Part 107 Passing Score: Understanding the Grading and Results

Achieving certification as a commercial drone pilot requires a deep understanding of the regulatory framework established by the Federal Aviation Administration. For many candidates, the primary concern is the Part 107 passing score what is it, as this threshold determines the transition from a hobbyist to a professional Remote Pilot in Command. The Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) exam is designed to validate your competency in areas ranging from sectional chart interpretation to complex weather theory. Unlike simple academic tests, the scoring of this exam is tied directly to safety standards in the National Airspace System. Understanding how your performance is measured, how the grading algorithm functions, and how to interpret the resulting documentation is essential for navigating the final stages of the certification process with confidence and precision.

Part 107 Passing Score and Grading Methodology

The 70% Minimum Passing Threshold

The FAA Part 107 minimum passing score is set at 70%. This threshold is not arbitrary; it represents the minimum level of aeronautical knowledge the FAA deems necessary for safe operations within the National Airspace System. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, which means a candidate must answer at least 42 questions correctly to pass. Each question provides three possible answers (A, B, and C), and only one is considered the "correct" or "best" answer according to FAA standards. Falling even one point short results in a failing grade, requiring a mandatory waiting period before a second attempt is permitted. It is important to note that the FAA does not weight questions based on difficulty; a complex calculation involving Load Factor and center of gravity holds the same numerical value as a straightforward question regarding the definition of a Small Unmanned Aircraft (sUAS).

How Raw Scores Are Calculated and Converted

To understand how is the Part 107 exam graded, one must look at the raw score versus the percentage. The testing center's computer system calculates your raw score by summing the total number of correct responses. There is no partial credit. Once the raw score is determined, it is divided by the total number of questions (60) to produce the final percentage. For example, a raw score of 45 correct answers results in a 75% final grade. This percentage is the only figure that appears prominently on your final report. Because the grading is automated, results are typically available within minutes of completing the exam. The system is designed to be binary: you either meet the 70% proficiency standard or you do not. This objective approach ensures that every applicant is measured against the same regulatory yardstick, regardless of which specific version of the test bank they receive.

The Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) Explained

Key Information on Your Official Score Report

Once you complete your exam, you will receive your Part 107 score report explained in the form of an Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR). This document is the official record of your performance and is required for the next steps in your certification. The AKTR contains several critical data points: your name, a unique Exam ID, the test date, and your final percentage score. Perhaps most importantly, it includes a list of Learning Statement Codes (LSCs). These codes, such as UA.V.B.K1 (pertaining to weather briefings), correspond to specific areas where you missed a question. While the report does not show you which exact question you got wrong or what the correct answer was, the LSCs allow you to identify your knowledge gaps. This is particularly useful if you barely passed, as it highlights areas where you should continue self-study to ensure safe flight operations.

Understanding the 24-Month Validity Period

Regarding Part 107 test score validity, your passing result is not permanent until it is linked to a certificate application. The AKTR is valid for 24 calendar months from the date of the exam. This means if you pass the test on October 10, 2023, your score remains valid until October 31, 2025. Within this window, you must complete your application through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. If you fail to apply for your certificate within this two-year period, the score expires, and you must retake the initial knowledge test. This 24-month cycle mirrors the currency requirements for remote pilots; even after you receive your certificate, you must complete recurrent training or testing every 24 months to maintain your privileges as a Remote Pilot in Command.

The Role of Your Score in the Certification Process

Linking Your AKTR to the IACRA Application

Your test score is more than just a personal milestone; it is a digital key required to unlock the FAA's certification portal. When you log into IACRA to begin your application for a Remote Pilot Certificate, you will be prompted to enter the 17-character Knowledge Test ID found on your AKTR. This ID links your passing score in the PSI testing database to your airman profile. Without this link, the FAA cannot verify that you have met the aeronautical knowledge requirements of 14 CFR Part 107. Once the ID is validated, the system will allow you to sign your application electronically. This begins the TSA background check process, which is the final hurdle before a temporary certificate is issued. Accuracy in entering this ID is paramount; a single typo can delay your application by weeks.

What Happens If You Lose Your Test Report

Losing your AKTR before you have completed your IACRA application can be a significant setback, though it is not catastrophic. Because the FAA maintains a centralized database of all Airman Knowledge Tests, you can request a duplicate or look up your information through the FAA’s Airmen Certification Branch or the PSI testing portal where you scheduled the exam. However, having the physical or digital copy of the original AKTR is highly recommended, as it contains the specific tracking numbers needed for immediate application. If you have already received your permanent Remote Pilot Certificate, the AKTR is no longer strictly necessary for daily operations, but it is wise to keep a digital scan for your personal records as proof of the specific date you met the knowledge requirements.

Part 107 Retake Policy After a Failed Attempt

Mandatory 14-Day Waiting Period

If a candidate does not meet the 70% threshold, they must adhere to the Part 107 retake policy and waiting period. The FAA mandates a 14-calendar-day waiting period before a person may attempt the knowledge test again. This rule exists to ensure that the applicant has sufficient time to review the material and remediate the areas of deficiency identified by the LSCs on their failing score report. For instance, if you fail the exam on a Monday, you are not eligible to sit for the exam again until the Tuesday two weeks later. Attempting to bypass this through a different testing center is not possible, as your testing record is tied to your unique FTN (FAA Tracking Number) and is monitored by the FAA’s automated systems.

Process for Scheduling and Paying for a Retake

Scheduling a retake follows the same procedure as the initial exam, but it requires a new registration and, unfortunately, a new testing fee. There is no discount for retakes; the standard fee (currently $175) applies to every attempt. To schedule, you must log back into the PSI testing portal. You do not need to obtain a new FTN, as your original number remains with you for life. During the re-registration, the system will recognize your previous attempt and enforce the 14-day rule. It is highly advised that candidates use the intervening two weeks to focus specifically on the Learning Statement Codes provided on the failing report. This targeted study is the most efficient way to ensure that the second attempt results in a passing score.

Score Validity and Certificate Application Timeline

Completing IACRA Before Your Score Expires

The transition from a passing score to a certified pilot must happen within the 24-month window of validity. Once you have your AKTR, you should initiate the IACRA application as soon as possible. The process involves confirming your identity, verifying your age (at least 16 years old), and declaring that you are in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone. After the online application is submitted, a representative from the FAA (or a Designated Pilot Examiner) may review the application, though for most Part 107 applicants, the process is largely automated. Your passing score serves as the legal evidence of your qualifications during this period. If the 24-month window closes before you submit the application, the score is voided, and the FAA requires a fresh examination to prove current knowledge.

Consequences of an Expired Knowledge Test

Allowing your knowledge test score to expire is a costly mistake. If the 24-month limit is exceeded, you lose the legal basis for your certificate application. This means you must pay the testing fee again and pass the full 60-question initial exam. There are no extensions granted for expired scores, regardless of the circumstances. Furthermore, if you are already a certified pilot but have allowed your 24-month currency to lapse, you are legally grounded from performing commercial operations until you complete the required recurrent training. In the eyes of the FAA, aeronautical knowledge is a perishable skill; the expiration date ensures that all active pilots are up to date with the latest airspace classifications, weather reporting technologies, and regulatory changes.

Common Misconceptions About Exam Scoring

No Penalty for Guessing: Answer Every Question

A common question among test-takers is what is a good Part 107 score, and whether skipping difficult questions is beneficial. In the FAA's scoring system, there is no penalty for an incorrect answer versus an unanswered one. Your grade is based strictly on the number of correct responses. Therefore, you should never leave a question blank. If you encounter a complex question regarding restricted airspace or specialized radio frequencies that you are unsure of, use the process of elimination to remove the most unlikely distractor and make an educated guess. A 33% chance of getting the point is always better than a 0% chance. This strategy is vital for maintaining your score above the 70% line, especially when faced with the more technical aspects of the UAG exam.

Your Score Percentage vs. Number of Correct Answers

While candidates often focus on the percentage, the raw number of correct answers is what truly matters for the calculation. To achieve the 70% mark, you must reach 42 correct answers. Many students ask if a 90% or 100% score carries more weight than a 70% score when it comes to job prospects or legal standing. Legally, the FAA views a 70% and a 100% identically: both result in the issuance of a Remote Pilot Certificate. However, a higher score indicates a more robust understanding of the material, which can be a point of pride and a sign of professional diligence. For the purposes of the exam, focus on the 42-question minimum as your safety net, but strive for a higher margin to account for potential errors in interpreting tricky FAA phrasing or complex sectional chart symbols.