Getting your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate involves several costs. Here’s every dollar you’ll spend, from exam fees to drone registration.
The Exam Fee: $175
The FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test costs $175 per attempt. You take it at a PSI testing center — there are locations across all 50 states. This fee is non-refundable whether you pass or fail.
If you fail, you must wait 14 calendar days before retaking the exam, and you’ll pay another $175. Two failed attempts cost you $525 in fees alone, plus weeks of lost time.
Study Materials: Free to $300+
Your study options range from free to several hundred dollars:
| Resource | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| FAA Remote Pilot Study Guide (free PDF) | $0 | Self-motivated learners |
| Free Part 107 Practice Test (150+ questions) | $0 | Testing your knowledge |
| Part 107 Course (54 video lessons + pass guarantee) | $97 | Visual learners who want structure |
| Other online courses | $89-$300 | Varies |
| In-person ground school | $200-$500 | Hands-on learners |
Drone Registration: $5
After passing, you’ll register your drone through the FAA DroneZone. Registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for 3 years. Under Part 107, every drone must be registered regardless of weight — the 0.55 lb (250g) exemption applies to recreational flying only.
Recurrent Training: Free
Your Part 107 certificate doesn’t expire, but you must complete recurrent training every 24 months to stay current. The FAA offers free online recurrent training through FAASafety.gov (course ALC-677). No need to retake the $175 exam.
Total First-Year Cost
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Part 107 Exam (PSI) | $175 |
| Study materials | $0-$300 |
| Drone registration | $5 |
| Total | $180-$480 |
How to Minimize Your Costs
The biggest cost risk is failing the exam. At $175 per attempt, a failed test doubles your total spend. The most cost-effective approach:
- Start with the free practice test to see where you stand
- Study your weak areas using the free FAA study guide
- Retake the practice test until you’re consistently scoring 85%+
- Book and pass the real exam on your first try
If you want more structure, the Part 107 Course is $97 with a pass guarantee — that’s less than the cost of failing the exam once.
Is the Part 107 License Worth It?
If you plan to fly drones commercially — real estate photography, inspections, mapping, events, or any paid work — a Part 107 certificate isn’t optional. It’s required by federal law.
Most commercial drone pilots earn $50-$150/hour. The total cost of getting certified ($180-$480) pays for itself in the first few jobs.
Ready to start studying? Take the free Part 107 practice test — 150+ questions, instant scoring, no signup required.
2026 quick-reference cost table
| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| FAA Part 107 knowledge test (PSI center) | $175 per attempt | Yes |
| Prep course | $89–$299 depending on provider | No, but strongly recommended |
| FAA Tracking Number (IACRA) | Free | Yes |
| Remote pilot certificate | Free | Yes (issued after passing) |
| Drone registration | $5 per drone (3 years) | Yes, for drones over 0.55 lb |
What failing costs
The exam is 60 questions, 2 hours, 70% to pass — and a retake is another $175 plus a 14-day wait. One failed attempt costs about twice a budget prep course, which is why practicing to 80%+ before booking is the cheapest insurance there is.
Related: 2026 course prices compared ($89–$299) · how long to study & a day-by-day plan · free 178-question practice test