Education · 1 of 5

The path

There is no college program for this. Nav Canada, the company that runs air traffic control in Canada, selects and trains everyone itself.

1. 1

   Finish high school

   Grade 12

   A high school diploma or equivalent is the education requirement. No aviation experience is needed.

2. 2

   Apply and pass the screening

   Months

   You must be 18 or older and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Online aptitude tests come first, then interviews. Most applicants stop here.

3. 3

   Medical, security and drug screening

   Weeks to months

   A Transport Canada Category 2 medical certificate, a security clearance and an initial drug test including cannabis.

4. 4

   Basic training

   Several months

   Full-time classroom and simulator work, a 37.5 hour week with mandatory attendance. Failing a check means you are out.

5. 5

   On the job training

   1 to 2 years

   You move to a tower or an area control centre, work real traffic beside a qualified controller, and switch to shift work. You are licensed when you check out.