So you want to become a licensed drone pilot in 2026? Smart move. The FAA Part 107 exam is your ticket to flying drones commercially, but let’s be real – it can be intimidating. Aviation weather, airspace classifications, sectional charts… it’s a lot. It’s also expensive, between the test fee and the tuition fee for the Part 107 online course you’re likely to enroll in.
Let’s be real. The Part 107 test is extremely tough. In fact, the average score on the Part 107 test in 2024 was 79.95%. Meanwhile, the pass rate was 84.2%. The minimum passing score is 70%, which means that many people do not pass.
Considering Knowledge Testing Centers typically charge about $175 per person just to take the initial aeronautical knowledge test (and that’s whether you pass or fail), even taking the test is a risk.
The good news? You don’t have to go it alone. I’ve rounded up the best Part 107 test prep courses that are so confident in their programs, they’ll refund your money if you don’t pass. Many courses will not just cover your course fee, but the $175 test-taking fee, too.
Because nothing says “we’ve got your back” like putting their money where their mouth is. These are my top picks for Part 107 test prep courses that also include such a generous guarantee.
1. Drone Pilot Ground School
Pass Guarantee: Yes – Pass or get your money back
What I Love: This is the course for visual learners. Alan Perlman (the instructor) uses tons of graphics, animations, and real-world examples. If you’re someone who zones out reading FAA regulations, this course will save you.
In fact, Drone Pilot Ground School is the course I used to pass the Part 107 test on my first try.
But if you do fail, get this: they refund not just your fee to enroll in the course — they even refund your testing fee (as long as you pass their practice exam ahead of time with a score of 85% or greater).
Besides that they also have a 30-day money-back guarantee where you’ll get a full refund, no questions asked, if you’re not satisfied with the course.
Price: $199 with discount code DRONEGIRL100 (otherwise $299)
Why the Guarantee Works: Alan has been teaching this course since 2016 and has refined it based on thousands of students. He knows what works. And it’s likely you’ll pass anyway. They claim that 99% of their students pass the test on their first attempt.
2. Drone Launch Academy
Pass Guarantee: Yes – Pass or get your money back
What I Love: This is the most affordable of all the courses in this guide, coming in at $199. To save even more use coupon code DRONEGIRL50 to save $50 and bring your price down to just $149.
Their is some fine print to get their guarantee. You must have completed every module in their course, and you must also have achieved a score of one of their final exams within 7 days of taking your actual FAA unmanned aircraft knowledge exam. Pay attention, because taking your last practice exam 8 days out and then failing won’t cut it tot get your refund.
They also require you submit your refund request within 90 days of taking your Unmanned Aircraft knowledge exam.
Price: $149 with discount code DRONEGIRL100 (otherwise $199)
Why the Guarantee Works: They claim a 99.54% pass rate, based on test results from more than 30,000 students.
3. Pilot Institute
Pass Guarantee: Yes – Full refund if you don’t pass
What I Love: This course was created by Greg Reverdiau, an actual airline pilot and certificated flight instructor. Translation? He knows his stuff, and he knows how to teach it.
The interface is clean, the videos are actually engaging (not just some dude droning on – pun intended), and they break down complex concepts into digestible chunks. Plus, their practice tests are incredibly similar to the real thing.
Price: $249
Why the Guarantee Works: They claim a 99.8% pass rate. Those are serious numbers, and they back it up.
And like Drone Pilot Ground School, you don’t just get your course fees back. They claim they’ll promptly send you $175 in the mail (to cover the test-taking fee) if you fail.
What to look for in a Part 107 Course
Given all the pass guarantees (and the ~$175 you could potentially be out if you decide to self-study ad fail), I’d almost definitely enroll in an online Part 107 test prep course.
All the courses in this guide check the above boxes, but no matter who you are — before you commit to any other course — make sure it includes:
- Updated content – FAA regulations change. Your course should too.
- Practice tests – And I mean multiple full-length ones, not just 20 sample questions.
- Sectional chart training – This is where people struggle most. You need actual practice reading these things.
- Weather knowledge – METARs and TAFs aren’t going away, unfortunately.
- Lifetime access – You’ll need to recur every two years. Lifetime access means free refreshers.
Final tips for test day
I didn’t have any prior aviation experience before getting into drones. I’m also generally a terrible test taker. Still, I’m please to report I passed on my first try! Here are my best tips:
- Study the sectional charts until you can read them in your sleep
- Don’t skip the weather sections (I know, they’re boring, but they’re on the test)
- Take at least 3 full practice exams before the real thing
- Get a good night’s sleep – seriously, don’t cram the night before
- Don’t forget to bring your ID!
Now stop overthinking it and sign up for a course already. Your commercial drone career is waiting.
Have you taken the Part 107 exam? Drop a comment below with your experience and which course you used! And if you found this guide helpful, share it with your drone pilot friends.
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