If you've ever been interested in the ways airplanes are scheduled and managed at the airport (and not just why they get stuck at the gate or arrive late), a career in aviation as an air traffic controller is something to consider. This page will walk you through the steps to earn your qualifications as an air traffic controller.

1. Make sure you meet the specific minimum requirements.
2. Prior experience is helpful.
3. Studying at an FAA-approved school is also helpful.
4. Apply online at the FAA's official employment site.
5. Prepare to take the AT-SAT pre-employment examination.
6. Be open to medical and background checks.
7. Additional recruitment training may be required of you.

• According to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the following are minimum requirements needed to apply for a controller position:National Air Traffic Controllers Association: Minimum Requirements

1. Applicant should be a United States citizen
2. Should be 30 years of age or younger. This "Age 31" rule is in place because of the mandatory Age 56 retirement age for controllers. National Air Traffic Controllers Association: FAQs
   • Exceptions apply for controllers with prior experience (discussed below.)
3. Should become an employee of the FAA.
   • More than 90 percent of all civilian air traffic controllers are employed by the FAA.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
4. Pass a rigid medical examination including but not limited to vision, hearing, substance abuse/dependency along with a background check

• You can apply to become a FAA employee and subsequently become an air traffic controller in three different ways, depending upon prior training and experience.Federal Aviation Administration: How to Become a Air Traffic Control Specialist

• Experienced controllers are those who have 52 consecutive weeks of air traffic control experience in a military or civilian air traffic control facility.Federal Aviation Administration: Prior Experience They should have the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform air traffic controller duties.

• Three types of experienced air traffic controllers are eligible to apply for FAA employments:Federal Aviation Administration: Prior Experience
  • 1. Veterans with military air traffic control experience who are discharged from active duty or on terminal leave and have not reached age 31.
    2. Retired military controllers who are on terminal leave pending retirement from active duty or those who retired from active duty on or after September 17, 1999.
    3. Current and prior civilian air traffic controllers who can transfer from another agency to FAA or can be reinstated to an FAA air traffic controller position. If your experience was as a civilian air traffic controller with the Department of Defense (DOD), you must have been hired for that job before you reached the age of 31.
• Go to the FAA website for further details.

• FAA invites the general public to apply for air traffic controller positions at various times during the year. You do not need prior air traffic control experience to apply.Federal Aviation Administration: No Prior Experience

• The FAA offers Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program in partnerships with many colleges and universities. The program is designed to provide qualified applicants to fill developmental air traffic control specialist positions.Federal Aviation Administration: Collegiate Training Initiative
  • Currently the FAA is hiring candidates who have graduated from one of these schools:Federal Aviation Administration: FAA Approved Schools
    • Arizona State University
    • Community College of Beaver County
    • Daniel Webster College
    • Dowling College
    • Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
    • Florida Community College Jacksonville
    • Green River Community College
    • Hampton University
    • Inter American University of Puerto Rico
    • Kent State University
    • Lewis University
    • Metropolitan State College of Denver
    • Miami Dade College
    • Middle Georgia College
    • Middle Tennessee State University
    • Minneapolis Community and Technical College
    • Mount San Antonio College
    • Purdue University
    • The Community College of Baltimore County
    • University of Alaska, Anchorage
    • University of North Dakota
    • University of Oklahoma
    • Vaughan College of Aeronautics and Technology

• FAA advises to search for new openings on the FAA website and apply for the suitable posting using the FAA online systemFederal Aviation Administration: How to Apply

1. Go to Career Opportunities web page and search for available air traffic controller openings.USAjobs.gov: FAA Jobs
2. While all category applicants are eligible to apply for Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee, only prior experienced applicants can apply for Air Traffic Control Specialist
3. FAA has an online employments application system called ASAP.Federal Aviation Administration: Applicant Website Once you find a suitable career opportunity, register a one-time account and apply for the position at their application website.

• After the application end date for a job posting, the FAA may notify eligible applicants to take the pre-employment test called Air Traffic Selection and Training (AT-SAT).Federal Aviation Administration: Pre-Employment Testing Applicants with no prior experience and students enrolled in the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program are required to take the AT-SAT.Federal Aviation Administration: Pre-Employment Testing

1. The minimum passing score on the test is 70.
2. Applicants can take the test more than once to improve their scores
3. The FAA pays for the test but not for test travel expenses
4. Test sites are typically located in major U.S. cities or near AT-CTI schools.
5. AT-SAT test scores are valid for three years.
6. Students enrolled in AT-CTI schools typically take the test six months before graduation
7. AT-SAT test is an eight hour long computerized test
8. There are eight sections on the test:Caliber Associates: Dynamic and Interactive Computerized Tests
   1. Analogies
   2. Scan abilities
   3. Angles
   4. Applied math
   5. Dial reading
   6. ATC scenarios
   7. Letter Factory
   8. Personality
9. The AT-SAT test measures working memory, situational awareness, problem solving, planning, rule application, dynamic visual-spatial and perceptual speed.Caliber Associates: Dynamic and Interactive Computerized Tests
10. While the FAA does not recommend any material, you may want to checkout an high rated test preparation book at AmazonAmazon.com: Air Traffic Control Career Prep

• Applicants are also required to pass a rigid medical test, comprehensive background check and a final interview before they become an FAA employee.Federal Aviation Administration: No Prior Experience

1. Medical Exams includeFederal Aviation Administration: Medical Investigation
   1. Vision tests for near vision of 20/20 or better in each eye separately, without correction, or have lenses that correct vision and distant
   2. Hearing tests.
   3. Cardiovascular tests for any medical history of heart disease and blood pressure.
   4. Neurological tests for any medical history or clinical diagnosis of a convulsive disorder.
   5. Psychiatric tests for any medical history or clinical diagnosis of a psychosis, or other severe mental disorders.
   6. Substance Abuse/Dependency check including alcohol, narcotic, non-narcotic drugs, and other substances
2. Security and Background checks include:Federal Aviation Administration: Security Investigation
   1. General or dishonorable military discharge
   2. Statutory debarment issue
   3. Government loyalty issues
   4. Evidence of dishonesty in an application or examination process (e.g., falsification of application)
   5. Drug-related offenses
   6. Felony offenses
   7. Firearms or explosives offenses
   8. Alcohol-related incidents
   9. Willful disregard of financial obligations
   10. Derogatory employment terminations

• Once selected after the final interview, most recruits must complete various phases of training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to become full-fledged air traffic controllers.Federal Aviation Academy: Benefits and Training

1. The length of training can last from several weeks to several months depending on applicant skills and experience.
2. Trainees are reimbursed for meals, lodging, and incidental expenses at a rate of $79.20 per day.
3. The FAA also pays for the cost of travel to and from Oklahoma City based on the trainee's official address.
4. The recruits must pass the required training courses at the Academy to advance further in their air traffic controller career.
5. Once assigned to a operational facility, classroom, simulation and on-the-job training continues before being fully certified as a air traffic controller.

• While the steps to earn proper qualifications are somewhat complex, if you make it through the process to become an air traffic controller, you have laid the groundwork for a rewarding career in a vital industry.