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FAA Remote Pilot Prep Workshop Options

Hello ADVANCE Cohort!

You already have a Remote Pilot Certificate?

If you already have a remote pilot certificate (aka Part 107), then you do not need to register for a remote pilot test preparation workshop. However, we do require a copy of your certificate (or renewal certificate) on file. Your certificate should be valid through at least January 1, 2027. If you need to renew your certificate, just the take the online recurrent course (watch a few videos, and answer some questions, this takes about an hour). Instructions & steps to renew your remote pilot certificate are here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLAJfRPNk2g&t=18s 

You do not have a Remote Pilot Certificate:

Step #1:  You need to take a remote pilot test prep workshop. There are several options available, but no matter which option you choose (workshop options are below), we recommend that you keep the following in mind:

  1. Use the FAA Remote Pilot Test Prep Book as your study guide (many of the sample questions are the types of questions that you will find on the test). Also, pay close attention to the “Map Legend” on the 1st page of the appendix (this will also be provided to you on the test).  This will be mailed to you.
  2. You will receive an EXACT DUPLICATE of the Appendix (charts, graphs, etc.) of the FAA Test Prep Book when you arrive at the testing center. Just remember that this Appendix is also used for the Sport Pilot test (planes with actual pilots on board) and other aviation tests. The take-home message is that only about 25% of the graphs and figures pertain to your test (so you do not have to worry about ‘the rest of the figures’). The example test questions in the Test Prep book (and online) will guide you to which graphs/figures in the appendix are important.
  3. The Navigational Chart section of the test is typically the trickiest.  Watch this series of short videos (the series takes about 45 mins) to begin familiarizing yourself with the Navigational Charts prior to attending the workshop.  The videos can be accessed from https://www.youtube.com/@VaGeoExtension/playlists (and select the sUAS Training Videos – Mastering the Aeronautical Charts playlist option).
  4. I would also recommend reading the Introduction and Chapter 1 of the Remote Pilot Test Prep book as well, prior to attending your workshop.  These sections introduce acronyms, terms, etc. Take the practice tests at the end of the chapter when you are done!
  5. We will send you info. in January that provides step by step instructions on how to register for your test at an approved testing facility. I will also place these instructions on the ADVANCE GoogleDrive.
  6. While we want you to do well on the test, you don’t have to be an overachiever and score a 100%. You just have to score 80% or above.  Nobody will ever know if you scored an 80% or 100% (there is no judging!).

Here are 2 options for taking your Remote Pilot Prep Workshop-

Option #1:  Face-to-Face Virtual (synchronous) via Zoom

This option is provided through Virginia Tech.  This is a 2-day workshop that generally starts at 9:00 and wraps up around 3:30ish, with stops along the way for coffee, lunch, and other breaks.

Cost: USDA ADVANCE Participants is $225.  Note that ADVANCE Participants will receive reimbursement for their workshop registration (but you need to submit the email receipt and provide you certificate of completion).

Online Registration: Online registration is available from https://virginiaview.cnre.vt.edu/workshops-events/. After completing the general information form, you will be directed to Virginia Tech’s secure on-line payment system. Due to university stipulations, VT employees and students cannot use a P-card to pay for this workshop.  Note that online registration typically closes ~1 month before each workshop date to provide time to mail workshop material.

When*:  This is a 2-day workshop.  Several workshop options are available, including:

  • November 11 & 12, 2025
  • December 17 & 18, 2025
  • January 6 & 7, 2026
  • February 11 & 12, 2026
  • March 24 & 25, 2026

*General agenda: Day #1, 9:00 – 5:00 (Airspace, Weather, General Regulations) | Day #2, 9:00 – 5:00 (Loading & Performance, Operations) with practice questions & discussions along the way.  Also, scheduled times for breaks & lunch!

Option #2:  Online & Asynchronous

There are some very good asynchronous remote pilot test prep courses available online. ADVANCE Cohort Participants, if you elect to go with an asynchronous option, then you will again need to submit payment for your course out of pocket and submit your receipt (and certificate of completion) to VT for reimbursement. The workshop spending cap is $250. While I am unable to recommend the best course, I have heard good things about:

Step #2:

After completing your Remote Pilot Test Preparation, you will need to register for the Remote Pilot Test at an official FAA testing facility.  This test will cost ~$175.  Again, if you are an ADVANCE Participant, submit your receipt to VT for reimbursement (along with a copy of your temporary Remote Pilot Certificate).