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Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA)
The 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 your next step in the Air Traffic Control Trainee application process. This site enables you to register with the FAA’s contracted vendor (Pearson VUE) and schedule the ATSA. In addition, the site contains links to helpful resources and provides answers to frequently asked questions.
Test Eligibility Requirements
First, you must apply to an air traffic control trainee announcement on www.usajobs.gov. If deemed qualified, you will be invited to complete the ATSA. Only invited candidates are authorized to complete this test.
Use of previous ATSA results
If you completed the ATSA in the past, your previous results are valid for three (3) years from the date the test was completed. If your results are still valid, you may opt to use them instead of retaking the test. If you choose to use your previous results, no action is required. Simply exit this page, and your previous results will be applied automatically to this testing cycle. If you choose not to use your previous results, please register on this site and proceed with scheduling the test. If you complete the exam again, your LATEST results will be used. You will NOT be able to use previous results. If you have any questions about your previous ATSA results, please email atsa.questions@faa.gov.
Personal Identification Requirements
Proper identification (ID) is required at the time of admittance for your test. 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.
If your Authorization to Test email contains a name different from the name on your government issued ID, please email atsa.questions@faa.gov prior to scheduling your test. 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 test, PRIOR to scheduling your test, please email your specific request and supporting documentation to atsa.questions@faa.gov. Your supporting documentation should be less than one year old.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How can I find my previous ATSA results?
A. You may refer to the USAJOBS status for a previous ATCS trainee announcement (if you applied) or you may email atsa.questions@faa.gov and request it.
Q. How long are my previous results valid?
A. Three (3) years from the completion date of the test
Q. What do I need to do to use my previous results?
A. No action is needed. If you do not complete the test again, your previous valid results will be used automatically.
Q. Where do I find my AVIATOR ID #?
A. Your AVIATOR ID is located in the Authorization to Test email. If you no longer have this email, you may contact Pearson VUE who will locate your account.
Q. What is the cost for this test?
A. Invited candidates are not charged for the ATSA. The FAA covers the cost of the test. However, if you register for the test and cannot make it to your appointment, you must cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled test date.
Q. Will the FAA pay/reimburse me to travel to complete the test?
A. The FAA does not pay or reimburse any travel costs (or parking expenses if applicable) as a result of taking the test.
Q. How long does it take to complete the test?
A. Nearly 3.5 total hours are allotted to complete the test. 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 test, we recommend a good night's rest, comfortable attire, a nutritious meal prior to testing, 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 test.
Q. Where can I find an ATSA practice test?
A. Since 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 two weeks after the last date of testing, use the “Track this application” link in your USAJOBS account to be redirected to the FAA application system (AVIATOR) for application status details.
The FAA places candidates into three categories based on their ATSA results:
- Well Qualified
- Qualified, and
- Not Referred (Message will state: You did not obtain a passing ATSA result on your most recent assessment).
You will not receive an overall score, only your placement into one of these three categories.
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: 2024-09-11