How to Prepare for NATS ATC Selection

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How should you prepare for NATS air traffic controller selection?

Preparing for NATS Trainee Air Traffic Controller selection requires more than completing a few generic aptitude-test questions.

The current recruitment process examines several distinct areas:

• cognitive ability;
• spatial processing;
• numerical reasoning;
• logical thinking;
• direction tracking;
• reaction control;
• situational judgement;
• listening comprehension;
• motivation;
• role knowledge;
• communication;
• consistency under observation;
• practical problem-solving;
• response to feedback.

Each stage requires a different preparation method.

According to the current NATS Trainee Air Traffic Controller recruitment information, the assessment process currently contains four stages:

1. eleven online ability tests;
2. an online Situational Judgement Test and Listening Comprehension test;
3. a virtual assessment centre containing an interview, ATC knowledge test and observed retesting;
4. a practical exercise delivered virtually or face to face.

Stage 1 and Stage 2 are currently virtually proctored by Aon. Stage 3 is currently conducted through Microsoft Teams. Stage 4 may be delivered virtually through Microsoft Teams or face to face at the NATS Whiteley office.

The exact assessment formats, timings, question counts, scoring rules and progression thresholds are not fully published.

Your candidate invitation must therefore take priority over:

• old recruitment guides;
• forum posts;
• candidate recollections;
• commercial test names;
• third-party timing claims;
• unofficial passing scores.

This guide provides a complete preparation framework without reproducing official NATS questions or protected assessment content.

Begin by understanding the full commitment

Before spending substantial time on preparation, confirm that you understand the career and can meet the published requirements.

NATS currently states that applicants must:

• be at least 18 when applying;
• have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future;
• possess five GCSEs at Grade 4 or Scottish National 5 qualifications at Grades A–C, including English and Mathematics, or accepted equivalents;
• be capable of passing SC-level security clearance;
• complete the applicable Class 3 medical assessment;
• comply with the NATS drug and alcohol policy.

Candidates must provide complete and honest information throughout the process.

Review the NATS eligibility requirements before preparing for the assessments.

Consider mobility before applying

NATS describes air traffic controllers as a mobile grade.

This means that training and operational postings can be determined by:

• your skills;
• your training pathway;
• available positions;
• business requirements.

NATS currently identifies initial training at:

• NATS Corporate and Technical Centre in Whiteley, Hampshire;
• Global ATS at Gloucestershire Airport near Cheltenham.

After gaining a Student Air Traffic Control Licence, a trainee may be posted to an operational unit where hands-on training continues.

Candidates should not assume that they can choose:

• their preferred airport;
• the nearest location;
• one specific control centre;
• one particular controller specialism;
• a location based only on family convenience.

Before applying, consider:

• whether you can relocate;
• how relocation may affect relationships;
• housing;
• travel;
• family responsibilities;
• the possibility of living away from your current support network.

Preparation should be based on a realistic commitment to the complete career, not only an interest in passing the tests.

Understand the training pathway

NATS currently describes its trainee course as a Level 5 Apprenticeship Trainee Air Traffic Controller course.

Initial training leads towards a Student Air Traffic Control Licence.

After gaining the student licence, the trainee continues supervised training at an operational unit until validation and full licensing requirements are met.

The process can involve:

• theoretical instruction;
• practical sessions;
• simulation;
• formal assessments;
• feedback;
• operational unit training;
• local validation.

Passing recruitment does not make someone a qualified controller.

Candidates should be prepared for continued assessment during training.

Read the NATS training process guide for the full pathway from induction through validation and licensing.

The current NATS selection process at a glance

Stage	Current published assessment	Main preparation focus
Stage 1	Eleven online ability tests	Spatial awareness, logic, numerical ability, direction, reaction control and cognitive consistency
Stage 2	Situational Judgement Test and Listening Comprehension test	Professional judgement, safety, accountability, active listening and detail retention
Stage 3	Virtual interview, ATC knowledge test and observed retesting	Motivation, role understanding, genuine competency evidence, factual research and stable earlier-test performance
Stage 4	Practical exercise delivered virtually or face to face	Rule learning, situational awareness, prioritisation, communication, problem-solving and response to feedback
After selection	Conditional offer and pre-employment requirements	Medical, security, documentation and training readiness

The complete process is explained in the NATS assessment process guide.

Seven principles for effective NATS preparation

NATS aptitude test preparation: Follow a structured NATS aptitude test preparation plan with ATC Practice.

Affiliate disclosure: We may receive a commission if you purchase through this link, at no additional cost to you. ATC Practice is an independent third-party preparation provider and does not guarantee the exact assessment content used by NATS.

Develop skills rather than memorising questions

The precise assessment content can change.

Memorising reported questions creates several problems:

• the recollection may be inaccurate;
• the question may be outdated;
• the content may be protected;
• the current assessment may use a different format;
• observed retesting may expose weak underlying ability;
• one familiar interface may not transfer to another.

Practise the underlying skill.

For example:

• use several types of mental-rotation exercise;
• practise percentages in different contexts;
• follow varied directional instructions;
• analyse unfamiliar workplace scenarios;
• listen to different factual passages;
• explain genuine competency examples naturally.

Build accuracy before speed

Time pressure matters, but rushing before you understand the method can reinforce errors.

Use this progression:

1. understand the rule;
2. solve accurately without strict timing;
3. classify your mistakes;
4. repeat the method;
5. introduce moderate time pressure;
6. increase speed only while accuracy remains stable.

Speed without control can produce:

• missed conditions;
• directional reversals;
• arithmetic errors;
• premature responses;
• poor SJT decisions;
• confused listening answers.

Practise in varied formats

A candidate may perform well on one familiar platform while struggling when:

• the layout changes;
• colours change;
• symbols change;
• instructions are worded differently;
• the response method changes;
• the task combines several abilities.

Use variation deliberately.

The goal is not to become expert at one commercial interface. It is to recognise and apply the underlying reasoning demand.

Review errors systematically

A wrong answer is useful only when you understand why it was wrong.

Classify mistakes into categories such as:

• instruction misunderstanding;
• calculation error;
• directional reversal;
• missed condition;
• poor prioritisation;
• premature response;
• incomplete communication;
• original-versus-revised detail confusion;
• attention lapse;
• poor time allocation;
• technical disruption.

Review repeated patterns rather than only your overall score.

Prepare the complete process

Candidates sometimes prepare extensively for Stage 1 but ignore later stages.

This can create problems when they reach:

• the Situational Judgement Test;
• the Listening Comprehension test;
• the interview;
• the knowledge test;
• observed retesting;
• the practical exercise.

Begin with the stage immediately ahead, but maintain awareness of the complete process.

Follow official instructions exactly

The official tutorial and candidate invitation are part of the assessment.

Check:

• the deadline;
• the time zone;
• permitted devices;
• supported browsers;
• webcam requirements;
• microphone requirements;
• calculator rules;
• note-taking rules;
• break rules;
• technical-support procedures.

Do not assume that rules from another Aon assessment apply automatically.

Protect your integrity

Air traffic control is a safety-critical profession.

Recruitment preparation should demonstrate:

• honesty;
• independent performance;
• respect for confidential content;
• compliance with assessment rules;
• accurate disclosure.

Do not use:

• leaked questions;
• another person;
• unauthorised notes;
• prohibited software;
• hidden assistance;
• recordings of the official assessment.

Establish a preparation baseline

Before building a study plan, complete a short baseline session.

The baseline should not be an attempt to simulate the exact NATS battery.

Use original or properly licensed exercises covering:

• numerical reasoning;
• spatial reasoning;
• logical rules;
• direction tracking;
• reaction control;
• situational judgement;
• listening comprehension.

Record:

• accuracy;
• completion rate;
• time per item;
• false responses;
• skipped items;
• concentration lapses;
• confidence;
• recurring error types.

A useful baseline table might look like this:

Skill	Accuracy	Main issue	Priority
Numerical reasoning	78%	Slow percentage calculations	Medium
Spatial reasoning	61%	Confusing rotation and reflection	High
Direction tracking	84%	Errors after several turns	Medium
Logical reasoning	73%	Missing secondary conditions	High
Reaction control	Stable	Several premature responses	Medium
Situational judgement	69%	Excessive escalation	High
Listening	64%	Confusing original and revised details	High

The figures are illustrative only.

The purpose is to decide where preparation time should be spent.

Create an error log

Use a simple error log after every practice session.

Date	Skill	Error	Cause	Correct method	Next action
6 May	Direction	Selected west instead of east	Applied two turns mentally at once	Update direction after every turn	Complete ten step-by-step direction items
7 May	Numerical	Incorrect percentage increase	Divided by final value instead of original value	Difference ÷ original value	Review percentage-change formula
8 May	Listening	Chose original meeting time	Missed the correction word “instead”	Track original, change and final detail	Practise revised-schedule passages
9 May	SJT	Escalated minor issue to senior management	Confused decisiveness with effectiveness	Use proportionate first-line action	Practise escalation scenarios

This makes practice targeted rather than repetitive.

How to prepare for Stage 1

Stage 1 currently contains eleven online ability tests.

NATS states that these examine skills such as:

• spatial awareness;
• logical thinking;
• numerical ability;
• sense of direction;
• reaction speed.

NATS does not publicly name all eleven tests on its main recruitment page.

Do not invent a definitive list from third-party preparation products.

The complete stage is explained in the NATS Stage 1 tests guide.

Spatial-awareness preparation

Spatial tasks may require you to:

• track movement;
• compare orientations;
• rotate objects mentally;
• identify reflections;
• visualise positions;
• follow routes;
• predict intersections.

Use a fixed method

For each item:

1. identify the starting position;
2. identify which element changes;
3. determine whether the change is a rotation, reflection or movement;
4. apply one transformation at a time;
5. compare the final state with the options;
6. verify one distinctive feature.

Practise varied tasks

Use:

• mental rotation;
• grid movement;
• coordinate tracking;
• route intersection;
• viewpoint changes;
• cube nets;
• relative-position problems.

Common spatial mistakes

Watch for:

• rotating the whole object when only one part changes;
• reversing clockwise and anticlockwise;
• treating a mirror image as a rotation;
• forgetting an intermediate movement;
• following only one moving object;
• choosing an answer based on general appearance.

Logical-thinking preparation

Logical reasoning involves identifying and applying rules.

Tasks may use:

• numbers;
• symbols;
• shapes;
• conditional statements;
• categories;
• matrices;
• sequences.

Use a rule-first method

1. identify the changing feature;
2. state the rule;
3. test it against more than one step;
4. identify secondary rules;
5. eliminate options that violate any condition;
6. check the selected answer against the full pattern.

Practise several rule types

Include:

• addition and subtraction;
• multiplication;
• alternation;
• rotation;
• position changes;
• colour changes;
• increasing or decreasing counts;
• conditional transformations;
• rule switching.

Avoid unsupported assumptions

Use only the information provided.

Do not add a relationship merely because it would make an option convenient.

Numerical-ability preparation

NATS identifies numerical ability as one of the current Stage 1 skill areas.

Useful topics include:

• addition;
• subtraction;
• multiplication;
• division;
• fractions;
• percentages;
• ratios;
• averages;
• time calculations;
• value comparisons;
• basic tables.

Build fluency

Review:

• multiplication tables;
• common fraction and percentage equivalents;
• dividing by 10, 100 and 1,000;
• percentage increases and decreases;
• elapsed time;
• ratio simplification.

Useful equivalences include:

Fraction	Percentage
1/2	50%
1/4	25%
3/4	75%
1/5	20%
1/10	10%
1/8	12.5%

Estimate before selecting

Estimation can identify implausible answers.

For example, if a value increases from 48 to 60, the increase is 12.

Twelve is one quarter of 48, so the increase is 25%.

An answer of 60% should appear unreasonable.

Do not assume calculator permission

Use a calculator in the official assessment only when the instructions expressly permit it.

Sense-of-direction preparation

Direction tasks may involve:

• north, south, east and west;
• left and right turns;
• half-turns;
• relative viewpoints;
• route following;
• final orientation.

Update after every movement

Do not combine several turns mentally when this causes errors.

Use:

        North
West              East
        South

During independent practice, record the new direction after each step.

Do not use a written direction aid during the official assessment unless it is permitted.

Practise viewpoint changes

A task may describe direction from another person’s or object’s viewpoint.

Clarify whether left and right are based on:

• your perspective;
• the object’s perspective;
• a fixed map orientation.

Reaction-speed preparation

Reaction tasks may assess more than raw speed.

You may need to:

• detect a target;
• apply a rule;
• ignore non-targets;
• inhibit a premature response;
• switch between rules;
• maintain consistency.

Measure response control

Track:

• correct responses;
• incorrect responses;
• missed targets;
• premature responses;
• consistency over time.

A fast response is not useful when it violates the rule.

Use short sessions

Reaction practice can deteriorate under fatigue.

Use focused sessions and stop when:

• false responses increase sharply;
• attention declines;
• you begin anticipating rather than responding;
• your posture or hand becomes tense.

Sustained-attention preparation

Even when sustained attention is not named as a separate official test, it supports performance across the battery.

Practise maintaining accuracy across:

• several short tasks;
• mixed skill types;
• a longer uninterrupted session;
• later items after an earlier mistake.

Review whether performance declines near the end.

Stage 1 mixed sessions

Once individual methods are stable, combine them.

A 60-minute practice session might include:

Activity	Time
Numerical warm-up	10 minutes
Spatial reasoning	15 minutes
Logical reasoning	15 minutes
Direction tracking	10 minutes
Reaction control	5 minutes
Error review	5 minutes

This is an independent practice structure, not an official NATS test schedule.

How to prepare for Stage 2

Stage 2 currently contains:

• an online Situational Judgement Test;
• an online Listening Comprehension test.

These assessments require different preparation from Stage 1.

Prepare using the NATS Stage 2 tests guide.

Situational Judgement Test preparation

The SJT examines how candidates evaluate workplace responses.

Useful themes include:

• safety;
• integrity;
• responsibility;
• teamwork;
• communication;
• procedure;
• prioritisation;
• proportional escalation;
• response to mistakes;
• feedback.

Use a six-step method

For each scenario:

1. identify the central issue;
2. assess risk and urgency;
3. establish your responsibility;
4. evaluate every response separately;
5. distinguish incomplete from harmful actions;
6. choose the most complete proportionate response.

Safety does not mean maximum escalation

A strong response is not always the most dramatic action.

Consider:

• whether immediate action is required;
• whether the issue exceeds your authority;
• whether a first-line response is available;
• who needs the information;
• whether delay creates risk.

Practise several scenario categories

Include:

• an error in shared information;
• conflicting workloads;
• a possible safety concern;
• unclear instructions;
• confidential information;
• disagreement about procedure;
• difficult feedback;
• a colleague requiring support.

Use the NATS Stage 2 tests guide for a complete SJT method and original examples.

Listening Comprehension preparation

The listening assessment examines the accurate understanding and retention of spoken information.

Practise identifying:

• people;
• roles;
• times;
• dates;
• numbers;
• locations;
• sequences;
• revised instructions;
• final outcomes.

Use six listening questions

1. Who is involved?
2. What happened?
3. Where did it happen?
4. When did it happen?
5. What changed?
6. What happens next?

Practise corrections

A passage may contain:

• an original time;
• a delay;
• a revised time.

Train yourself to retain the final confirmed detail.

Correction signals include:

• however;
• instead;
• originally;
• changed;
• moved;
• no longer;
• now;
• revised.

Practise without subtitles

Subtitles reduce the auditory demand.

Hide the transcript during the first attempt.

Use it only during review.

Listen once during some sessions

The official replay rule is not published on the main NATS page.

Practising after one presentation develops:

• first-pass attention;
• short-term retention;
• confidence;
• resistance to uncertainty.

Use the NATS Stage 2 tests guide for detailed listening preparation exercises.

How to prepare for Stage 3

Stage 3 is currently a virtual assessment centre conducted through Microsoft Teams.

It includes:

• an interview;
• an ATC knowledge test;
• observed retesting of previous assessments.

Read the NATS Stage 3 assessment centre guide.

Interview preparation

The interview may explore:

• why you want to become an air traffic controller;
• why you are interested in NATS;
• what you understand about the career;
• your willingness to complete demanding training;
• mobility;
• teamwork;
• communication;
• accountability;
• pressure;
• adaptability;
• learning from feedback.

NATS does not publish a complete current interview-question list.

Prepare genuine evidence rather than memorised scripts.

Build an example bank

Prepare examples involving:

• competing priorities;
• a mistake;
• teamwork;
• disagreement;
• important communication;
• unexpected change;
• difficult feedback;
• learning a complex skill;
• responsibility under pressure.

Examples can come from:

• employment;
• education;
• volunteering;
• sport;
• military experience;
• personal projects;
• community responsibilities.

They do not need to involve aviation.

Use STAR without sounding scripted

Organise each example using:

• Situation: brief context;
• Task: your responsibility;
• Action: what you personally did;
• Result: outcome and learning.

The action section should normally contain the strongest evidence.

Use “we” for the team context and “I” for your contribution.

Read the full NATS Stage 3 assessment centre guide.

ATC knowledge-test preparation

The Stage 3 assessment currently includes an Air Traffic Control knowledge test.

NATS does not publish a complete public syllabus or official question bank.

A sensible study framework includes:

• what NATS does;
• Aerodrome control;
• Approach control;
• Area control;
• the current recruitment stages;
• the training pathway;
• Student Air Traffic Control licensing;
• operational unit training;
• validation;
• working locations;
• mobility;
• medical requirements;
• security requirements;
• safety-critical conduct.

Use official current information

Do not rely on an old flashcard set without checking every fact.

Recruitment information can change, including:

• assessment stages;
• locations;
• training arrangements;
• application status;
• salary;
• timelines.

Use retrieval practice

Close your notes and answer questions such as:

• What is the difference between Aerodrome, Approach and Area control?
• What happens after a trainee gains a Student Air Traffic Control Licence?
• What does mobile grade mean?
• Which assessments currently form Stage 3?
• Why are medical and security clearance required?

Then verify your answer against the current official source.

The NATS Stage 3 assessment centre guide contains a complete knowledge-test study framework and original questions.

Observed-retesting preparation

NATS states that candidates repeat previous assessments while being observed during Stage 3.

The exact retesting list is not fully published on the main recruitment page.

Prepare by revisiting the underlying abilities from Stages 1 and 2.

Maintain genuine skill

Observed retesting reinforces the importance of completing earlier assessments independently.

A candidate who relied on:

• another person;
• hidden notes;
• an unapproved calculator;
• prohibited software;
• a memorised answer pattern;

may struggle to reproduce the performance under observation.

Practise under observation

Ask a trusted person to watch a short practice session without helping.

Review whether observation causes you to:

• rush;
• hesitate;
• abandon your method;
• over-explain;
• become distracted by mistakes.

The observer should not provide answers.

How to prepare for Stage 4

Stage 4 is currently a practical exercise delivered:

• virtually through Microsoft Teams; or
• face to face at Whiteley.

NATS has also publicly described the use of its BLADE digital-twin platform in trainee-controller recruitment.

The exact platform and scenario for a future candidate should be confirmed through the official invitation.

Read the NATS Stage 4 practical exercise guide.

Develop rule-learning ability

Practise short exercises with unfamiliar rules.

For example:

• red items have priority;
• blue items may be delayed once;
• two items cannot occupy the same position;
• only one action is allowed per turn.

Change the rules between sessions.

The objective is to understand instructions rather than memorise one task.

Use a practical decision cycle

Apply:

1. Scan
2. Predict
3. Prioritise
4. Act
5. Check

Scan

Review the complete task area.

Predict

Determine what will happen if no action is taken.

Prioritise

Address the issue with the greatest urgency and safety importance.

Act

Choose the simplest permitted action.

Check

Verify that the action worked and did not create another issue.

Practise communication

When asked to explain your thinking, use:

1. observation;
2. risk;
3. action;
4. next check.

For example:

“Items A and B are converging near the centre. B reaches the shared point first, so I am redirecting A. I will then check Item C near the lower boundary.”

Avoid narrating every visible detail.

Practise feedback and retry

Ask another person to provide one process-focused observation after a short exercise.

Examples include:

• scan more widely;
• act earlier;
• reduce unnecessary actions;
• explain the priority;
• check the outcome after acting.

Complete another attempt and demonstrate the change.

The person should not supply answers during the exercise.

Technical preparation for online assessments

Technical preparation is part of performance preparation.

A strong candidate can still be disrupted by:

• unsupported software;
• an unreliable connection;
• blocked webcam permissions;
• poor audio;
• unexpected updates;
• an unsuitable room.

Device checklist

Before Stage 1 or Stage 2:

• confirm that the computer is supported;
• use the required browser;
• connect the device to power;
• close unnecessary applications;
• install updates in advance;
• prevent automatic restarts;
• complete the official system check;
• avoid a restricted work or school device where possible.

Do not assume that a mobile phone or tablet is supported.

Webcam and microphone checklist

NATS currently states that Stage 1 and Stage 2 are virtually proctored by Aon.

Candidates must consent to webcam and microphone use for test-taker identity validation.

Confirm that:

• the browser can access the webcam;
• the browser can access the microphone;
• the correct devices are selected;
• your face is visible;
• lighting is adequate;
• no other software is using the camera;
• privacy settings do not block access.

Audio checklist

For the Listening Comprehension test:

• test the audio output;
• use a comfortable volume;
• check for distortion;
• prevent automatic switching between devices;
• complete the official audio test where available.

Use headphones only when permitted.

Internet checklist

Before starting:

• pause large downloads;
• close streaming applications;
• ask other users to avoid heavy network use;
• use the most reliable connection available;
• avoid unstable public Wi-Fi;
• keep the authorised support details accessible.

Room checklist

Choose a room that is:

• quiet;
• private;
• adequately lit;
• free from interruptions;
• clear of unauthorised materials.

Before the assessment:

• silence your phone;
• disable notifications;
• close unrelated browser tabs;
• remove notes and devices that are not permitted;
• tell other people not to enter;
• prepare identification where required.

Microsoft Teams preparation

Stage 3 is currently conducted virtually through Microsoft Teams, and Stage 4 may also be delivered through Teams.

Before the assessment:

• test Microsoft Teams;
• confirm guest or account access;
• check the meeting link;
• verify your display name;
• test the camera;
• test the microphone;
• test the speakers;
• position the camera near eye level;
• choose a professional background;
• keep official support details available.

Do not join from multiple devices unless instructed.

What to do if a technical problem occurs

If an assessment freezes, disconnects or loses audio:

1. remain calm;
2. follow the official technical-support instructions;
3. record the time;
4. note the assessment or section;
5. record the error message where permitted;
6. contact the authorised support team promptly;
7. protect confidential assessment content.

Do not repeatedly restart or refresh unless instructed.

Do not photograph official questions while documenting the fault.

Workplace adjustments

Candidates who face an assessment barrier should contact NATS Talent Acquisition as early as possible.

Do not wait until the assessment begins.

The available adjustment may depend on:

• the candidate’s needs;
• the ability being assessed;
• assessment validity;
• technical feasibility;
• the stage involved.

Do not assume that an adjustment will automatically include:

• extra time;
• a calculator;
• written notes;
• replayed audio;
• subtitles;
• transcripts;
• a different assessment format.

Raise the issue early enough for an appropriate discussion.

An eight-week preparation plan

The following plan is independent guidance. It is not an official NATS schedule.

Adjust the workload according to:

• your current ability;
• the stage you have reached;
• the official deadline;
• work and family commitments;
• fatigue;
• any agreed adjustments.

Week 1: eligibility, process and baseline

Objectives

• confirm eligibility;
• understand mobility and training;
• review the full selection process;
• complete a cognitive baseline;
• create an error log.

Practice

Complete short untimed exercises in:

• numerical reasoning;
• spatial reasoning;
• logic;
• direction;
• reaction control;
• listening;
• situational judgement.

Do not focus on speed yet.

Week 2: numerical and directional foundations

Numerical work

Practise:

• fractions;
• percentages;
• ratios;
• averages;
• elapsed time;
• estimation.

Directional work

Practise:

• left and right turns;
• compass directions;
• half-turns;
• route tracking;
• perspective changes.

Review every error step by step.

Week 3: spatial and logical reasoning

Spatial work

Use:

• rotations;
• reflections;
• grid movement;
• viewpoint changes;
• route intersections.

Logical work

Use:

• sequences;
• matrices;
• classifications;
• conditional rules;
• rule changes.

Begin moderate timing only after accuracy improves.

Week 4: reaction, attention and mixed Stage 1 practice

Practise:

• target detection;
• response inhibition;
• rule switching;
• sustained attention;
• mixed cognitive sessions.

Track consistency rather than only the fastest response.

Complete technical checks for Stage 1 where relevant.

Week 5: situational judgement

Practise scenarios concerning:

• safety;
• mistakes;
• teamwork;
• workload;
• feedback;
• confidentiality;
• procedure;
• escalation.

For each option, explain why it is:

• effective;
• incomplete;
• ineffective;
• harmful.

Week 6: listening comprehension

Practise:

• names;
• numbers;
• times;
• revised details;
• sequences;
• role responsibility;
• negative wording.

Use varied clear speakers and complete some exercises after one presentation.

Week 7: Stage 3 preparation

Prepare:

• your motivation;
• knowledge of NATS;
• the three controller types;
• training;
• mobility;
• genuine competency examples.

Also revisit Stage 1 and Stage 2 skills for possible observed retesting.

Week 8: practical skills and consolidation

Practise:

• unfamiliar rules;
• multi-object monitoring;
• prioritisation;
• verbal reasoning;
• feedback and retry;
• error recovery.

Reduce total practice during the final days.

Focus on:

• sleep;
• technical setup;
• official instructions;
• stable methods;
• confidence based on preparation rather than last-minute volume.

A four-week accelerated plan

Candidates with a shorter preparation window can use a compressed structure.

Week 1

• verify eligibility and process;
• complete a baseline;
• focus on the two weakest Stage 1 areas;
• begin daily numerical and direction practice.

Week 2

• complete mixed Stage 1 sessions;
• introduce controlled timing;
• begin SJT and listening preparation;
• test the intended device.

Week 3

• complete Stage 2 practice;
• prepare interview evidence;
• study current NATS role and training information;
• revisit earlier skills for observed retesting.

Week 4

• practise practical rule-based tasks;
• complete one or two realistic mixed sessions;
• verify all technical arrangements;
• reduce volume in the final days.

Do not attempt to complete every available practice question.

Prioritise recurring weaknesses.

A 60-minute daily session

A balanced preparation session could contain:

Activity	Duration
Warm-up arithmetic or direction	10 minutes
Primary weak ability	20 minutes
Secondary ability	15 minutes
Stage-specific practice	10 minutes
Error review	5 minutes

On another day, the stage-specific section might involve:

• SJT analysis;
• a listening passage;
• interview speaking;
• knowledge retrieval;
• a practical rule-learning exercise.

Adjust the content according to the stage you are preparing for.

A 30-minute daily session

Candidates with less time can use:

Activity	Duration
Weak skill practice	15 minutes
Mixed questions	10 minutes
Error review	5 minutes

Short, regular sessions are often more useful than one exhausting weekly session.

How many practice tests should you complete?

There is no official ideal number.

The useful quantity depends on whether practice is producing learning.

Ten carefully reviewed questions may be more valuable than 100 rushed questions.

After each set, ask:

• Which rule did I miss?
• Was the error conceptual or careless?
• Did time pressure cause it?
• Is the same problem recurring?
• What method will I use next time?

Stop adding volume when:

• you are no longer reviewing errors;
• fatigue is producing random responses;
• the practice interface has become memorised;
• scores improve only because questions repeat;
• preparation is damaging sleep.

How to use mock assessments

A mock session should test your process, not claim to reproduce the official assessment.

A useful mock can assess:

• instruction reading;
• sustained concentration;
• transitions between task types;
• time management;
• error recovery;
• technical readiness.

After the mock, review:

• accuracy by skill;
• completion rate;
• false responses;
• time lost on difficult items;
• attention decline;
• technical problems;
• emotional response after mistakes.

Do not treat one mock score as a prediction of your official result.

Managing test anxiety

Some anxiety is normal during a competitive assessment.

Preparation should aim to keep it manageable rather than eliminate every physical sign of stress.

Useful methods include:

• practising in the intended environment;
• using a familiar step-by-step method;
• preparing the device early;
• protecting sleep;
• avoiding excessive caffeine;
• arriving or logging in with sufficient time;
• focusing on the current question;
• resetting after an error.

A brief reset can involve:

1. release tension in the shoulders;
2. take one controlled breath;
3. restate the rule;
4. return to the current item.

Do not continue mentally reviewing an earlier mistake while new information appears.

The day before an online assessment

Complete only light review.

Confirm:

• the assessment deadline;
• the time zone;
• whether opening the link starts the test;
• the device;
• browser;
• webcam;
• microphone;
• audio;
• internet connection;
• identification;
• permitted materials;
• support contact.

Prepare the room.

Avoid:

• an exhausting full mock;
• learning an entirely new method;
• staying awake late;
• relying on unverified candidate reports;
• changing equipment without testing it.

On the assessment day

Before beginning:

• eat and drink normally;
• avoid excessive caffeine;
• use the bathroom;
• connect the device to power;
• silence your phone;
• disable notifications;
• remove prohibited materials;
• complete the system check;
• read the official instructions.

During the assessment:

• read every rule;
• use the tutorial;
• maintain a controlled pace;
• avoid guessing what the assessor wants;
• focus on the current item;
• report genuine technical problems appropriately.

After the assessment:

• do not record or distribute questions;
• note only general observations about your own performance;
• monitor your candidate communications;
• follow official instructions regarding the next stage.

Common NATS preparation mistakes

Preparing only one cognitive skill

Strong numerical ability does not compensate automatically for weak spatial or directional performance.

Use a balanced baseline.

Practising speed before method

Fast repetition can automate the wrong process.

Build accuracy first.

Memorising commercial interfaces

The official assessment may look different.

Practise transferable reasoning.

Searching for exact questions

Recalled content may be wrong, outdated or protected.

Practise the ability.

Treating all Aon tests as identical

Aon supplies different assessment solutions to different employers.

Follow the NATS invitation.

Ignoring Stage 2

Situational judgement and listening require their own preparation.

They are not simply extensions of Stage 1.

Giving scripted interview answers

Memorised speeches can sound artificial and fail under follow-up questions.

Prepare genuine evidence.

Learning outdated NATS facts

Application status, assessment stages, training details and salary can change.

Check current official information.

Teaching yourself professional ATC procedures

Trainee candidates are not expected to arrive as licensed controllers.

Do not replace official task rules with unsupported operational information.

Ignoring mobility

NATS states that postings depend on business needs and candidates cannot assume a preferred location.

Consider this before applying.

Ignoring the medical and security process

Passing the assessments does not guarantee medical certification or security clearance.

Provide honest information through the official channels.

Excessive practice

Fatigue can reduce:

• attention;
• reaction control;
• listening;
• judgement;
• sleep quality.

Use recovery days and shorter sessions.

Copying another candidate’s study plan exactly

Preparation should reflect your own error profile.

Spend more time on weak areas.

Ethical preparation

Appropriate preparation includes:

• original questions;
• licensed practice material;
• mental arithmetic;
• spatial exercises;
• listening practice;
• workplace scenarios;
• interview preparation;
• official career research;
• abstract practical exercises;
• technical checks.

Inappropriate preparation includes:

• leaked questions;
• copied assessment recordings;
• screen captures;
• another person completing a test;
• hidden assistance;
• unauthorised notes;
• prohibited calculators;
• attempts to bypass virtual proctoring;
• sharing confidential assessment content.

The objective is to demonstrate your own suitability and learning potential.

Limits of preparation

Preparation can help you:

• improve numerical fluency;
• build spatial methods;
• track directions;
• apply logical rules;
• control premature responses;
• analyse workplace scenarios;
• retain spoken details;
• explain genuine examples;
• research the career;
• learn unfamiliar practical rules;
• prepare your technical environment.

Preparation cannot:

• reveal the official test bank;
• guarantee the assessment format;
• guarantee a passing score;
• confirm an unpublished threshold;
• guarantee progression;
• replace underlying aptitude;
• guarantee medical clearance;
• guarantee security clearance;
• guarantee training success;
• guarantee controller validation.

Be cautious with any provider claiming to offer:

• exact NATS questions;
• official answer keys;
• leaked recordings;
• guaranteed interview scripts;
• a complete BLADE replica;
• a guaranteed passing score;
• secret scoring rules.

You can also review the available NATS aptitude test preparation package from ATC Practice.

Affiliate disclosure: We may receive a commission if you purchase through this link, at no additional cost to you. Third-party preparation materials cannot guarantee the exact tests, questions, timings or assessment format assigned by NATS.

What to verify officially

Before beginning preparation or taking an assessment, verify:

• whether applications are open;
• the current eligibility criteria;
• the current assessment stages;
• the number of Stage 1 tests;
• the Stage 2 assessments;
• the Stage 3 format;
• the Stage 4 delivery method;
• the current assessment provider;
• the assessment deadline;
• the applicable time zone;
• virtual-proctoring requirements;
• webcam and microphone rules;
• supported devices;
• supported browsers;
• calculator rules;
• note-taking rules;
• headphone rules;
• break rules;
• replay rules;
• identification requirements;
• workplace-adjustment procedures;
• technical-support instructions;
• medical requirements;
• security requirements;
• mobility conditions;
• how results will be communicated.

Use the official NATS Trainee Air Traffic Controller page and your candidate invitation as the primary sources.

Campaign-specific instructions always take priority over independent preparation guidance.

Bottom line

Preparing for NATS Trainee Air Traffic Controller selection requires a stage-specific plan.

For Stage 1, develop:

• spatial awareness;
• logical thinking;
• numerical ability;
• direction tracking;
• reaction control;
• cognitive consistency.

For Stage 2, develop:

• professional judgement;
• safety awareness;
• accountability;
• active listening;
• detail retention;
• sequence tracking.

For Stage 3, prepare:

• informed motivation;
• genuine competency evidence;
• current NATS and career knowledge;
• stable performance under observation.

For Stage 4, practise:

• learning unfamiliar rules;
• situational awareness;
• prioritisation;
• concise communication;
• problem-solving;
• response to feedback.

Prepare the underlying abilities, review your errors and follow the current official instructions.

For choosing practice resources, diagnostics and timed study strategies, use this preparation guide together with the stage-specific pages linked above.

Do not rely on leaked or supposedly exact questions.