NSU gets approval from FAA to offer unmanned pilots license exam
Posted 08-04-2026
NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University's Advanced Remote Geospatial Operations (ARGO) program has earned approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and PSI, the FAA's official testing partner, to offer the Unmanned Aircraft pilots license exam.
"This is a huge step for the ARGO program" said Gwen Fontenot, director of Institutional Engagement and Economic Development in NSU's Office of Economic Development and University Advancement.
"The process is very stringent and can take 12-18 months, requiring strict compliance with PSI standards, including room measurements, camera placement, software requirements, photos, videos, scanners and numerous other testing center specifications," said Star Hamous, NSU's director of Testing. "After completing all initial requirements, a PSI inspector visited our center and provided recommendations. Once those recommendations were addressed and a final inspection was completed, we received approval as an official PSI testing site."
In addition, each testing proctor - supervisors who monitor students during an exam - completed an application and background check, followed by comprehensive exam delivery and proctor training, which is required every six months.
"Ongoing webinars, DOT regulations training, and procedural manual reviews are also required," Hamous said. "We are excited to now offer FAA Airman Knowledge Tests (AKA), providing another valuable certification opportunity for our studnets and surrounding communities. This is one more way we continue to support student success and serve the workforce and educational needs."
Dates are currently available for resting. A candidate can go directly to https://faa.psiexams.com to register and find requirements.
"Becoming a certified testing site strengthens NSU's role in workforce development by giving students, professionals and industry partners convenient access to credentials that validate their skills and prepare them for high-demand careers," Fontenot added. "This designation is especially important to the continued growth of our ARGO Program and Lab, where education, hands-on training and industry-recognized certification come together to build a stronger workforce for our region."
"The drone and aviation industries are seeing huge growth," said JD Cox, ARGO Lab coordinator. "We offer our 16-week drone courses online every semester (RSST 2010, 3010, 4010) and we offer a non-credit part 107 prep course that is online and self-paced for anyone who is interested. We also offer in-person training on request."
The cost of NSU's Part 107 Remote Pilot Certifiaction Prep Course is $250 per person. Information is available at www.nsu/la/pilotexam.
"This is a huge step for the ARGO program" said Gwen Fontenot, director of Institutional Engagement and Economic Development in NSU's Office of Economic Development and University Advancement.
"The process is very stringent and can take 12-18 months, requiring strict compliance with PSI standards, including room measurements, camera placement, software requirements, photos, videos, scanners and numerous other testing center specifications," said Star Hamous, NSU's director of Testing. "After completing all initial requirements, a PSI inspector visited our center and provided recommendations. Once those recommendations were addressed and a final inspection was completed, we received approval as an official PSI testing site."
In addition, each testing proctor - supervisors who monitor students during an exam - completed an application and background check, followed by comprehensive exam delivery and proctor training, which is required every six months.
"Ongoing webinars, DOT regulations training, and procedural manual reviews are also required," Hamous said. "We are excited to now offer FAA Airman Knowledge Tests (AKA), providing another valuable certification opportunity for our studnets and surrounding communities. This is one more way we continue to support student success and serve the workforce and educational needs."
Dates are currently available for resting. A candidate can go directly to https://faa.psiexams.com to register and find requirements.
"Becoming a certified testing site strengthens NSU's role in workforce development by giving students, professionals and industry partners convenient access to credentials that validate their skills and prepare them for high-demand careers," Fontenot added. "This designation is especially important to the continued growth of our ARGO Program and Lab, where education, hands-on training and industry-recognized certification come together to build a stronger workforce for our region."
"The drone and aviation industries are seeing huge growth," said JD Cox, ARGO Lab coordinator. "We offer our 16-week drone courses online every semester (RSST 2010, 3010, 4010) and we offer a non-credit part 107 prep course that is online and self-paced for anyone who is interested. We also offer in-person training on request."
The cost of NSU's Part 107 Remote Pilot Certifiaction Prep Course is $250 per person. Information is available at www.nsu/la/pilotexam.