The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The FAA is responsible for the safety of civil aviation. This primarily includes airmen certification, safety regulation, airspace and air traffic management, and aeronautical navigation.

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 107 is the Small Unmanned Aircraft Rule. 14 CFR 107 contains the operational rules for routine commercial use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, UAV or “drones”). 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.

To become an FAA Certificated Remote Pilot, you must pass a test. If the applicant is NOT already a manned aircraft pilot certificated under 14 CFR Part 61, a knowledge test must be taken at an FAA approved testing center. If you are already a pilot, an online test is required. More details are below.

The aeronautical knowledge subjects which will be tested for either testing method include:

• Regulations
• Airspace classifications and requirements
• Meteorology
• Aircraft performance
• Emergency operations
• Crew resource management
• Radio communication procedures
• Human factors
• Aeronautical decision making
• Airport operations
• Maintenance
• Preflight inspections

If you are not already a pilot, and want to become a certificated Remote Pilot with a sUAS rating, you must first prepare for and pass the FAA Knowledge Test. The test consists of 60 objective, multiple-choice questions. There is a 2-hour time limit to complete the test. There is a single correct response for each test question. Each test question is independent of other questions. A correct response to one question does not depend upon, or influence, the correct response to another.

The test must be taken at an FAA authorized testing center. These centers charge a fee to take the test. Find a test center.

Steps to Apply:

Step 1: Prepare for the test using Gleim FAA Test Prep Online.

Step 2: Make an appointment at a knowledge testing center. After you pass the test at a knowledge testing center, you will receive an Airmen Knowledge Test Report (AKTR). Do not lose this report!

Step 3: Apply online using the FAA's Integrated Airmen Certificate or Rating Application (IACRA) tool online. Access IACRA here to complete FAA Form 8710-13.

Step 4: 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.

Step 5: A permanent remote pilot certificate will be sent via mail once all other FAA internal processing is complete.

(Sport, Recreational, Private, Commercial, ATP)

If you are already a pilot, certificated under part 61, and have a current flight review in accordance with 14 CFR 61.56, you must pass a FAASTeam online exam. There is no fee to take the examination online. If you do not have a current flight review, you must take the knowledge test at an authorized test center, using the same process as someone who is not a pilot.

Steps to apply:

Step 1: Prepare for the exam using Gleim FAA Test Prep Online.

Step 2: Complete the FAA Part 107 sUAS course exam and receive a completion certificate.

Step 3: Apply online using the FAA's Integrated Airmen Certificate or Rating Application (IACRA) tool online. Access IACRA here to complete FAA Form 8710-13.

Step 4: Validate identity: Contact a FSDO, an FAA-designated pilot examiner (DPE), an airman certification representative (ACR), or an FAA-certificated flight instructor (CFI) to make an appointment.

Present the completed FAA Form 8710-13 along with the online course completion certificate or knowledge test report (as applicable) and proof of a current flight review.

The completed FAA Form 8710-13 application will be signed by the applicant after the FSDO, DPE, ACR, or CFI examines the applicant's photo identification and verifies the applicant's identity. The FAA representative will then sign the application.

An appropriate FSDO representative, a DPE, or an ACR will issue the applicant a temporary airman certificate (a CFI is not authorized to issue a temporary certificate, but they can process applications for applicants who do not want a temporary certificate).

Step 5: A permanent remote pilot certificate will be sent via mail once all other FAA internal processing is complete.