NATS Air Traffic Controller Application Process: 4 Assessment Stages

How do you apply to become a NATS air traffic controller?

NATS trainee controller recruitment is open as of October 1, 2026. The application itself is only the start: once your eligibility is accepted, the process moves through four assessment stages before a conditional offer.

The practical sequence is: submit the application, complete Stage 1 and Stage 2 online tests, attend the virtual Stage 3 assessment centre, complete Stage 4, then clear the medical and security requirements if you receive an offer.

NATS currently says Stage 3 assessment centres run from September 2026, Stage 4 from December 2026 and available employment start dates begin from late 2027. Use the official trainee controller page for the live campaign.

Is the NATS application window open?

Yes. The official NATS page currently displays “Trainee controller recruitment now open.”

Because recruitment windows can change, candidates should still apply through the live NATS careers page rather than relying on an older article or saved vacancy link.

The application journey at a glance

This is a guide to the current published structure, not a guarantee of the process used in every future intake.

Step 1: check the eligibility requirements

NATS advises candidates to confirm their eligibility before applying.

Current published requirements include:

• being at least 18 when applying;
• having the right to work in the UK without sponsorship now or in the future;
• holding five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, or Scottish National 5 qualifications at Grades A-C;
• including English and Mathematics among those qualifications;
• providing accepted equivalent qualifications where applicable;
• being capable of obtaining SC security clearance;
• completing the required initial Class 3 medical assessment;
• complying with the NATS drug and alcohol policy;
• giving complete and truthful information.

Read the full NATS eligibility requirements guide before progressing.

Minimum requirements are not selection criteria

Meeting the minimum requirements means that you may be considered for recruitment.

It does not mean that:

• your application will automatically be approved;
• you will pass the online assessments;
• you will reach the assessment centre;
• you will receive an offer;
• you will obtain medical certification;
• you will obtain security clearance;
• you will complete training.

Eligibility is the starting threshold. The later stages assess suitability for a demanding safety-critical training programme.

Step 2: understand the mobility requirement

NATS describes air traffic controllers as a mobile grade.

Before applying, candidates are asked to consider whether they can relocate and how relocation could affect their family, friendships, housing and other personal commitments.

NATS operates from locations across the United Kingdom, including airport control units and its control centres at Swanwick and Prestwick.

Candidates should not assume that they can select:

• their preferred airport;
• their nearest unit;
• London;
• a particular control centre;
• a particular controller specialism;
• the location used for initial training.

The current NATS eligibility checker states that applicants cannot express a location preference at that stage and may be posted according to organisational needs.

This is not a minor administrative detail. A candidate who cannot relocate may find the career unsuitable even when every academic requirement is satisfied.

Review the current official NATS careers information and the training process guide before applying.

Step 3: check your right to work

Applicants currently need the right to work in the United Kingdom without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

Do not assume that NATS will sponsor a visa for the trainee route.

Before completing the application, check:

• the type of immigration status you hold;
• whether your permission allows the relevant employment;
• whether your right to work is time-limited;
• whether future sponsorship would be required;
• which documents or share code you can provide;
• whether your name and personal details match across documents.

Right-to-work status is an individual legal matter. Use official Home Office guidance when your circumstances are uncertain.

A successful aptitude-test result cannot override an unmet right-to-work requirement.

Step 4: collect your application information

Prepare accurate information before opening the application form.

The exact fields may change, but candidates may reasonably need information relating to:

• full legal name;
• current contact details;
• date of birth;
• nationality or right-to-work status;
• academic qualifications;
• awarding organisations;
• qualification grades;
• employment history;
• education history;
• address history;
• relevant declarations;
• workplace-adjustment requirements.

Use the information shown on your official documents.

Qualification evidence

Prepare details of:

• each relevant qualification;
• the subject;
• the grade;
• the awarding body;
• the year obtained;
• any recognised equivalence documentation.

NATS may verify qualifications later in the recruitment or security process.

Do not enter an estimated grade because you cannot locate a certificate. Contact the awarding organisation or former school where replacement evidence is needed.

Address and employment history

Detailed histories may become important during security vetting.

Prepare a chronological record covering:

• home addresses;
• employment;
• education;
• unemployment;
• overseas residence;
• periods of travel where relevant.

Avoid unexplained gaps.

A gap does not necessarily create a problem, but inconsistent or incomplete information can delay verification.

Use a professional email address

Use an email account that:

• you access regularly;
• is unlikely to expire;
• has sufficient storage;
• uses an appropriate name;
• can receive automated recruitment messages.

Check the spam and junk folders throughout the application process.

Do not use a school, university or employer email account that you may lose before recruitment is complete.

Step 5: complete the official online application

Only apply through an official NATS recruitment route.

The portal used for a future campaign may differ from the one used previously. Start from the official NATS careers page rather than following an old application link saved in a forum or third-party article.

Read every declaration carefully

The application may ask you to confirm that you:

• meet the minimum age;
• have the required qualifications;
• possess the appropriate right to work;
• understand the mobility requirement;
• can undertake the medical process;
• can undergo security vetting;
• accept the safety-critical conduct requirements.

Do not select an answer simply because it appears necessary to continue.

A declaration that is contradicted by later evidence may result in rejection.

Save important information

Where the portal permits it, retain:

• the vacancy title;
• the campaign reference;
• the date submitted;
• a copy of your answers;
• confirmation emails;
• candidate identification information;
• stated deadlines;
• assessment instructions.

Do not share confidential portal credentials or candidate-specific assessment links.

Review before submitting

Check:

• spelling of your legal name;
• email address;
• telephone number;
• qualification subjects and grades;
• employment dates;
• address dates;
• right-to-work declarations;
• adjustment requests;
• medical and security declarations;
• whether every required field is complete.

A final review can prevent avoidable administrative errors.

Step 6: wait for application approval

The current NATS process states that candidates who successfully register and are approved can be invited to Stage 1.

Application approval is not the same as passing an assessment. It generally indicates that the candidate can move into the testing phase under the applicable campaign rules.

The time taken to receive a response can vary according to:

• application volume;
• campaign capacity;
• eligibility checks;
• technical processing;
• recruitment scheduling.

Do not infer rejection solely because another candidate reports receiving an invitation earlier.

Candidates may be processed in different groups or at different times.

Step 7: receive and check the assessment invitation

An assessment invitation may include:

• the test provider;
• a completion deadline;
• technical requirements;
• identity-verification instructions;
• webcam and microphone requirements;
• rules on permitted materials;
• a candidate-support contact;
• adjustment arrangements;
• links to system checks or familiarisation material.

Read the entire invitation before beginning.

Do not open a timed assessment merely to see what it looks like unless the instructions clearly state that doing so will not start the test.

Verify that the message is genuine

A genuine invitation should connect clearly to your official NATS application.

Be cautious when a message:

• requests payment to continue recruitment;
• asks for your password;
• uses an unrelated sender domain;
• contains unexpected attachments;
• pressures you to provide banking details;
• directs you to an unfamiliar imitation website.

When uncertain, contact NATS through the official careers site rather than replying with sensitive information.

Step 8: complete Stage 1 online ability tests

The current NATS process describes Stage 1 as eleven online ability tests.

The published skill areas include:

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

NATS currently states that Stage 1 is virtually proctored by Aon. Candidates must consent to the use of a webcam and microphone for test-taker identity validation.

The precise tasks, sequence and scoring system should be taken from the instructions supplied with the invitation.

Read the NATS Stage 1 tests guide for detailed preparation principles.

Before starting Stage 1

Check:

• that your computer meets the requirements;
• that your browser is supported;
• that the webcam works;
• that the microphone works;
• that your internet connection is stable;
• that the room is quiet;
• that you have the required identification;
• that prohibited materials are removed;
• that other people will not enter the room;
• that notifications are disabled.

Independent preparation should develop underlying skills. It should not attempt to reproduce confidential questions or bypass proctoring.

Step 9: complete Stage 2 assessments

Candidates who pass Stage 1 may be invited to:

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

The current NATS page states that these assessments are also virtually proctored by Aon.

Situational Judgement Test

This assessment may examine how you evaluate workplace situations.

Relevant professional principles can include:

• prioritising safety;
• following procedures;
• communicating concerns;
• treating colleagues respectfully;
• accepting responsibility;
• escalating appropriately;
• remaining calm;
• avoiding impulsive decisions.

Read the NATS Stage 2 tests guide for original, non-official examples.

Listening Comprehension test

The listening assessment may require you to process spoken information accurately and retain important details.

Preparation can focus on:

• active listening;
• identifying key facts;
• distinguishing similar numbers or names;
• following a sequence;
• understanding the main message;
• retaining information without relying on replay.

Read the NATS Listening Comprehension test guide for ethical practice methods.

Step 10: attend the Stage 3 assessment centre

Candidates who pass Stage 2 and meet the required conditions may be invited to Stage 3.

The current NATS process describes this as a virtual assessment centre held through Microsoft Teams.

It currently includes:

• an interview;
• an Air Traffic Control knowledge test;
• observed retesting of previous assessments.

The assessment invitation should explain:

• the date;
• the expected duration;
• the technology required;
• identification rules;
• preparation instructions;
• whether materials are permitted;
• how to request support;
• what to do after a technical problem.

Prepare the technology

Before the assessment centre:

• install or update Microsoft Teams if instructed;
• test the camera and microphone;
• check the display name;
• confirm that your device can remain powered;
• arrange a quiet background;
• use reliable internet;
• keep the contact details for technical support accessible.

Prepare for the interview

Research:

• what NATS does;
• the three broad controller specialisms;
• the training pathway;
• mobility expectations;
• safety-critical working;
• the skills required;
• your reasons for applying.

Prepare genuine examples involving:

• teamwork;
• communication;
• pressure;
• learning from feedback;
• accountability;
• adaptability;
• mistakes and improvement.

Do not memorise candidate-reported questions as though they are guaranteed to appear.

Read the NATS interview guide for structured preparation.

Prepare for the knowledge test

Use current public information about:

• NATS;
• air traffic control;
• controller roles;
• recruitment;
• training;
• operational locations;
• safety and teamwork.

Do not copy unofficial flashcard sets or attempt to obtain questions remembered from a real assessment.

The NATS Stage 3 assessment centre guide explains how to prepare the knowledge test from public sources.

Step 11: complete the Stage 4 practical exercise

Candidates who pass Stage 3 may be invited to a practical exercise.

NATS currently states that Stage 4 may take place:

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

The practical exercise is intended for trainee candidates. You should not assume that it requires licensed-controller knowledge.

NATS has described a newer realistic work-sample approach in which candidates manage a simulated section of airspace over several short runs, explain their thinking, receive feedback and are observed on how they adapt.

The exact task used in your campaign may differ.

Preparation should focus on transferable abilities such as:

• understanding instructions;
• creating an accurate mental picture;
• following rules;
• prioritising;
• communicating decisions;
• noticing changes;
• responding to feedback;
• correcting an ineffective method;
• maintaining calm after an error.

Read the NATS practical exercise guide for preparation that does not claim to reproduce the official task.

Step 12: receive the recruitment outcome

Passing all assessments may lead to a conditional offer of employment.

A conditional offer is not yet an unconditional guarantee that training will begin.

The offer may remain subject to:

• Class 3 medical certification;
• SC security clearance;
• right-to-work verification;
• qualification checks;
• references or employment checks;
• completion of required documents;
• continued compliance with NATS policies;
• course availability.

Read the offer carefully and complete every requested action within the stated deadline.

Do not resign from employment, relocate or make irreversible financial commitments until you understand the status and conditions of your offer.

Step 13: complete the medical process

Operational air traffic controllers require a valid CAA Class 3 Medical Certificate.

The initial medical process considers the candidate’s health history and relevant examination findings.

Candidates should disclose complete information about matters such as:

• illnesses;
• injuries;
• medication;
• mental health;
• neurodevelopmental conditions;
• migraines;
• asthma;
• vision;
• hearing;
• substance use;
• previous investigations or treatment.

A diagnosis is not necessarily an automatic rejection. The authorised aeromedical process determines whether the applicable standard is met and whether further evidence is required.

Do not alter prescribed treatment without guidance from the clinician responsible for your care.

Read the NATS medical requirements guide before the assessment.

Step 14: complete security vetting

NATS currently requires applicants to obtain SC security clearance.

The security process may require accurate information about:

• identity;
• nationality;
• addresses;
• education;
• employment;
• overseas residence;
• finances where relevant;
• criminal history where relevant;
• personal circumstances covered by the official forms.

NATS states that previous employers may be contacted and qualifications may be verified.

Give complete and consistent answers. A deliberate omission or false statement may affect the clearance or employment decision.

Use the official NATS careers information and your candidate instructions for security-clearance documentation and preparation advice.

Step 15: receive a course allocation and start date

According to the current NATS recruitment information, a candidate who achieves the required medical clearance may be assigned to a training course and given an employment start date.

The security-clearance process is scheduled according to the intended start date and official vetting arrangements.

Course allocation may depend on:

• available training capacity;
• candidate clearance status;
• specialism requirements;
• organisational demand;
• training-provider schedules;
• operational workforce planning.

Passing recruitment does not necessarily allow the candidate to choose a course date, training site or future operational unit.

How long does the NATS application process take?

There is no single end-to-end duration that applies to every applicant. The current campaign already stretches across many months: NATS lists Stage 3 from September 2026, Stage 4 from December 2026 and available start dates from late 2027.

Your own pace can differ because assessment capacity, retesting, clearances and course availability are not identical for every candidate.

If you miss a deadline or hit a technical problem

Read every invitation when it arrives rather than leaving it until the final day. If a platform fails, use the authorised support route immediately and record the time and error message without copying protected test content.

If you need a workplace adjustment, raise it through the official process as early as possible. Do not wait until the assessment has already started.

Keep the application organised

Save the application confirmation, assessment deadlines, time zones, support contacts and any medical or security instructions in one place. That sounds mundane, but it prevents avoidable mistakes when the process is spread over months.

Be accurate in the application and later checks. Inconsistencies in qualifications, employment history or declarations can create problems that test preparation cannot fix.

Before each stage

Check the current NATS message for exactly what you need: deadline, provider, device requirements, identification, permitted materials, proctoring and next-step instructions. The details can change between campaigns even when the broad four-stage structure stays the same.

A sensible way to manage the process

Do not prepare for all four assessment stages at full intensity on day one. Get the application right, then focus on the next stage you have actually been invited to complete.

That keeps your preparation relevant and makes a long recruitment process much easier to manage.