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Renewal window checker

Quick answer

Do I have to retake the Part 107 test every 2 years?

No. Since a 2021 FAA rule update, a free online recurrent course (ALC-677 at FAASafety.gov, about 2 hours) keeps your certificate current every 24 calendar months under 14 CFR 107.65, instead of the paid $175 knowledge test. Enter your last relevant date below to see exactly where you stand.

Last reviewed 2026-07-30 by Part107 Central editorial team

Check your window

Enter the month and year of whichever came most recently: the day you passed your Part 107 knowledge test, or the day you last completed recurrent training. Nothing you enter leaves your device.

This tool computes an estimate from the public 14 CFR 107.65 rule for planning only; it is not legal advice and does not check or update your FAA record. If you are unsure of your exact date, check your knowledge test certificate or your FAASafety.gov training history.

How the 24-month recurrent window works

  • The rule. 14 CFR 107.65 requires every remote pilot in command to refresh their aeronautical knowledge within the previous 24 calendar months, either by passing the initial knowledge test again, completing recurrent training, or (if you hold a Part 61 pilot certificate) completing a flight review plus the required Part 107 training.
  • The clock starts from your most recent qualifying date. That is the date you passed your knowledge test, or the date you completed your last recurrent course, whichever is more recent. It runs to the end of that calendar month, 24 months later.
  • The free path. Create a free account at FAASafety.gov and complete ALC-677 ("Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent"), about 2 hours including a timed exam finished in one 90-minute sitting, then print or save the completion certificate. If you also hold a Part 61 manned-aircraft pilot certificate, take ALC-515 ("Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent, Part 61 Pilots") instead.
  • No fee, no retest, no waiting period. Unlike the $175 initial knowledge test, the recurrent course is free and can be completed the same day you realize you are due, even if your window already closed.
  • Your certificate does not expire. Letting the window close does not cancel your Remote Pilot Certificate; it means you are not currently qualified to act as remote pilot in command until you complete the course.

Source: 14 CFR 107.65, verified 2026-07-30 against ecfr.gov and the FAASafety.gov course catalog. See the full free renewal path guide.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I have to retake the Part 107 knowledge test every 2 years?
No. Since a 2021 FAA rule update, you no longer have to sit the paid $175 knowledge test again to stay current. Completing a free online recurrent course, ALC-677 at FAASafety.gov, within every 24 calendar months satisfies 14 CFR 107.65 instead.
What happens if my 24-month recurrent window has already closed?
Your certificate itself does not expire, but you lose the aeronautical-knowledge recency required to act as remote pilot in command. You cannot legally fly Part 107 operations again until you complete ALC-677 (or ALC-515 if you hold a Part 61 pilot certificate). There is no fee and no waiting period, just the free course.
Is the renewal window checker free, and does it store my dates?
Yes, it is free with no signup. The month and year you enter are used only in your browser to compute your window and are never sent anywhere, stored, or saved between visits. We receive only an anonymous, banded summary (whether you are current, due soon, or overdue), never your actual date.
Which free course do I take if I already hold a Part 61 pilot certificate?
Take ALC-515, "Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent, Part 61 Pilots," at FAASafety.gov instead of ALC-677. It is shorter because it does not repeat material your Part 61 flight review already covers, and it is free, the same as ALC-677.