Education · 1 of 5
The path
You are hired first, then trained. Nearly all of the training is paid.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
That is the minimum. You also need to be a United States citizen and speak clearly enough to be understood over a radio.
- 2
Apply during a hiring window
Days
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) posts openings on USAJOBS (the federal hiring site), usually once or twice a year and only for a few days.
- 3
Pass the entrance test
One day
The Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) tests memory, multitasking, spatial reasoning and judgment under pressure.
- 4
Medical, psychological and security checks
Several months
A full medical, a psychological evaluation and a background investigation. Vision, hearing and drug screening all apply.
- 5
The Academy in Oklahoma City
About 2 to 5 months
Classroom plus simulator training. It is intense and not everyone passes. Fail out and you are released.
- 6
Facility training
1 to 3 years
On-position training at your assigned tower or center until you certify on every position. Then you are a Certified Professional Controller.