Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (ECTI)

Welcome ECTI Candidates!

The Federal Aviation Administration’s Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) is an entry-level employment aptitude assessment consisting of multiple subtests designed to assess the majority of skills and attributes necessary to be successful as an air traffic controller at the FAA. The assessments include decision-making ability, spatial awareness, multitasking, and working memory, among others. The ATSA result is one of many factors in determining the best candidates for FAA Air Traffic Control Trainee positions.

Completing the ATSA is part of the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (ECTI) process. This site enables you to register with Pearson VUE, the FAA’s contracted test administration vendor, and schedule the ATSA. In addition, the site contains links to helpful resources and provides answers to frequently asked questions.

Personal Identification Requirements

Proper identification (ID) is required at the time of admittance for your ATSA. Please refer to the ID policy here: Pearson VUE ID Policy: 1S »

The first name and last name (and suffix if any) on your ID MUST match your name in the testing system. The testing center will not verify your middle name, so it does not need to be added to your account.  Please refer to the Pearson VUE ID Policy BEFORE emailing name change requests.  Additionally, we cannot update your address. If your current address does not match your ID, it will not affect your ability to schedule or take the exam.  The testing center will not verify your address.

If your FAA ATSA Invitation email contains a name different from the name on your government issued ID, please email atsa.questions@faa.gov prior to your ATSA appointment. Please send official documentation showing your legal name and the FAA will update your name in the testing system.

Reasonable Accommodations

If you require special accommodations to complete the ATSA, PRIOR to scheduling your ATSA appointment, please email your specific request and supporting documentation to atsa.questions@faa.gov.  Note that your supporting documentation should be less than one year old.

Cost

The cost of the ATSA is $83.68.  You will pay this fee during your registration process.

Note that you may reschedule or cancel your ATSA appointment within 48 hours prior to the testing date. However, if you fail to attend your scheduled testing appointment, you will forfeit your testing fee.

Q. How long are my previous results valid?

A. Three (3) years from the completion date of the ATSA

Q. Will the FAA pay/reimburse me to travel to complete the ATSA?

A. The FAA does not pay or reimburse any travel costs (or parking expenses if applicable) as a result of taking the ATSA.

Q. How long does it take to complete the test?

A. Nearly 3.5 total hours are allotted to complete the ATSA. That includes a maximum test duration of two hours, 49 minutes plus up to 30 minutes of break time.

Q. How do I prepare for the test?

A. The ATSA is an aptitude assessment; therefore no studying or preparation is necessary. To best prepare for the assessment, we recommend a good night's rest, comfortable attire, a nutritious meal prior to the appointment, and allot plenty of time to arrive to test site before the scheduled reporting time. Be advised that no FAA representatives will be present at the testing center.

Q. Where can I find an ATSA practice test?

A. Because the ATSA is an aptitude assessment, the FAA does not endorse any practice test to assist you in successful completion of the ATSA.

Q. How and when will I know the results of this test?

A. Approximately one week after the testing cycle ends, you will receive an email from the FAA ECTI Office informing you the category your ATSA results fall under. Specifically, the FAA places candidates into three categories based on their ATSA results:

  • Well Qualified
  • Qualified
  • Did not pass

Contact us

Office hours

Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. CT; closed on local holidays.

Telephone numbers

866-993-8825

Last updated: 2025-02-04