The Air Traffic Controller Test - Your Guide to Passing the ATC Aptitude Test
Air Traffic Controllers work around the clock to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel.
To work at an ATC facility, candidates do not necessarily have to graduate from college or amass massive academic knowledge. Instead, controllers build up their expertise through on-the-job training and hands-on experience. To many, this is part of the job's appeal.
However, successful air traffic control relies heavily on soft cognitive skills, such as multitasking, focus, composure, and spatial orientation. This is why an air traffic controller assessment test is employed.
What Is an Air Traffic Controller Test?
Air traffic controller exams are psychometric assessments designed to screen candidates for terminal, tower, and en-route air traffic control jobs. They are typically taken on location at a testing facility or control center.
ATC organizations like the American Federal Aviation Administration or the Canadian NAV Canada spend substantial resources on training and instructing each future air traffic controller. To ensure that this money is well-spent, cognitive assessments are used early in the application period to measure the requisite skills and shortlist only high-potential applicants.
Successful completion of the air traffic control test allows you to continue on the course to become a certified ATC.
Which Basic Skills are Measured by the ATC Exam?
Though different jurisdictions use different exams, there are commonalities between the ATSA and FEAST assessments. Specifically, in the skills and competencies measured:
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Working Memory: Both tests include a memory game to evaluate your ability to retain information.
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Set Shifting and Multitasking: You will face mini-tasks that ask you to complete two tasks simultaneously.
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Logical Reasoning: You will face word problems to test your deductive and inductive reasoning skills.
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Spatial Awareness: You will be asked to do things like visualize a 2D shape after being folded, determine the relative location of objects (like airplanes), and state whether two objects are on a collision course.
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Reading Comprehension: Part of being an air traffic controller is understanding instructions and information. You will read a passage and answer questions about it.
Beyond these, the ATC assessment test mainly tests your ability to operate under pressure. This is why taking practice tests can be so meaningful - they allow you to grow accustomed to the pressure before the actual test.
TIP: What Makes the ATC Exams Difficult?
The test itself is at a high difficulty level. It must be, to efficiently screen applicants. However, for many candidates the true challenge is the mounting pressure. Many have already made many investments and sacrifices to pursue an ATC career. Failing the highly competitive Air Traffic Controller Test can be devastating. Adding the time limit and low pass rate makes the test all the more stressful.
Practicing the exam before your scheduled test date and remembering that candidates can always reapply will help you remain calm and resist the effects of time pressure.
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The Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA)
The Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) is a challenging test for ATC candidates in the United States. It is written by Pearson VUE and commissioned by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which runs the ATC recruitment program.
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Time Limit: 3.5 hours
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Location: Testing center
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Country: USA
The ATSA Test is taken between the initial application and becoming a trainee. After registering in the FAA application system (by submitting an application on USAJobs), you will receive an email invitation to take the ATSA Test in a Pearson testing center near you.
If you receive passing ATSA results, you will be sent a tentative offer letter (TOL). This means you are on standby to start your paid FAA training. If you pass the training, you will receive a permanent offer.
Candidates without existing certifications will go on to attend the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City for basic training. Before training, you will need to submit to a background check and a medical exam.
What Does the ATSA Contain?
The ATSA Test contains a basic ATC simulation (no prior knowledge is needed), a memory game, spatial orientation questions, logical reasoning questions, reading comprehension questions, and math questions.
The last section of the ATSA exam is a personality test evaluating your character and suitability for the role.
Watch this video to better understand the ATSA Test:
ATSA Test Prep - Quick Overview
Our ATSA Test Prep is fine-tuned to closely mimic each and every part of the FAA ATC Test. In this video, we'll give you a brief overview of what you'll encounter.
Complete with ATSA sample questions and ATSA practice tests
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TIP: Why Does the ATSA Test Contain Math?
As part of the test, you will need to answer math questions. Even though the job itself doesn't require complicated math beyond basic operations, ATCs constantly deal with numbers like altitude, speed, distance, weather metrics, and estimated arrival times.
The need to handle these numbers in a high-pressure environment makes math problems very relevant for the ATSA Test. If you are worried you have not done math in a while, take an ATSA practice test and focus on math sample questions to gauge your current level and whether it is sufficient for the ATSA Test.
Accomodations
You can learn about reasonable accommodations and how to claim them on this Pearson page.
Understanding Your ATSA Results
Once your ATSA test results are in, you can see them on USAJobs by going to the Applications tab and choosing "track this application".
Once there, you will see a message placing you in one of four categories:
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Best Qualified (90% or above)
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Well Qualified (85-89%)
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Qualified (70-84%)
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Not Referred (below 70%)
Anything above "qualified" means you received a passing ATSA result. However, it does not mean you will definitely receive your TOL. You will have to wait until you either receive an invitation to continue your training, or otherwise a rejection. This can sometimes take months. Failing to obtain a TOL does not disqualify you from applying for the next bid.
If you haven't been shortlisted despite obtaining a good score on the ATSA Test, you can use the same results any time you reapply within three years of your first attempt.
The best way to ensure progress is to rank as Best Qualified on the ATSA Test. Our sample questions can help.
FEAST (Eurocontrol)
The First European Air Traffic Controller Selection Test (FEAST) is an aptitude test developed by Eurocontrol and used in Canada and most European countries. The FEAST is administered as the third step of the application process, following an online aptitude test, which we discuss below.
The FEAST is taken (and graded) via computer to ensure objectivity.
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Time Limit: at least 2.5 hours
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Location: Area Control Centers (ACCs)
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Country: 40+ countries
The FEAST measures several critical skills required for air traffic control in three modules:
FEAST I
This is the most basic part of the assessment and is essential to every ATC journey, regardless of where they apply. This part of the test focuses on basic cognitive skills required from ATCs, like decision making, logical reasoning,
This section also includes an English proficiency test.
During this section, you will receive a break time of ten minutes.
FEAST II
The second section of the aptitude assessment is sometimes taken on a separate date. This section, also called the Multipass Exam, contains two ATC simulations where you must manage air traffic scenarios. You do not need to have prior knowledge of real ATC systems. The simulation is like a game.
Learn More about FEAST II
FEAST III
This section is a personality test designed to test your compatibility with ATC, a stressful job that requires mental fortitude and composure under pressure.
TIP: NAV Canada Recruitment Process
In addition to the FEAST, NAV Canada will also ask you to come in for an assessment center and interview session before giving you your offer. You will also have to pass an over-the-phone language test. This will be English for most regions. and English and French for the Montreal Flight Information Region.
Failing the FEAST will make you ineligible to reapply for two years. Failing the interview will mean you must wait three years. Passing all the NAV Canada Assessments still doesn't guarantee a job offer, as spots are limited. However, you can still receive an offer within five years of your test date.
NAV Canada Online Assessment
FEAST is an in-person test. However, before being invited to take the FEAST you must first pass a 30-minute online assessment. This short evaluation of your cognitive ability is meant to be an initial screening measure.
Failing this test makes you ineligible to apply for one year.
Learn more about the NAV Canada Online Assessment
Air Traffic Control Application Process
The process differs between countries and jurisdictions. However, it always begins by finding open bids, either on USAJobs or on the NAV Canada Careers Page, and submitting an application. You must make sure you meet all the requirements to apply; otherwise, your submission will be dropped automatically.
Learn more about these requirements here.
After passing all test stages, both in the USA and Canada, you will be required to pass a background check, a medical exam, and a drug test. Once this is done, you can start training.
Starting your employment as an Air Traffic Controller does not yet make you a certified controller. Typically, you will spend several months to years in on-the-job training. Your salary will increase as you complete more certifications and rise through the ranks.
Learn more about the process of becoming an Air Traffic Controller.
Air Traffic Controller Test Tips and Preparation
Most candidates do not pass these assessments on their first try. What can you do to help yourself beat the odds?
Stay Calm and Controlled
As your scheduled test date draws near, you feel the pressure growing. The Air Traffic Controller Test is long and exhausting. Stress management is key. Sleep well the night before your exam and familiarize yourself with the test's unique challenges beforehand, so you are not caught off guard. Do not be too fazed if you cannot find the correct answer. This does not mean you have failed the test. Simply carry on.
Come Prepared
Make sure you have proper identification with you, and that the details on your ID match the details in the testing system. In addition, you may want to consider bringing a water bottle and a light snack to help you stay focused and razor-sharp.
Practice
Many online resources let you study for the Air Traffic Controller Assessment Test. JobTestPrep's prep courses have been tried and tested by thousands of applicants. They allow you to take practice tests, receive feedback, learn tricks and shortcuts to improve your reaction time and critical thinking.
FAQs
The ATC test is considered challenging because it assesses a wide range of cognitive skills under time pressure. Candidates must demonstrate strong multitasking, quick decision-making, spatial awareness, and working memory — all essential for air traffic control. While you don't need prior aviation knowledge, the test simulates the mental demands of the job, making preparation and focus essential for success.
Pass rates vary depending on the country and specific test (like ATSA in the U.S. or FEAST in Canada and Europe), but generally, only about 10–30% of applicants make it through the initial screening. The selection process is highly competitive, with each phase designed to narrow the pool to those with the highest potential for success in training and on the job.
The length of an ATC test depends on the specific exam and country, but it typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours. The test is often broken into several timed sections, each measuring different abilities, such as attention, memory, spatial reasoning, and multitasking. Some programs may also include personality or situational judgment components, adding extra time.
While you don't need advanced math skills for air traffic control, you do need to be comfortable with basic arithmetic, mental math, and quick calculations, especially involving speed, time, and distance. The math is practical and applied — used to help keep aircraft safely separated and on schedule — but it's more about speed and accuracy than complexity.
Applying in other countries?
Learn about the ATC assessment in Australia and the United Kingdom.
