NTNU Ascend Team’s rPIC Certification Guide - Remote Pilot in Command (rPIC) Exam Preparation

Sep 20, 2026

NTNU Ascend Team’s rPIC Certification Guide summarizes how to obtain Remote Pilot in Command certification by preparing for the FAA Small UAS Part 107 exam. It emphasizes early timeline planning, completing certification at least seven days before competition, and securing required identification documents, especially for international candidates. The guide provides a step-by-step workflow using FAA-approved systems, recommends official study materials and practice tests, and outlines exam-day logistics such as arriving one hour early and verifying location availability.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Key Recommendations

Timeline Planning

Required Documentation

Step-by-Step Process

Study Materials

Recommended Resources

Study Strategy

Exam Day Preparation

Arrival and Timing

Documentation Requirements for International Candidates

Preparation Tips

Lessons Learned

NTNU Ascend Team’s rPIC Certification Guide This document outlines Ascend's experience with obtaining Remote Pilot in Command (rPIC) certification, which requires safety pilots to pass the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulations (Part 107) exam. Key Recommendations Timeline Planning Starting early is crucial for success with rPIC certification. Information about certification requirements often comes too close to competition dates, making it difficult to modify existing plans. Competition organizers should provide certification information early in the season, especially for international teams unfamiliar with FAA requirements. Teams should plan to complete rPIC certification at least 7 days before competition to allow for any unforeseen complications. Required Documentation The most critical requirement is bringing your passport AND another form of ID to the exam. This dual identification requirement catches many candidates off guard, particularly international students. Step-by-Step Process Follow the official FAA guide at [https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_](https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_)[drone_pilot](drone_pilot for comprehensive instructions. The essential steps include registering a US Agent)[ for comprehensive instructions. The essential steps include registering a US Agent](drone_pilot for comprehensive instructions. The essential steps include registering a US Agent)[ ](drone_pilot for comprehensive instructions. The essential steps include registering a US Agent)of Service by having one of the IARC organizers registered as your FAA US agent at [https://](https://)[ ](https://)[usas.faa.gov/disclaime](usas.faa.gov/disclaimer)[r](usas.faa.gov/disclaimer), creating an IACRA account to get your FAA tracking number at [https://](https://)[ ](https://)[iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/Default.aspx](iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/Default.aspx), and scheduling your exam by creating a PSI-exams account at [https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login](https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login. When)[. When](https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login. When) scheduling, choose a location close to where you are in the US and book early to ensure availability. Study Materials Recommended Resources The FAA Advisory Circular and official FAA study materials provide the foundation for exam preparation. Practice tests are essential for gauging your readiness and identifying areas that need additional focus. Useful study links: ● [https://downloads.regulations.gov/FAA-2023-1629-0001/attachment_3.pdf](https://downloads.regulations.gov/FAA-2023-1629-0001/attachment_3.pdf) ● [https://www.faa.gov/faq/where-can-i-find-study-materials-part-107-aeronautical](https://www.faa.gov/faq/where-can-i-find-study-materials-part-107-aeronautical)knowledge-test ● [https://www.dronesarpilot.com/exam/faa-sample-test](https://www.dronesarpilot.com/exam/faa-sample-test) ● [https://free-faa-exam.kingschools.com/drone-pilot/](https://free-faa-exam.kingschools.com/drone-pilot/) Study Strategy Start studying early since there's substantial new material to learn, particularly for those unfamiliar with US aviation regulations. Understanding that if you fail the exam, you must wait 2 weeks before retaking it emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation. There are some questions given about specific rules in the 107, read through it thoroughly. Exam Day Preparation Arrival and Timing Arrive at least 1 hour early to your exam appointment. International candidates often face additional documentation requirements that take extra time to process, and testing centers may need to verify unfamiliar document types. Documentation Requirements for International Candidates Beyond the standard passport requirement, international candidates need secondary ID and proof of address documentation. The proof of address must be in English, fit on one page, and preferably have a physical signature rather than digital signat

FAQs

Why is early timeline planning critical for rPIC certification?

Certification information often arrives too close to competition dates, limiting plan adjustments. The guide advises completing rPIC certification at least 7 days before competition to handle unforeseen issues.

What identification documents are required for the rPIC exam?

Bring your passport and another form of ID. The dual identification requirement can surprise candidates, especially international students.

What extra documentation do international candidates need?

International candidates need secondary ID and proof of address documentation. The proof must be in English, fit on one page, and preferably use a physical signature; US centers may not accept certain digital-only document formats.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by eBook King