Certification roadmap

Choose the correct path

First-time pilot

Use this path unless you hold a pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 61 and completed a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months.

Eligibility for the Remote Pilot Certificate:

• At least 16 years old.
• Able to read, speak, write, and understand English (the FAA can make a medical-based exception in limited circumstances).
• In a physical and mental condition to operate safely.
• Pass the initial UAG aeronautical knowledge test.

The ACS says a person may take the knowledge test at age 14, but the FAA's certificate eligibility age is 16. Do not confuse test eligibility with certificate eligibility.

Sequence

• Create an IACRA account. Select Register → Applicant, accept the terms, complete the profile, and record the FAA Tracking Number (FTN). Use your complete legal name—including any suffix—exactly as it appears on identification and will appear on the test.
• Create/sign in to the PSI FAA portal, select Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG), choose a testing center, and schedule the exam.
• Verify PSI's current identification requirements and cancellation rules. Bring acceptable government-issued photo identification.
• Pass with 70% or better. Keep the Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR). A passing AKTR is valid for 24 calendar months for the certificate application.
• Allow up to 48 hours for the test to appear in IACRA.
• In IACRA choose Start New Application → Pilot → Remote Pilot, complete FAA Form 8710-13, enter the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID when prompted, sign electronically, and submit.
• After the TSA security background check, follow the email instructions to print the temporary certificate from IACRA.
• Receive the permanent certificate by mail.
• Keep the certificate readily accessible during every Part 107 operation.

If the test is failed, wait 14 calendar days before retesting. Bring the failed AKTR when retesting; an instructor endorsement is not required.

Existing Part 61 certificate holder

This alternate path requires a Part 61 pilot certificate and a flight review completed within the previous 24 calendar months.

• Sign in or register at FAASTeam.
• Complete Part 107 Small UAS Initial (ALC-451) online training.
• Create or sign in to IACRA.
• Complete Form 8710-13: Pilot → Remote Pilot and submit it.
• Meet an authorized validator (FSDO, DPE, ACR, or CFI) with the application, current flight-review proof, photo ID, pilot certificate, and course certificate. A CFI can process the application but cannot directly issue a temporary certificate outside the IACRA process.
• Obtain the temporary certificate and later the permanent certificate.
• Keep the certificate readily accessible while operating.

Stay current

To exercise Part 107 privileges, complete qualifying recurrent training within the previous 24 calendar months:

• Any Part 107 certificate holder: ALC-677, no cost.
• A Part 107 holder who also has a Part 61 certificate and a current flight review: ALC-515, no cost.

The certificate itself does not simply “expire”; aeronautical knowledge recency controls whether the holder may operate under Part 107. Keep the completion certificate with operational records and set a calendar reminder well before the end of the 24th calendar month.

Before the first paid or non-recreational flight

Certification is only one gate. Also confirm:

• The aircraft is registered as required and its registration marking is correct.
• Remote Identification compliance or a valid exception applies.
• The operation complies with Part 107, airspace authorization conditions, NOTAMs/TFRs, and applicable state, local, landowner, and site rules.
• Any operation over people, moving vehicles, or at night meets its additional requirements.
• The aircraft, controller, batteries, firmware, payload, and safety equipment are fit for the mission.
• Roles, emergency actions, and abort criteria are briefed.
• Appropriate insurance, client permission, privacy practices, and recordkeeping are in place. These may be prudent or contractually required even when not a condition of the FAA certificate.

Follow the separate registration processes for the detailed IACRA, PSI, FAASTeam, FAA DroneZone, and Remote ID workflows.