Part 107 test day: what to bring and what to expect

The Part 107 knowledge test is short and well organized. Knowing the routine in advance leaves all your attention for the questions.

Before you book

You need an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), which you get by creating a profile in IACRA. Then book the UAG test with PSI, online or by phone, and pick a testing center near you. Use exactly the same name on your FTN profile, your booking and your ID.

To get the certificate you must be at least 16 years old and able to read, speak, write and understand English.

What to bring

A valid, current, government-issued photo ID that shows your photo, date of birth, signature and residential address. A driver's license usually covers all four. If your ID is missing the address, for example a passport, ask the testing center in advance what else they accept.

Arrive early. You will be asked to leave phones, bags and watches in a locker.

In the testing room

• 60 multiple-choice questions, each with 3 choices.
• 2 hours. Many people finish early, but there is no prize for speed.
• 70% to pass, which is 42 correct answers.
• You get the Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement (FAA-CT-8080-2H), the same figure book used for the chart, weather and performance questions. Get used to it before test day: you will read sectional chart excerpts, METARs and Chart Supplement entries from it, and the print is small.

You can mark questions and come back to them. Answer every question; a blank counts as wrong.

The score report

You get your result at the testing center. The Airman Knowledge Test Report shows your score and the ACS codes for every knowledge area you missed. Keep it: you need the test ID on it to apply for the certificate.

If you do not pass, you can retake the test after 14 calendar days. Use the ACS codes on the report to see what to study.

After you pass

1. Log in to IACRA and start a remote pilot application with your knowledge test ID.
2. Sign the application. The TSA runs a security check.
3. Print the temporary certificate from IACRA. It is valid for up to 120 days, until the permanent card arrives by mail.

Your knowledge stays current for 24 calendar months. After that, complete the free online recurrent training.

A study plan that works

Operations is the largest area on the test, followed by regulations and airspace, then weather and loading. Practice reading the actual figures from the supplement, not redrawn versions, and take a few full timed mock exams before you book.