all applicable documents must be shown if requested by any of the above agencies! If you do not comply, you are not in compliance with Part 107.