FEAST Test Format

What is the FEAST test format?

The FEAST test format is commonly described as a staged air traffic controller selection test battery.

FEAST stands for First European Air Traffic Controller Selection Test. It is used by participating air navigation service providers, academies, universities, and aviation training organizations to help assess candidates for air traffic controller training.

The format is often discussed in three broad parts:

• FEAST Part 1: cognitive ability tests and English language testing
• FEAST Part 2: more complex multitasking and dynamic task performance
• FEAST Part 3 / FEAST III: personality questionnaire, where used by the organization

Not every candidate should assume the exact same modules, timing, scoring, or stages. FEAST is used by different organizations, and local recruitment processes can vary.

Always follow the official instructions from the ANSP, academy, university, or recruiter that invited you.

Why the FEAST format can vary

FEAST is a test battery, not one single identical test session experienced the same way by every candidate worldwide.

The organization using FEAST may decide:

• which stages apply
• when each stage is administered
• whether FEAST III is included
• whether additional local tests are included
• whether interviews follow
• how results are communicated
• whether retakes are allowed
• what eligibility rules apply
• whether testing is in person or online
• whether official familiarization material is provided

This means one candidate’s FEAST experience may not match another candidate’s experience exactly.

FEAST format overview

A simplified FEAST process may look like this:

Application
↓
Eligibility screening
↓
FEAST Part 1
↓
FEAST Part 2
↓
FEAST III personality questionnaire, if used
↓
Interview or assessment centre
↓
Medical, psychological, or security checks
↓
Final selection or training offer

This is only a general example. Your actual process may be shorter, longer, or arranged differently.

FEAST Part 1 format

FEAST Part 1, also called FEAST I, is commonly associated with cognitive ability testing and English language testing.

It may assess foundational skills such as:

• attention
• memory
• spatial reasoning
• logical reasoning
• visual perception
• English comprehension
• instruction reading
• speed and accuracy
• concentration under time pressure

FEAST Part 1 is often the first major testing stage after application screening.

Related page: FEAST Part 1

FEAST Part 1 is not an aviation knowledge exam

Candidates sometimes assume FEAST Part 1 is about knowing aviation facts.

Usually, it is not.

Unless your organization specifically tells you otherwise, you generally do not need to know:

• professional ATC procedures
• separation standards
• airspace classifications
• radar phraseology
• pilot-controller communication rules
• facility procedures

FEAST Part 1 is more about cognitive aptitude, English comprehension, and test execution.

FEAST Part 1 cognitive tasks

The cognitive section of FEAST Part 1 may include task types related to:

• visual scanning
• target detection
• short-term memory
• working memory
• spatial orientation
• mental rotation
• pattern reasoning
• rule application
• visual comparison
• timed decision-making

The exact tasks depend on the organization using FEAST and the test version administered.

Preparation should focus on underlying skills rather than memorizing specific unofficial examples.

FEAST Part 1 English test

FEAST Part 1 is commonly described as including an English language component.

English testing may involve:

• reading comprehension
• grammar in context
• vocabulary in context
• sentence meaning
• instruction understanding
• practical aviation-related wording
• speed and accuracy under time pressure

Even outside the English section, English matters because task instructions may be written in English.

Related page: FEAST English test

FEAST Part 2 format

FEAST Part 2, also called FEAST II, is commonly associated with more complex multitasking tasks.

Where FEAST Part 1 may test individual cognitive abilities, FEAST Part 2 may require candidates to combine several abilities at once.

FEAST Part 2 preparation may involve:

• multitasking
• dynamic monitoring
• rule application
• prioritization
• attention switching
• workload control
• moving-object tracking
• reaction accuracy
• decision-making under pressure
• error recovery

Related page: FEAST Part 2

FEAST Part 2 may feel more ATC-like

FEAST Part 2 may feel more operational or ATC-like than FEAST Part 1, especially if it includes dynamic displays or multitasking tasks.

However, it is still not the same as working as an air traffic controller.

You generally do not need to learn real-world ATC procedures before Part 2 unless your official organization specifically tells you to.

Instead, focus on:

• following task instructions
• managing workload
• prioritizing correctly
• avoiding tunnel vision
• applying rules consistently
• staying calm under pressure

MULTI-PASS in the FEAST format

MULTI-PASS is commonly discussed by candidates as a FEAST-related multitasking-style task concept.

MULTI-PASS-style preparation may involve:

• divided attention
• monitoring several streams of information
• applying rules
• prioritizing urgent items
• maintaining accuracy
• handling workload
• recovering after mistakes

Candidates should be careful with any resource claiming to reproduce the exact official MULTI-PASS task.

Related page: FEAST MULTI-PASS

DART in the FEAST format

DART is commonly discussed as a dynamic radar-style FEAST task concept.

DART-style preparation may involve:

• moving-object tracking
• conflict detection
• movement prediction
• spatial awareness
• rule application
• prioritization
• attention switching
• dynamic decision-making

DART may be discussed in connection with FEAST Part 2-style preparation, but your exact test process depends on the organization that invited you.

Related page: FEAST DART

FEAST III personality questionnaire

FEAST III is commonly described as a personality questionnaire available to and used by many FEAST user organizations.

It may assess work-style and behavioural traits such as:

• responsibility
• reliability
• teamwork
• emotional stability
• communication style
• rule-following
• stress tolerance
• motivation
• consistency
• attention to detail

Not every organization necessarily uses FEAST III in the same way. Some may use it as part of selection, others as input for interviews or broader assessment.

Related page: FEAST personality test

FEAST format and additional selection stages

FEAST may be only one part of a larger air traffic controller selection process.

Additional stages may include:

• application screening
• eligibility checks
• interviews
• group exercises
• simulator assessments
• psychological assessment
• medical examination
• background checks
• security clearance
• local language testing
• final selection board
• training placement

Passing FEAST does not always mean you automatically receive a training place or job offer.

Related page: FEAST results

Is FEAST online or in person?

FEAST may be administered in different ways depending on the organization and recruitment process.

Possible formats include:

• in-person testing at a testing centre
• testing at an ANSP facility
• testing at an academy or university
• supervised computer-based testing
• online or remote testing, if offered by the organization

Your official invitation should tell you the delivery method.

Do not assume online testing is available unless your recruiter confirms it.

How long does FEAST take?

FEAST duration can vary.

The time required may depend on:

• which stages are included
• whether Part 1 and Part 2 are on the same day
• whether breaks are included
• whether English testing is included
• whether personality testing is included
• local administration rules
• number of candidates
• technical or registration procedures

Some candidates may complete one stage only. Others may complete multiple stages across one or more days.

Use your official invitation as the source of truth.

Are FEAST questions multiple choice?

Some FEAST-style tasks may involve selecting answers or responding with keys, but not every task should be assumed to be standard multiple choice.

Task formats may include:

• selecting an option
• pressing response keys
• matching items
• counting targets
• tracking values
• monitoring moving objects
• applying rules
• reacting to signals
• answering English questions
• completing dynamic tasks

The interface and response method depend on the specific task.

Is FEAST timed?

FEAST tasks are commonly timed or time-sensitive.

Timing may involve:

• limited time per section
• speeded response tasks
• reaction-time elements
• dynamic events
• performance under workload
• completing as many correct items as possible
• maintaining accuracy over time

Candidates should practice timed accuracy, but timing should be added gradually during preparation.

Does FEAST have negative marking?

Scoring details may not be fully disclosed to candidates.

Do not assume a universal scoring method.

The organization using FEAST may not provide information about:

• exact scoring
• weighting
• pass thresholds
• section-level cutoffs
• penalty rules
• item-level performance
• ranking methods

Your best strategy is to follow instructions carefully, balance speed and accuracy, and avoid reckless guessing.

What is a passing FEAST score?

There is no universal public passing score that applies to every FEAST candidate.

Pass rules may depend on:

• organization policy
• recruitment campaign
• stage
• candidate pool
• local thresholds
• role type
• score profile
• additional selection stages

Candidates may receive only a pass/fail result or next-stage invitation, not a detailed score.

Related page: FEAST results

FEAST format and retakes

Retake rules are not universal.

Whether you can retake FEAST may depend on:

• organization policy
• country
• campaign
• stage failed
• number of attempts
• waiting period
• previous results
• whether results are shared
• current recruitment rules

Do not assume you can retake immediately.

Related page: Can you retake FEAST?

How to prepare for the FEAST format

To prepare for the format, start broad and then target weak areas.

A practical sequence:

1. Read your official invitation.
2. Understand the general FEAST stages.
3. Use official familiarization material if available.
4. Take a short baseline practice session.
5. Practice attention and memory.
6. Practice spatial reasoning and English.
7. Practice multitasking and dynamic tasks.
8. Add timing gradually.
9. Review mistakes.
10. Prepare test-day logistics.

Related page: How to prepare for FEAST

FEAST format preparation checklist

Use this checklist before your test:

• I know which FEAST stage I am invited to.
• I have read the official instructions.
• I know the test date and time.
• I know the location or online method.
• I know what identification is required.
• I know whether English testing is mentioned.
• I have used official familiarization material if provided.
• I have practiced attention, memory, spatial reasoning, and English.
• I have practiced multitasking if Part 2 is likely.
• I have prepared test-day logistics.
• I understand that the exact format may vary.

Common FEAST format mistakes

Avoid these mistakes:

• assuming every candidate takes the same test
• relying only on forum descriptions
• ignoring official instructions
• assuming FEAST is mainly aviation knowledge
• preparing only for Part 1 when Part 2 may follow
• ignoring English
• ignoring personality questionnaire preparation
• expecting detailed score breakdowns
• assuming a universal pass mark
• assuming retakes are always allowed
• using leaked or unauthorized content

Good preparation starts with the official process.

What to do if your invitation is unclear

If your invitation does not clearly explain the format, use the official contact method.

Ask concise questions such as:

Hello,

I am scheduled to take FEAST on [date]. Could you please confirm whether the session includes FEAST Part 1 only, or whether additional stages may be administered on the same day?

Thank you,
[Name]

Do not rely on guessing if logistics or required stages are unclear.

What to verify officially

Before taking FEAST, verify:

• which stage you are invited to
• whether Part 1, Part 2, or FEAST III is included
• test date
• test time
• arrival time
• location or online method
• required identification
• allowed and prohibited items
• expected duration
• break rules
• official familiarization material
• result process
• retake policy
• contact information

If this guide conflicts with your ANSP, recruiter, academy, university, EUROCONTROL, or test-session instructions, follow the official source.

Bottom line

The FEAST test format is commonly described in stages: FEAST Part 1 for cognitive ability and English testing, FEAST Part 2 for more complex multitasking and dynamic tasks, and FEAST III as a personality questionnaire where used.

However, the exact format can vary by organization. Use official instructions as your source of truth, prepare the underlying skills, and avoid assuming that another candidate’s experience will match yours.

Preparation resources

Free orientation should stay realistic about what your recruiting organization actually uses. Paid catalogs vary by pathway, so match modules to your official instructions before spending money.

You may compare these catalog corners from the same publisher (none are official EUROCONTROL or employer materials): FEAST 2–oriented notes, FAA ATSA–oriented prep for cross-pathway research, and general ATC aptitude pages. Publisher: JobTestPrep.

You may also find our JobTestPrep FEAST Review helpful before buying.

Frequently asked questions