Air Traffic Controller Tests

What is the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) test?

All candidates applying to be an air traffic controller need to complete a series of aptitude tests as part of their recruitment process.

These tests include:

• Personality test
• Logical reasoning tests
• Concentration test
• Spatial orientation test
• Monitoring test

These tests are a vital component of the air traffic controller recruitment process, as they enable NATS (National Air Traffic Services) to objectively assess a candidate’s aptitude and behaviours, such as their decision-making capabilities, and how well they can cope working under pressure.

The air traffic controller tests also allow for the practical assessment of a candidate’s behaviours in a practical way that couldn’t be assessed through an interview alone.

Attaining a high score on each test is required to give candidates a greater chance of progressing through to the final stage of the recruitment process.

The format of the ATC test

Upon successful application, candidates are invited by email to sit the air traffic controller tests. These are online multiple-choice tests; the length and format of each varies.

The tests are split into two steps:

Step A: assesses a candidate’s aptitudes through psychometric testing. These are timed tests and include:

• Spatial orientation test
• Concentration ability test
• Monitoring skills test
• Inductive logical thinking test
• Deductive logical thinking test

If successful at these tests, candidates are invited to sit the step B tests.

Step B: assesses a candidate’s behaviours, characteristics, and traits through questionnaire-based assessments. These tests are not timed tests and include:

• Situational judgement test
• Occupational personality assessment

Each of the tests assesses a specific aptitude or behaviour as relevant to the role of an air traffic controller.

Spatial orientation test

The spatial orientation test assesses a candidate’s spatial awareness through their ability to direct an aircraft using visual information.

Questions are presented as images with no written information. Candidates are asked to detail information on the position and path of a plane using the information shown on a gyrocompass or compass.

The test is a three-minute test that requires candidates to remain calm and think fast.

Concentration ability test

This assessment determines how well a candidate can concentrate on a task. The test is two minutes long.

Candidates are presented with an image. Within the image are several components and elements. Candidates are then required to answer a series of questions by selecting the multiple-choice statements in relation to the image they believe to be correct.

Given the short duration of this test, answering the questions with speed and accuracy is essential to doing well.

Monitoring skills test

The monitoring skills test assesses a candidate’s ability to monitor objects in the same way they would on the job as an air traffic controller. For example, when reviewing the course of an aircraft and trajectory on a screen.

In this test, candidates need to count and write down correctly the number of moving objects they see on their screen.

This test is a short two-minute test that requires a high level of concentration and focus.

Inductive logical thinking test

The inductive reasoning test assesses a candidate’s ability to solve problems through the analysis of non-verbal information.

Information is presented as a series of grids within tables. Candidates need to determine the rule that links the information in these two grids, and then select another two grids from the multiple-choice answers that follow the same pattern.

This test is six minutes long and requires candidates to work quickly but accurately.

Deductive logical thinking test

This deductive logical thinking test demonstrates whether candidates can draw logical conclusions based on information presented as images or patterns.

As an air traffic controller, you are often presented with non-verbal information and need to make a decision based on this information alone.

This six-minute test comprises a series of questions presented as grids. Each square on the grid contains an object with one square containing a question mark. Candidates need to determine the pattern between these objects and then select which object from the multiple-choice answers belongs in the square that has the question mark.

Situational judgement test

The situational judgement test takes the form of a questionnaire. This assessment looks at a candidate’s behavioural traits when in work-based situations.

Candidates are presented with a series of scenarios that they would face when working as an air traffic controller. They need to answer how they would deal with the situation and their actions in the scenario presented.

It is worth noting that there are no right or wrong answers to the situational judgement test, so when answering the questions, candidates need to answer the questions honestly to present an accurate picture of themselves.

Occupational personality assessment

The final online assessment for an air traffic controller role is the occupational personality assessment. This evaluates a candidate’s traits and how they behave in the workplace.

The results are compared to over 30 characteristics to determine whether a candidate is suitable for the role.

The assessment consists of around 104 questions, followed by a list of statements. Candidates need to select the statement that best and least describes them in the given situation.

Assessment centre

On successful completion of the online assessments, candidates are invited to an all-day assessment centre. The assessment centre is comprised of four individual assessments:

Group discussion. This assessment looks at how well candidates work within a group setting. Candidates are assessed on their ability to communicate within the team, time management, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Interview. This is a 1:1 interview discussion with either HR or an interview-trained air traffic controller. The interview focuses on the candidate’s past achievements, scenario-based questions, and questions on the candidate’s interests and motivations for becoming an air traffic controller.

Air traffic control (ATC) knowledge test. Before attending the assessment centre, candidates are provided with documents relating to air traffic control subjects such as airports or technical information on airplanes. The ATC knowledge test that candidates sit at the assessment centre consists of 30 questions based on this information.

Re-test of one of the online assessments. Candidates are asked to re-take the aptitude tests as the final part of the assessment centre. Scores from the retaken assessments confirm to assessors that candidates have the required skills and knowledge to be an air traffic controller.

Five tips on how to prepare for air traffic controller tests

1. Be clear on the process and timings

The air traffic controller recruitment process is comprehensive and rigorous. Ensure you are aware of the timings of the process, such as any deadlines that you need to complete the online assessment by.

2. Become familiar with the format of the questions

The air traffic controller tests comprise a series of individual tests, each with its own format of questions. Practicing each of the tests means that you are aware of the style of questioning in each of the tests and what the question is asking, saving you precious time when it comes to sitting the actual tests.

3. Practice under timed conditions

Many of the air traffic control tests are timed tests. Ensure you practice the tests under timed conditions to simulate the time pressure you will feel when taking the actual tests. Knowing how you react under this time pressure means you can adopt tools or strategies to keep you calm.

4. Approach the tests in a positive frame of mind

Online assessments are often nerve-wracking. Approach the tests in a positive frame of mind. Take confidence from the practice tests you have completed and the experience that you have gained from this.

5. Ensure you spend equal time practicing all of the tests

It is often tempting to overlook the tests for which you are good or have a natural aptitude, but spending equal time practicing all of the tests is important. Doing this means you can work on your areas of weakness and refine your areas of strength to achieve consistently high scores across each of the tests you sit.