Guide to FAA Part 107 Test Prep

In one exam, due to a complete lack of studying, I scored so low that the professor felt obligated to tell me I could have guessed randomly and statistically scored higher. Soon after, I learned the value of studying and using test prep materials. As one would expect, my grades improved significantly.

These days, study guides, practice exams, online test preparation courses, and other resources make preparing for exams much easier. As part of the team at Altitude University, I speak every day with students who are looking for help passing the FAA's Part 107 exam. 

The drone industry is expanding, and opportunities for new pilots are almost endless. There are many rules and regulations to learn, and the material can be a bit intimidating. However, if you want to become a drone pilot and fly commercially, the Part 107 remote pilot certification is a must. 

With so many resources available for the exam, selecting the best ones to help you earn your Part 107 drone license can be overwhelming. But don't worry. This article will provide clarity and guide you toward the most effective resource for your needs.

Compared to now, there were very few resources available for test preparation when I first took the Part 107 license exam in 2017. In contrast, those currently seeking to become a commercial drone pilot have numerous studying options to help them ace the test. 

Let's discuss a few of the best ones you should consider:

The FAA provides official study materials, including the FAA Part 107 Study Guide, and sample test questions.

These resources are free but offer only the bare minimum assistance in exam preparation. They address the topics covered on the exam, but most test-takers find that the material isn't enough to make them feel confident in their ability to pass.

Pros: The materials are online and free for anyone to use.

Cons: Resources are mostly available in a PDF format, and there’s no opportunity to ask questions or receive feedback. 

Who it’s for: Students with a background in crewed aviation, such as licensed private pilots, and already fully understand the material covered in the FAA's Knowledge Test

In my experience, online courses are the most popular format for Part 107 licensing exam test prep. Courses offered by companies like Altitude University, Gold Seal, and the Pilot Institute combine video lectures with PDF handouts, quizzes, flash cards, and Part 107 practice exams. 

Most courses are taught by experts who also are working commercial drone pilots. Many schools boast thriving social media communities that you can join to enhance your learning experience.

Pros: Self-paced online training is the most popular and affordable training option.

Cons: This isn’t the ideal format for those who prefer fully live instruction. 

Who it’s for: Students who are comfortable not having a live instructor throughout the course

Test prep apps and software, such as ASA’s Prepware, offer a convenient way to study on the go. They typically include a database of practice questions, detailed explanations, and practice exams.

Prepware includes the same FAA book, figures, and full-color charts you'll be issued at the Part 107 testing center, making the exam more familiar to test takers.

Pros: This is an excellent resource for those looking to test their knowledge on their own.

Cons: The platform has a somewhat dated look. 

Who it’s for: Those seeking to learn independently without instructor-led videos

Study guides and reference books provide in-depth coverage of exam topics, practice questions, and answers. Many are written by commercial pilots who have worked in the field since the drone pilot test was introduced, and thus bring a wealth of knowledge to the content. 

Online pilot supply stores like Sporty's count among the best places to find these books.

Pros: Books are excellent resources for anyone who gets impatient with online Part 107 classes.

Cons: Some may find the lack of instructor interaction unconducive to learning.

Who it’s for: Read/write-style learners

Practice exams are designed to simulate the experience of taking the Part 107 FAA test. It’s important to remember, though, that practice exam questions aren’t identical to the ones found on the exam.

Still, they are similar enough to provide insights into what you can expect from the test. For instance, most drone practice tests use the same format as the actual 60-question, multiple-choice exam. They’re also timed and graded to help you identify which topics to review.

Pros: FAA Part 107 practice tests help aspiring pilots know which topics to focus on.

Cons: Exams aren’t usually designed to actually teach students Part 107 material.

Who it’s for: Students seeking an assessment of their readiness for the drone license test

Research indicates that people learn best through videos, which is why most online Part 107 courses are designed around video instruction modules.

YouTube offers a wealth of free videos on all drone-related topics, including remote pilot licenses and the FAA Part 107 exam. The best ones include comprehensive explanations of difficult topics, exam reviews, and study tips. 

Remember that anyone can upload a video to YouTube, so it’s best to look for ones produced by established experts, including content created by reputable Part 107 schools. 

Pros: Videos are available at no cost.

Cons: YouTube content quality is highly variable, so users must seek out videos from reputable sources.

Who it’s for: Future drone pilots seeking to augment their primary study materials or needing a quick refresher the day before the exam

Everyone learns differently, but for most students, the most comprehensive and cost effective resources are online Part 107 courses. They offer professional instruction from experienced pilots and educators, ensuring that class content is relevant, accurate, and easy to understand. 

If you are interested in becoming a commercial drone pilot, all you need to do is pass the Part 107 exam. Start your journey today by exploring the resources listed above and see how easy it can be to join this exciting industry.

How hard is the Part 107 drone test?

Like any exam, if you take the time to study, you should have no problem passing.

Can you take the FAA 107 test online?

No. The FAA requires the initial Part 107 exam to be taken in person.

How many questions are on the Part 107 test?

The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. You have two hours to complete the test.

How much does the Part 107 test cost?

The cost of the exam is currently $175.