Air traffic control selection, explained
What each stage actually contains, what the providers publish about it, and — the part most guides skip — what they don't. Written so you can tell solid preparation from confident guessing.
How to become an air traffic controller in the UK
The full NATS route to becoming a trainee air traffic controller — eligibility, the four selection stages, training, and what the job is really like.
Read the guideNATS Stage 1 tests explained
What the eleven NATS Stage 1 online ability tests cover, the five ability areas NATS names publicly, and what it does not publish about them.
Read the guideNATS Stage 2: situational judgement and listening
NATS Stage 2 is an online situational judgement test and a listening comprehension test, both proctored by Aon. What each assesses and how to prepare.
Read the guideNATS Stage 3 assessment centre
NATS Stage 3 is a virtual assessment centre over Microsoft Teams: an interview, an ATC knowledge test and observed retesting. What to expect and how to prepare.
Read the guideNATS Stage 4 practical exercise
NATS Stage 4 is a practical exercise on a simulated section of airspace, run over Teams or at Whiteley across a series of short runs with feedback between them.
Read the guideWhat is the FEAST test?
FEAST is EUROCONTROL's air traffic controller selection test, used by around 50 providers in 40 countries. What FEAST I, II and III contain.
Read the guideThe FAA ATSA test explained
The Air Traffic Skills Assessment is the FAA's entry test for air traffic controllers — around 2 hours 49 minutes and seven subtests. What it covers.
Read the guideWhat ATC selection tests don't publish — and why it matters
NATS, EUROCONTROL and the FAA all keep their scoring formulas and question banks private. Here's exactly what is and isn't public, and how to spot a source that's guessing.
Read the guideReading isn't practising
Stage 1 is where most candidates are filtered out, and it's the one stage that responds almost entirely to timed practice. Three tests are free with no account needed.
Try a test free