Careers You Can Start with an FAA Part 107 Drone Certificate

What an FAA Part 107 Drone Certificate Can Do for Your Career

The FAA Part 107 drone certificate has quietly become one of the most versatile credentials in the modern workforce. Whether you are a photographer looking to add a dramatic new dimension to your portfolio, a construction professional wanting to modernize site inspections, or someone exploring an entirely new career path, the Remote Pilot Certificate opens doors across a surprising range of industries. In this article, we break down the most in-demand careers you can pursue once you hold your Part 107 certificate — and how to get exam-ready faster.

Why the FAA Part 107 Drone Certificate Matters

To fly a drone commercially in the United States — meaning any operation where you receive compensation — you are required to hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Earning this credential demonstrates that you understand airspace classifications, weather impacts on UAS operations, emergency procedures, and crew resource management concepts. Employers and clients increasingly recognize the certificate as a baseline standard of professionalism and safety.

Beyond legal compliance, the certificate signals to clients that you take your craft seriously. Many industries now require proof of Part 107 certification before awarding contracts or granting site access.

Top Careers You Can Launch with a Part 107 Certificate

1. Aerial Photography and Videography

This is often the first career that comes to mind, and for good reason — it remains one of the most active markets for licensed drone pilots. Real estate agencies, film production companies, wedding videographers, and tourism boards all hire or contract drone operators regularly. A strong portfolio combined with your Part 107 certificate can allow you to freelance or build a dedicated aerial media business.

2. Real Estate and Property Marketing

Real estate professionals rely heavily on aerial imagery to showcase properties, neighborhoods, and surrounding amenities. Drone-captured listing photos and walkthrough videos have become a competitive differentiator in the market. Licensed drone pilots who understand both photography and client communication are especially valuable in this space.

3. Infrastructure and Construction Inspection

Engineers and project managers use drones to inspect bridges, cell towers, rooftops, pipelines, and construction progress — reducing risk and cost compared to traditional scaffold-based inspections. This career path often benefits from pairing your Part 107 certificate with industry-specific knowledge in engineering, architecture, or project management.

4. Agriculture and Precision Farming

Agricultural drone operators help farmers monitor crop health, map fields, measure soil variability, and apply treatments with precision. This is a growing niche with strong demand in rural areas. Organizations in the agri-tech sector actively seek pilots who understand both UAS operations and the basics of agricultural science.

5. Public Safety and Emergency Management

Law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and search-and-rescue organizations have integrated drones into their operations for surveillance, search patterns, and situational awareness. While many public-safety drone programs employ personnel directly, some agencies also contract licensed remote pilots for specialized missions. This field may require additional agency-specific training beyond Part 107.

6. Mapping, Surveying, and GIS

Geospatial professionals use drones equipped with specialized sensors to create highly accurate topographic maps, 3D models, and geographic information system (GIS) datasets. Combining a Part 107 certificate with GIS software skills or a surveying background can make you a highly sought-after specialist in urban planning, mining, and environmental consulting.

7. Insurance and Loss Assessment

Insurance companies use drone imagery to assess storm damage to roofs, evaluate flood-affected properties, and document losses after natural disasters — all without putting adjusters in potentially dangerous situations. This career often combines the Part 107 credential with claims-processing knowledge and is a realistic path for professionals already working in the insurance industry.

8. Journalism and News Media

Television stations, digital news outlets, and documentary producers use aerial footage to enhance storytelling. Drone journalists must comply with FAA regulations as well as newsroom editorial standards, making the Part 107 certificate an essential credential for anyone wanting to bring aerial perspectives to reporting.

How to Prepare for the FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test

Before you can receive your Remote Pilot Certificate, you must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test — a 60-question exam administered at an FAA-approved testing center. The test covers topics including:

• Airspace classifications and operating requirements
• Weather and its effects on UAS performance
• Loading and performance considerations
• Emergency procedures and crew resource management
• Radio communications and airport operations
• Applicable regulations under 14 CFR Part 107

Structured, consistent study is the most reliable way to walk into the testing center with confidence. Aviation Test Prep offers ACS-aligned practice questions reviewed for alignment with the current Airman Certification Standards, along with AI-enhanced per-question explanations that go beyond simply telling you the right answer — they explain why, so the concept actually sticks.

Our 5-step study method guides you from identifying your weak knowledge areas all the way through timed, full-length practice exams that mirror the real test experience. The built-in AI Tutor lets you ask follow-up questions on any topic — like airspace classification edge cases or weather phenomena — in plain language, right inside the platform.

You can explore all available exams, including the Part 107 Remote Pilot exam, at aviationtestprep.com/browse-exams. If you want to dig deeper into how the Airman Certification Standards shape the exam, our ACS codes reference is a useful companion throughout your studies.

Getting Started on Your Part 107 Career Path

The FAA Part 107 drone certificate is more than a regulatory checkbox — it is a genuine career asset that can open the door to freelance opportunities, full-time employment, or a business of your own across industries you may not have considered. The knowledge test is the first hurdle, and with the right preparation it is a very manageable one.

Aviation Test Prep is built by FAA-certified instructors and designed to give you the clearest, most efficient path from first study session to passing score. It is a study aid — not a substitute for official FAA guidance or a certificated instructor — but it is a powerful one.

Ready to take the first step toward your new career? Create your free Aviation Test Prep account today and start studying smarter for the FAA Part 107 knowledge test.