The Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA)
Your comprehensive guide to passing the FAA's controller pre-employment exam.
Jump to Practice ToolsWhat is the ATSA?
The Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) is a computerized exam used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an initial screening tool for air traffic control applicants. You will typically be invited to take the ATSA after applying to an "off-the-street" bid.
The exam takes about 3.5 hours to complete and is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. It assesses your cognitive abilities, multi-tasking capacity, spatial awareness, and personality traits to determine if you have what it takes to succeed in the high-pressure environment of air traffic control.
Sections & Practice Tools
The ATSA does not require prior aviation knowledge. Below are the 7 sections of the exam and our corresponding practice tools.
Note: Best experienced and practiced on a standard keyboard with a dedicated number pad, just like the actual exam.
1. Memory & Differences
Tests your short-term memory and mental math. You'll see numbers flash on the screen and must quickly calculate the difference between the current number and the previous one.
2. Value Assignments
Variables (like A, B, C) are assigned numerical values. You'll be asked to solve basic math equations using these variables while the values periodically shift.
3. Spatial Awareness
Measures your spatial awareness. You must determine the relative positions of aircraft or objects from different and changing viewpoints, such as from a pilot's perspective in the cockpit.
4. Radar Simulation
Often considered the hardest section. You'll manage a "radar" screen filled with moving dots. Your goal is to prevent the dots from colliding by strategically removing them. In later levels, you must simultaneously solve math equations.
5 & 6. Logic & Reading
Assesses critical thinking and your ability to extract information quickly. You'll solve syllogisms, word problems, and seating arrangement puzzles based on a complex set of rules, as well as answer multiple-choice questions from texts or charts.
7. Personality Assessment
A behavioral test to see if your personality traits align with what the FAA is looking for in an air traffic controller (calm under pressure, decisive, rule-following, and agreeable).
General Advice & Tips
Master the Numpad
You are not allowed to use a mouse for many sections. You will use the numeric keypad (numpad) extensively. Practice 10-key touch typing!
Try Numpad PracticeNo Scratch Paper
You must do all the math and logical reasoning in your head. The FAA provides no pens or paper.
Sleep well
The test is grueling and tests your endurance. Ensure you are well rested before your testing day.
Don't panic
The radar simulation is designed to overwhelm you. Remain calm, prioritize targets, and don't let one collision ruin your focus.
Score Bands
After taking the test, you will be placed into one of the following categories. Only the top categories are referred for hiring.
Note: Your ATSA score is usually valid for 3 years. If you score "Not Referred," you must wait to retake it during a future hiring bid.