You need 70% — that's 42 correct out of 60 questions. Miss 18 or fewer and you pass. There's no partial credit, no weighting between categories, and no curve.
How the scoring actually works
The FAA Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) test is 60 multiple-choice questions with three options each. Every question counts the same. You get 2 hours, which is generous — most people finish with time left.
You find out immediately. Before you leave the testing center you'll get an Airman Knowledge Test Report showing your score, a pass/fail grade, and — this is the useful part — a list of ACS codes for every question you got wrong.
What the ACS codes on your report mean
Those codes look like UA.I.B.K21c and each maps to a specific knowledge area in the Airman Certification Standards. They tell you exactly which topics you were weak on. If you passed, they're optional homework. If you failed, they're your entire study plan for the retake.
What 70% really means for your prep
Here's the honest framing: aiming for exactly 70% is aiming to barely pass with no margin. Test-day nerves, an unfamiliar chart excerpt, or two ambiguous questions can move you 5 points. If you're scoring 72% on practice tests, you're not comfortably ready — you're one bad section from a retake and a 14-day wait.
A better target: consistently score in the mid-80s or better on realistic practice questions across every category, not just your strong ones. Category-level scoring matters more than the overall number. Someone at 82% overall who's sitting at 55% on airspace is at real risk, because chart and airspace questions cluster.
Know your score before test day.
The Fast Pass practice exam scores you by knowledge area — regulations, airspace, weather, loading, operations — so you can see which category is putting your pass at risk.
Get the Fast Pass Suite →If you don't pass
You wait 14 calendar days, pay the fee again (~$175), and retest. Your report's ACS codes tell you what to focus on. It's a setback, not a disaster — but it's an entirely avoidable $175.
Pass with Fast Pass? We'll cover your drone registration.
Once you pass, email us your Airman Knowledge Test Report and we'll send you $5 — the exact cost of registering your first drone with the FAA. Sharing a short review of what helped is welcome but completely optional. One per customer, for Fast Pass buyers. Email drone@academysim.com.