How I Studied and Passed the FAA Part 107 Drone Exam for Under $20 (No Expensive Courses Needed)
Thinking about getting your FAA Part 107 drone license but don’t want to spend hundreds on a prep course? You're not alone—and the good news is, you don’t have to. I passed the test using free and low-cost resources, and I'm here to show you how you can do the same.
Why the Part 107 License Matters
If you want to fly drones commercially in the U.S.—for real estate, roof inspections, YouTube monetization, or client work—you’ll need this certification. It covers airspace rules, weather, regulations, and more.
How I Studied (For Under $20)
Here’s exactly what I did to pass the FAA Part 107 exam on my first try without expensive courses:
Step 1: Get Oriented with YouTube
I started by watching this intro video that gave me a great overview of the entire process:
🔗 How to Get Started - Part 107 Drone License (YouTube)
*Make sure to watch until the end—it’s packed with helpful info, and the video description includes links to key resources you’ll want to bookmark.
Step 2: Study for Free on YouTube
These two free YouTube lessons covered most of the test topics in clear, easy-to-understand ways:
🔗 Matt Kendall – Part 107 Study Guide
🔗 Tony & Chelsea Northrup – Part 107 Study Guide
*Also, take time to explore other free resources on YouTube—it will only help you get more comfortable with the material and different teaching styles.
Step 3: (Optional) I Also Took a Discounted Udemy Course
In addition to YouTube, I decided to enroll in a $12.99 Udemy course (as of 01/2025, regular price is higher, but Udemy often runs site-wide discounts).
*Make sure you check the prices after you’ve created your account—otherwise, it will show regular prices. It included clear lessons and multiple practice exams.
🔗 Udemy Part 107 Knowledge Test Prep Course
While this step is optional, I found it helpful for structured learning and extra practice tests.
Once enrolled, take the free practice tests as often as possible (search on Google too for extra quizzes). Practicing under real test conditions helped me identify weak areas and improve quickly.
I gave myself about 2 weeks to study. It's important to give yourself a good pace—aim for about 1 hour a day of focused study time. Trying to cram everything in a few days will likely burn you out and make it harder to retain the information.
Taking the Test: What to Expect
I scheduled my test at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology – Inglewood Campus in California.
The testing fee (as of Feb 2025) is $175
If you fail, you must wait 14 days and pay another $175 to retake it
*Make sure your ID address matches your current address—this matters when verifying your identity at the testing center.
Need to find a testing center near you?
Use the official FAA PSI test center locator:
🔗 https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login
You can also rewatch this helpful YouTube video for step-by-step guidance on scheduling:
🔗 Part 107 License: Scheduling & Test Info (Jump to 5:36)
Test Day Tips
On test day, here’s what to expect:
You cannot bring your phone into the test room—it must be left outside
You can bring your own calculator, but it must be non-programmable and will be inspected
The testing center will provide you with paper and a pencil to take notes during the test, but you cannot take them with you once the test is completed
The testing center also provides a basic calculator if you prefer to use theirs
The test includes 60 multiple-choice questions. You’ll have 2 hours to complete it. I finished in about 35 minutes and had plenty of time, so I reviewed my answers just in case.
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass, which means you must answer at least 42 out of 60 questions correctly.
After you complete the exam, you'll get your pass/fail result immediately. If you pass, they will provide you with a test report. When you get home, use that report to register for your physical card. You can follow the steps in this YouTube video:
🔗 How to Register for Your Physical Part 107 Card (Jump to 10:55)
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to pay $200+ on courses to get certified. With the right approach and resources, you can absolutely pass the FAA Part 107 test on a budget.
Ready to Start Flying?
Here are some beginner-friendly drones I recommend if you're just starting out and want to get flying after certification:
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