To become an air traffic controller in the United States, applicants must meet several minimum requirements, including citizenship, age, and education[1]. Typically, a candidate must:
- Be a United States citizen[1].
- Be under the age of 31 at the time of application[1].
- Pass a rigorous medical examination, which includes vision, hearing, cardiovascular, neurological, and psychological assessments[1].
- Pass a background/security investigation[1].
- Pass the FAA’s Air Traffic Controller Specialists Skills Assessment Battery (ATSA) or pre-employment test[1].
- Demonstrate the ability to speak English clearly enough to be understood over communications equipment[1].
- Fulfill the experience requirement by having one year of progressively responsible work experience, a bachelor’s degree, or a combination of post-secondary education and work experience that totals one year[1].
Alternative qualification pathways exist: applicants may meet the experience requirement through three years of progressively responsible work, a four-year college degree, or a combination of work and education that totals three years[2]. Many candidates also attend an FAA-approved Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program, available at select colleges nationwide[3].
After meeting initial eligibility, applicants must:
- Apply for an air traffic controller position during open hiring windows[2].
- Attend and complete mandatory training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City (2–5 months)[1].
- Continue on-the-job training as a developmental controller for 1.5–3 years before certification[2].
- Obtain FAA certification by passing further knowledge and practical exams after gaining sufficient experience[3].
Graduates of AT-CTI programs are given preference in hiring and may receive a recommendation letter that helps with their job application[3]. The overall process to full certification often takes several years, involving both classroom and hands-on experience[1].
References
- [1] Air Traffic Controller Qualifications | Federal Aviation Administration
- [2] How to Become an Air Traffic Controller | BestColleges
- [3] How To Become an Air Traffic Controller | Indeed.com
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