Failed the Part 107 test? What to do next

If you failed the Part 107 test, you can retake it after 14 calendar days (14 CFR 107.71). Bring the failed test report to the testing center; you don't need an instructor's endorsement or any other written authorization (FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix, p. 15). The report itself is the most useful study tool you have right now, because it shows which knowledge areas you missed. Here's how to use the next two weeks.

You're not the only one

Not every Part 107 test is passed. In 2025, 82.96% of Part 107 knowledge tests were passed (FAA CY2025 knowledge test report), down from 93.36% in 2020 (FAA 2020 knowledge test statistics). Those are national figures across all Part 107 tests taken. A fail tells you what to study next. It doesn't tell you that you can't do this.

Step 1: Read your test report

Right after the test you were given a printed Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) (Remote Pilot ACS, p. A-5). It shows your name, FAA Tracking Number, your score, and the codes for the questions you answered incorrectly (FAA Airman Testing FAQ, p. 3). For the Part 107 test these are ACS codes, which point to the areas you were found deficient in (Remote Pilot ACS, p. 1).

Each code has four parts. The FAA's own example is UA.I.B.K10 (Remote Pilot ACS, p. A-5):

• UA: the Unmanned Aircraft Systems standards.
• I: the area of operation, here Regulations.
• B: the task, here Operating Rules.
• K10: the knowledge element, here visual line of sight operations.

Look each code up in the Remote Pilot ACS (Remote Pilot ACS, p. A-5); the FAA points to the ACS for identifying the areas behind the codes (FAA Airman Testing FAQ, p. 3). Write the knowledge element next to each code. A code tells you the area, not the exact question, so study the whole element, not one fact.

Keep the report safe: you have to hand in the failed report to retest (FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix, p. 15). If you lose it, the FAA says you can print a duplicate from the testing provider's website for any test taken on or after January 13, 2020 (FAA Airman Testing FAQ, p. 3).

Step 2: Sort the codes by topic

The Remote Pilot ACS groups everything into five areas: I Regulations, II Airspace and Requirements, III Weather, IV Loading and Performance, and V Operations (Remote Pilot ACS, p. A-1). Tally your codes by area. Then weigh them against how much each topic counts: the testing provider's published topic shares are Regulations 48%, Operations 25%, Airspace 20%, Weather 5% and Loading and performance 2%.

Each area has a free topic page with an explainer and sample questions:

• I: Part 107 regulations
• II: airspace and chart questions
• III: weather
• IV: loading and performance
• V: operations

The FAA also publishes a Frequently Missed Knowledge Test ACS Codes report, linked from its testing advisory. It lists ACS codes that were asked at least 100 times and missed more than 70% of the time on specific tests (FAA testing advisory, August 2026, p. 11). If one of your codes is on it, you're in good company, and it deserves extra time.

Step 3: Plan the 14 days

The 14 calendar days are a minimum (14 CFR 107.71), not a deadline. Book your retest once your practice shows you've fixed the gaps on your report, not automatically on the first day you're allowed. A simple plan:

1. Days 1 and 2: decode every ACS code on your report and list the knowledge elements.
2. Days 3 to 9: relearn those elements from the source. Read the rule itself, then do practice questions on that topic until you can explain why each wrong answer is wrong.
3. Days 10 to 12: mixed practice across all five areas, so the topics you passed stay fresh.
4. Days 13 and 14: at least one full, timed run of 60 questions in 2 hours, the official format (FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix, p. 15). Review every miss.

Areas worth a second look

• Charts. If your retest falls on or after October 26, 2026, expect new image-based questions made from current FAA charts, images you won't find in the testing supplement (FAA testing advisory, August 2026, p. 6). Live-question images can't be previewed (FAA testing advisory, August 2026, p. 5), so practice on charts you haven't seen. See the October 26, 2026 test changes.
• Exact numbers. Altitudes, distances, days and weights are easy points to lose. Drill the Part 107 key numbers until they're automatic.
• Words you half know. If a term slowed you down, look it up in the Part 107 glossary.
• Reading the question. The FAA's test tips say only one answer is complete and correct, and the others are incomplete or wrong (Remote Pilot ACS, p. A-4). If you knew the topic but still missed questions, slow down and read every word.

What not to do

Don't hunt for "the questions". The FAA doesn't release live test questions (FAA Airman Testing FAQ, p. 1), it keeps adding and revising them, and the sequence and wording vary with each test (FAA Airman Testing FAQ, p. 2). Don't expect your retest to be a copy of the first one. And never take notes or help into the room: cheating can cost you a 1-year bar on applying for any FAA certificate and on sitting any FAA test (14 CFR 107.69).

Step 4: Book the retest

Book the same way you booked the first time. The test fee is about $175, set by the testing provider. Check the current fee when you book. Then, on test day, have a government-issued photo ID with you (FAA: Become a Drone Pilot) and the failed test report (FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix, p. 15). Our Part 107 test day guide covers what to bring and what's allowed in the room.

Before you book, check yourself with the free 20-question Part 107 practice test. If you want a structured second attempt, Part 107 Complete ($39 one-time) has 29 lessons organized by the five test topics plus test day, drills by topic, and 15 timed mock exams in the official format. For a fuller plan, read how to study for the Part 107 test.

Questions people ask

How long do I have to wait to retake the Part 107 test?

14 calendar days after failing. The wait is set by 14 CFR 107.71. You can wait longer if you need more study time.

Do I need an instructor sign-off to retake the Part 107 test?

No. The FAA testing matrix says no instructor endorsement or other written authorization is needed to retest the UAG after failure. You do need to bring the failed test report.

What if I lost my failed Part 107 test report?

For tests taken on or after January 13, 2020, the FAA says you can print a duplicate report from the testing provider's website.

Do I have to pay again to retake the Part 107 test?

A retest is a new booking at a testing center. The test fee is about $175, set by the testing provider. Check the current fee when you book.

Will the retest have the same questions?

Don't expect it to. The FAA says the sequence and wording of questions vary with each test, and it keeps adding and revising questions.