How Much Does a Part 107 Drone License Cost in 2026? Course Prices Compared
The FAA test fee is fixed. The study course is where the price swings from $59 to nearly $400. Here is the full breakdown so you can decide what is worth paying for.
- FAA Part 107 knowledge test: $175 per attempt, paid to the PSI testing center
- FAA drone registration: $5 per drone for three years
- Remote Pilot Certificate application and recurrent training: free
- Online prep courses: $59 to $375 depending on the provider
- All-in cost with UAS for Less: $239. With the most expensive course on this page: $555
The fixed costs everyone pays
No matter which course you choose, three costs come from the FAA and its testing contractor and cannot be avoided.
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Part 107 knowledge test | $175 | 60 questions, 2 hours, taken in person at a PSI testing center. Paid again if you retest. |
| Remote Pilot Certificate | $0 | Applied for through the FAA's IACRA system after you pass. No fee. |
| Drone registration | $5 | Per aircraft, valid three years, at FAADroneZone. Required for any drone flown under Part 107. |
| Recurrent training | $0 | Free online course at FAASafety.gov every 24 months to stay current. |
| Fixed total | $180 | Before any study materials |
Part 107 course prices compared
The study course is the only place you have a real choice. The table below lists published list prices for the most widely reviewed online Part 107 courses as of September 2026. Most providers run coupons and seasonal sales, so the price you see may be lower on a given day.
| Course | List price | Access | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAS for Less | $59 | 1 year | 47 written lessons, 10 quizzes, 75+ practice questions |
| Peltier Photo Courses | $79 to $149 | 30 days or lifetime | Video |
| Drone U | $147 | Membership | Video |
| Drone Launch Academy | $199 | Lifetime | Video |
| Pilot Institute | $249 | Lifetime | Video |
| Drone Pilot Ground School | $299 | Lifetime | Video and live support |
| DARTdrones | $375 | Virtual class | Live instructor-led |
Competitor prices are the standard list prices published on each provider's website or in independent 2026 course reviews and are provided for comparison only. They are not affiliated with UAS for Less and their pricing can change at any time.
What you actually get for the extra money
The higher-priced courses are not a scam. Most of the difference comes down to three things.
- Video versus written lessons. Most premium courses are built around hours of recorded video. UAS for Less is written, with diagrams and charts where they matter. Reading is faster for many people and works on a phone with a weak signal, but if you strongly prefer watching an instructor, a video course may suit you better.
- Lifetime access versus one year. Several courses sell lifetime access. In practice, almost everyone passes the test within a few weeks of starting, and the FAA's recurrent training every 24 months is free and separate. A year is more than enough time to get certified.
- Guarantees and support. Some providers offer pass guarantees, community forums or one-on-one instructor time. Our support is by email through the contact page, and the course covers every topic on the FAA test, but we do not run a live classroom.
Total cost scenarios
| Scenario | Course | FAA test | Registration | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAS for Less | $59 | $175 | $5 | $239 |
| Mid-priced video course | $199 | $175 | $5 | $379 |
| Premium course | $299 | $175 | $5 | $479 |
| Live virtual class | $375 | $175 | $5 | $555 |
| Self-study, no course | $0 | $175 | $5 | $180 |
Self-study from the FAA's free study guide is possible. The risk is a $175 retest fee and a 14-day wait if you fail, which is more than the cost of a good course. The FAA's Part 107 test includes sectional chart reading, METAR decoding and airspace questions that trip up most people without structured practice.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free Part 107 course?
The FAA publishes a free study guide and sample questions, and UAS for Less offers five free lessons and a free 12-question practice test. There is no free full course from a reputable provider, and the $175 test fee applies no matter how you study.
Why is UAS for Less so much cheaper?
The course is written rather than filmed, and it is delivered on a standard website with no app to maintain. Lower production and overhead costs are the reason the price is $59.
What happens if I fail the test?
You can retake it after 14 calendar days, but you pay the $175 fee again. Passing the first time is the single biggest way to keep your total cost down.
Does the Part 107 certificate expire?
The certificate itself does not expire, but you must complete free online recurrent training every 24 months to keep flying legally. How recurrent training works.
Are there any hidden fees with UAS for Less?
No. $59 gives you a full year of access to every lesson and quiz. There is no upsell inside the course.
Pass for $239 total, not $500
47 lessons and 10 quizzes covering everything on the FAA Part 107 knowledge test. Try the free lessons first if you want to see how it reads.
Start the full course: $59/year Annual access · study at your own pace on any device