Do you need a drone license?
If you are flying a drone for commercial purposes - such as research, marketing, or photography where you receive compensation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires you to follow Part 107 regulations. One of the requirements is that you must hold a .
Do you need to know how to fly a drone?
Interestingly, no! The FAA requires only that you pass the written exam, but you will not be required to demonstrate your proficiency in flying a drone.
How can you prepare for the test?
You have a couple of options!
Attend a Part 107 Training
Our office holds regular Part 107 trainings that take place over two weekends, a Saturday and a Sunday, for a total of four days. UM students can take the course for 2 credits. Our next training will be held over the course of the following 4 days at the main UM campus:
Weekend 1: April 11 and 12, 2026
Weekend 2: April 18 and 19, 2026
Self-Study for the Exam
If you would like to obtain your own Part 107 license, you can self-study or find an online course. The FAA website provides a multitude of resources including a study guide and many sample test questions.
How much will this cost?
| Training | Time | Internal Rate | External Rate | Per | Notes |
| 1-day Part 107 test preparation | 8 h | $250 | $500 | Person | No prerequisite. Does not include mandatory FAA testing |
| 4-day Part 107 on-site training | 4 x 8 h days | Offered for 2 UM credits | $5000 | Group of 24 | No prerequisite |
| Surveying, hands-on automated flight, 3d modelling & GIS | 4 x 8 h days | $1000 | $2000 | Person | No prerequisite |
Once you are ready to take the FAA exam,
- Get your FAA Tracking Number by making a profile on the .
- Find the nearest FAA-approved testing center using the . NorthStar Jet is Missoula's test center.
- Schedule your test and pay the fee. The Part 107 certification exam fee is $175