The University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning has officially been designated an authorized Federal Aviation Administration testing center on both the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas and the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix through a partnership with PSI Exams.
This milestone significantly expands access to aviation and drone-related certifications in the U.S. Virgin Islands by allowing residents, students and professionals to complete FAA knowledge examinations locally, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming travel off-island.
The new designation positions UVI CELL as a convenient regional hub for individuals pursuing careers and credentials in aviation, drone operations, maintenance and transportation-related industries.
Through the partnership with PSI Exams, individuals may create an account and schedule FAA exams directly at: https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login.
FAA Certifications Now Available Locally
Individuals in the U.S. Virgin Islands can now complete testing for a variety of FAA certifications, including:
- Aircraft Dispatcher
- Aviation Maintenance Technician General
- Commercial Pilot Airplane
- Private Pilot Airplane
- Flight Instructor Airplane
- Parachute Rigger
- Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (Part 107 Drone Certification)
Expanding Workforce Opportunities Across Industries
The availability of local FAA testing is expected to support workforce development and professional advancement across several industries and government agencies throughout the territory.
Industries expected to benefit include:
Law Enforcement and Public Safety — Agencies such as the Virgin Islands Police Department can more easily certify drone operators to support surveillance, emergency response, search and rescue operations and disaster assessment.
Transportation and Port Operations — Aviation and maritime professionals can access required certifications without leaving the territory, helping strengthen operational readiness.
Tourism and Hospitality — Tourism operators and aerial tour companies can more easily certify pilots and drone operators to support visitor experiences and business growth.
Real Estate and Property Marketing — Professionals using drone photography and aerial imaging can now pursue required FAA certification locally.
Media, Film and Content Creation — Filmmakers, videographers and digital creators using drones for commercial purposes can obtain Part 107 certification closer to home.
Construction and Infrastructure — Companies using drones for inspections, surveying and project documentation can streamline workforce credentialing.
Environmental and Marine Research — Organizations conducting aerial monitoring of coral reefs, coastlines, wildlife and natural resources can access certifications needed to support research and conservation efforts.
“This designation represents an important investment in workforce development and access to professional certification opportunities in the Virgin Islands,” said Dr. Suzanne Darrow-Magras, director of UVI CELL. “For too long, individuals interested in FAA certification have had to travel outside the territory to complete required exams. With UVI CELL now serving as an authorized testing center on both campuses, we are removing that barrier and helping strengthen the workforce of our territory.”
UVI CELL Senior Program Manager Ayopha Stalliard said the expansion aligns with the division’s commitment to making professional development more accessible.
“Bringing FAA testing to both campuses reflects our commitment to expanding access to workforce training and professional credentials throughout the Virgin Islands,” said Stalliard. “We are especially excited about the opportunities this creates for drone certification, a rapidly growing field with applications across nearly every industry in our community. UVI CELL is here to support individuals and organizations interested in exploring how these credentials can enhance careers and business operations.”
How to Get Started
Individuals interested in scheduling an FAA exam may visit https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login to create an account and register for testing through UVI CELL.
For additional information, contact UVI CELL at cell@uvi.edu or call:
- St. Croix: (340) 692-4230
- St. Thomas/St. John: (340) 693-1100
Individuals interested in expanding their aviation knowledge and training opportunities through UVI may also learn more about the University’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV/Drone) Program, Private Pilot Certificate (PPC) Program, or opportunities to utilize Redbird flight simulators under the supervision of certified flight instructors by emailing coralwings@uvi.edu.
About UVI CELL
The University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL) provides professional development, workforce training and community engagement services to individuals and organizations throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. With locations on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, UVI CELL is committed to expanding access to education, workforce training and credentialing opportunities across the territory.
