What does the whole process cost?

The UAG knowledge test costs $175 and FAA registration costs $5 per drone. The study materials are free FAA publications, so nothing in the guide requires extra purchases. Anything beyond the test and registration fees is optional and depends on your situation.

Do I need to own a drone before I start?

No. The first three phases are studying, taking practice tests, and passing the knowledge test, and none of them requires a drone. Registering your drone happens in Phase 4, after you are certified. The guide also does not cover drone purchasing advice, so you can begin with just a computer and an internet connection.

Can I do this entirely online?

Almost, but not the exam itself. The UAG knowledge test is taken in person at a PSI testing center. Everything around it — the free FAA study materials, the IACRA application, TSA vetting, drone registration on the DroneZone portal, and the LAANC account — is done online.

How long does the whole process take?

Plan on roughly 24 hours of hands-on work across the five phases, from studying the FAA materials to your first paid flight. On top of that there are waiting periods, including the time to get a test appointment at a PSI testing center and the certificate processing time after you file your IACRA application.

I want to fly at night and over people — does the guide get me there?

Yes, the final phase covers both. It walks through the night-operation requirements under Section 107.29 and how to determine your drone's category for operations over people. It also covers applying for a Part 107 waiver when a mission needs something the standard rules do not allow, such as beyond-line-of-sight flight.

I'm not in the United States — is this guide for me?

Only if your flying happens in US airspace. The entire path runs through US systems: the test at a PSI testing center, the IACRA application, TSA vetting, DroneZone registration, and LAANC authorizations. The guide explicitly does not cover operations outside US airspace.

EN2 versions

Get your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and fly commercially

A Remote Pilot Certificate in hand and legal commercial operations running — the knowledge test studied for and passed at a testing center, the IACRA application filed and the certificate issued, aircraft registered, Remote ID and LAANC set up, and a flight-log system ready for recurring jobs.

Fby Finito HQEchipa Finito

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Who it's for

Photographers, real-estate agents, surveyors, inspectors, videographers, and entrepreneurs in the United States who want to earn money with a drone and need the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate to do it legally.

About this playbook

Pass the FAA Part 107 knowledge test, receive your Remote Pilot Certificate, and fly drones commercially in the United States. This guide uses only free FAA study materials and walks you from zero aviation knowledge through every step: studying airspace, weather, loading, and regulations; passing the UAG test at a PSI testing center; completing the IACRA application and TSA vetting; registering your drone and setting up Remote ID; and building a flight-log system with LAANC airspace authorizations. The final phase covers night operations, over-people categories, waivers for beyond-line-of-sight flight, and conducting your first paid job. The path takes roughly 24 hours of hands-on work across five phases, with waiting periods for the test appointment and certificate processing. It does not cover drone purchasing advice, Part 135 certification, or operations outside US airspace.

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5 phases · 22 steps

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Phase 1: Build Your Knowledge Base
5 steps
Phase 2: Test Yourself to Readiness
4 steps
Phase 3: Pass the Exam and Get Certified
4 steps
Phase 4: Register Your Drone and Set Up Compliance
4 steps
Phase 5: Fly for Work
5 steps

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Details

Estimated duration1 day 5 min

Steps22

Estimated budget$175 for the UAG knowledge test; $5 per drone for FAA registration; optional

What you need first

You must be at least 16 years old, be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a small UAS, and have access to a computer with internet. No prior aviation or drone experience is required.