How to Be an Air Traffic Controller

There are absolutely no restrictions based on race, sex or religion if you want to pursue a career as an air traffic controller.

One of the best things about the career and job is that it does NOT require a college or university education.
Things that job employers and airports which seek to hire or train air traffic controllers are individuals who are

Passionate
Decisive
Committedr
Self-reliant and confidentr
Sure, there will be applicants who have these traits when they apply. But for many of you out there who have not developed these skills, we'll give you the training and support you need to start a great career. One of the first things to keep in mind are that you will be working with other people.
People skills and being able to effectively communicate with others is crucial since you will work with other FAA controllers and FAA staff who are committed to keeping the skies safe and flights running smoothly.We encourage you to apply to the Federal Air A!
Here's the skinny and fancy on how to become an Air Traffic Controllerr
If you are a United States citizen, the process is easier and there are three approaches to become an air traffic controller.

Approach 1: You have worked previously and have past experience working as an air traffic controller.
Approach 2: You have no past experience as an air traffic controller.
Approach 3: Start by enrolling in an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (ATCTI) program. The training program and center will teach and instruct you basic and advanced knowledge in order to start in your field.
Before anything however. There are testing requirements before you're hired.
How to Apply:

Apply for a job offer and accept the position. Job opportunities can be found online or at recruitment fairs.
Where and who can I go to for help?

Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI): Contact informationr
What exactly is the training program AT-CTI?

If you do decide to go to college or a university, The FAA has partnered up with many schools around the nation. The partnered schools offer a two to four-year aviation degree program that teach basic courses in air traffic control. It is also known as the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. Applicants who go this route will have a better chance of getting hired and will be more prepared than other prospective students.
Students who finish the AT-CTI training program are eligible to skip the Air Traffic Basics Course. The basic course are the first five weeks of qualification training at the academy in Oklahoma City. Academy training consists of initial specific training. Prospective students have to effectively complete all necessary training training at the FAA academy to seek employment with FAA.
Now you are probably wondering how long the training is.
The Initial Qualification training for the terminal option is approximately 40 days.
Then there is a first qualification training that is approximately about 60 days.
If you are curious about the AT-CTI course and want to pursue a career as an air traffic controller, what do I have to do?

Graduate from an FAA authorized AT-CTI program.
Receive an official school recommendation.
Be a United States citizen.
Not reach an age over 31 by the time you receive your certificate but this age is an unlikely factor.
Pass a medical examination.
Pass a background criminal investigations checkr
Achieve a score of at least 70 on the FAA pre-employment testr
Communicate in English clearly decent for others to understand you on communications equipment.
Undertake an interview with your employer or training instructorr
Now where and what schools have the AT-CTI approved programs?

A number of schools across the country have approved programs.
Are there any financial aid for the FAA AT-CTI program?

Generally there are no assistance for for the AT-CTI program but it doesn't hurt to ask. Contact the financial assistance advisor at the AT-CTI program center to get additional help on loans or possible scholarship possibilities, and grants. Almost always, you will have to pay for the AT-CTI program.
Why you need a letter of recommendation for employment from AT-CTI school program.

A letter of recommendation from the official school AT-CTI school is required since it tells us that you have completed all required academic courses. This gives the employer a better picture of you and other applicants. It's less likely to land a job if you do not get a letter of recommendation.
Are graduates from the AT-CTI assured employment with FAA after completion of the program?

No. This always varies since there are applicants who are more or less qualified than others. Some may or may not have helpful contacts already working for the FAA. But keep your head up. If you've already applied or have finished the AT-CTI school program, your chances of getting a job is much higher especially if you obtain a letter of reference from a former trainer or teacher from the school.
Who can I contact for information regarding the AT-CTI program?
Aviation Careers Division, AMH-300, P.O. Box 25082 Oklahoma City, OK 73125
Phone: (405) 954-4657
Fax: (405) 954-8531
Email: 9-AMC-AMH-CTI@faa.gov
After all requirements, training and education is completed, it may be necessary for you to take a pre-employment test: Air Traffic Selection and Training (AT-SAT). This is a computer-based test which may last up to eight (8) hours to see how qualified and knowledgeable you are of air traffic rules and regulations.
Before employment, there are pre-employment questions and further testing that are mandated.
Do all job applicants applying for an air traffic controller position take the pre-employment test?

No. Generally, prospective pupils who are in the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program are directed to take the pre-employment test. Those who already have experience as an air traffic controller are not required to take the test. The test is designated to see who is most trained, educated and qualified.
When should someone who is serious about the career take the pre-employment test?

It's important to find a free time to take the test as soon as possible and about 4-8 weeks before you apply for a position.
Do I have to pay out of my pocket for thepre-employment test?

No, the FAA takes care of that for you.
Are pre-employment test travel expenses paid by the FAA?

No. You must be able to provide and pay for all expenses to your testing site.
Are there any testing guides or resources that are provided by the FAA?

No. You must get these yourself. Check with your public library or on Amazon's air traffic control books and Half.com for testing resources.
What is the passing bar grade on the test for pre-employment?

In order to pass and advance, you must achieve a score of 70 or higher on the test.
Is there any way I can take the test again to improve my score?

Whatever your score is, you are eligible to retake the test. You will better your chances of passing, if you study hard and retake the rest. Additionally, the second score will substitute for the first test score.
How long are scores valid for?

All test scores are legitimate for up to 3 years.
Please *NOTE* that if you fail the test post graduation from the AT-CTI program, you are not eligible to retake the test under the AT-CTI program.
Now to the good part, the pay and benefits.
The starting pay for air traffic controllers are about $18,000 for those who are citizens. For graduates, the pay is a few thousand more from the AT-CTI program. Current, veteran or federal air traffic controllers have an annual salary between $40,000 and upwards to $100,000. Be aware that air traffic controllers are working in facilities which operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Newly graduated air traffic controllers may earn yearly health insurance, life insurance, retirement benefits, sick leaves and vacations.