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How do you apply to become a NATS air traffic controller?
The NATS trainee air traffic controller application process begins before you complete an online form.
Candidates should first confirm that they meet the published eligibility requirements, understand the mobility and training commitments, and check whether the recruitment window is open.
A typical candidate journey can include:
- checking the current eligibility requirements;
- confirming that applications are open;
- completing the official online application;
- waiting for the application to be reviewed;
- completing online ability assessments;
- completing behavioural and listening assessments;
- attending a virtual assessment centre;
- completing a practical exercise;
- receiving a conditional offer;
- completing medical and security-clearance requirements;
- being allocated to a training course;
- beginning employment and initial training.
The current NATS careers page describes four assessment stages after an applicant has successfully registered and been approved. However, the sequence, provider, technology, dates and application portal can change between recruitment campaigns.
Always use the official NATS candidate instructions supplied for your own application.
Is the NATS application window open?
At the time of the latest review, the official NATS trainee air traffic controller page states that the application window is closed and that there is no confirmed timetable for reopening it.
NATS encourages interested candidates to:
- check their eligibility;
- register their interest;
- return to the careers page regularly;
- follow official NATS recruitment updates.
Do not rely on an old news release stating that applications are open. Recruitment announcements from 2024 or 2025 may describe previous campaigns rather than the current position.
NATS may reopen recruitment when future training capacity and operational requirements allow. An independent preparation website cannot predict the next opening date.
NATS application process at a glance
| Step | What normally happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Check eligibility | Confirm age, qualifications, right to work, medical expectations, security requirements and mobility |
| 2. Check campaign status | Determine whether applications are open, closed or limited to an existing candidate cohort |
| 3. Register or apply | Use the official NATS recruitment route and provide accurate personal information |
| 4. Application review | NATS checks whether the registration and declared eligibility meet the campaign requirements |
| 5. Stage 1 | Eligible approved candidates may receive eleven online ability tests under the current published process |
| 6. Stage 2 | Candidates who progress may receive an online Situational Judgement Test and Listening Comprehension test |
| 7. Stage 3 | Successful candidates may attend a virtual assessment centre |
| 8. Stage 4 | Candidates may complete a virtual or face-to-face practical exercise |
| 9. Conditional offer | Successful candidates may receive an offer subject to medical and security clearances |
| 10. Pre-employment checks | Medical certification, security vetting and other employment checks are completed |
| 11. Course allocation | A suitable training course and employment start date are assigned |
| 12. Training | The candidate begins employment and initial air traffic controller training |
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.
NATS aptitude test preparation: Prepare for the aptitude-test stages of the NATS application process.
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.
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 reliable duration for every applicant.
The process can be affected by:
- the recruitment-window dates;
- the number of candidates;
- assessment availability;
- candidate completion deadlines;
- assessment-centre scheduling;
- medical appointments;
- requests for specialist medical evidence;
- security vetting;
- training-course availability;
- organisational requirements.
The current NATS page contains dates relating to the 2025/2026 recruitment campaign, but those dates should not be reused as a timetable for a later intake.
Candidates should follow the schedule in their own correspondence.
What happens if you miss a deadline?
An assessment or document deadline is normally part of the recruitment process.
Missing it may result in:
- withdrawal from the campaign;
- delayed processing;
- loss of an assessment opportunity;
- a need to contact recruitment;
- no extension where the campaign cannot accommodate one.
When a genuine problem occurs:
- contact the authorised recruitment or assessment-support team promptly;
- explain the issue accurately;
- include relevant candidate details;
- preserve evidence of a technical fault where appropriate;
- do not create a second application unless instructed.
Do not assume that an extension will be granted.
Technical problems during an online assessment
Follow the provider’s instructions when the assessment:
- freezes;
- closes unexpectedly;
- loses webcam access;
- loses microphone access;
- disconnects from the internet;
- displays an error;
- fails to record completion.
Record useful information such as:
- the time;
- the test or stage;
- the error message;
- what happened immediately before the error;
- whether the system resumed;
- any reference number.
Do not repeatedly relaunch a test unless the support instructions tell you to do so.
A technical failure should be reported through the official candidate-support route, not discussed publicly with screenshots that might reveal protected assessment content.
Requesting workplace adjustments
NATS states that it wants candidates to identify barriers that could affect their ability to perform during recruitment.
Its general careers information explains that a formal diagnosis is not always required merely to discuss support or adjustments.
Examples mentioned by NATS include:
- sharing the interview structure in advance;
- conducting an interview online when a candidate cannot attend a location;
- allowing extra time for some assessments where appropriate.
The exact adjustment available depends on:
- the assessment;
- the candidate’s needs;
- what preserves the competency being measured;
- operational and technical constraints.
Contact the NATS Talent Acquisition team as early as possible so that the request can be considered before the relevant stage.
Do not wait until a timed assessment has begun.
How to track your application
Create a simple application record containing:
| Item | Details to record |
|---|---|
| Campaign | Vacancy title and reference |
| Application | Submission date and confirmation |
| Candidate account | Username or candidate number, stored securely |
| Stage | Current recruitment stage |
| Deadline | Date, time and time zone |
| Technology | Required device, browser, webcam and microphone |
| Contact | Recruitment or provider support details |
| Documents | Qualifications, right-to-work evidence and requested forms |
| Outcome | Date and content of the latest official update |
This helps prevent missed deadlines and confusion between stages.
Never store passwords in an unsecured document.
Ethical application and preparation
Appropriate conduct includes:
- providing truthful information;
- completing assessments independently;
- following proctoring rules;
- using only permitted materials;
- reporting technical issues honestly;
- using original or licensed practice resources;
- researching NATS through public information;
- preparing personal interview examples.
Inappropriate conduct includes:
- asking another person to complete a test;
- using hidden notes when prohibited;
- attempting to bypass webcam monitoring;
- recording protected assessments;
- sharing assessment questions;
- using leaked material;
- inventing qualifications;
- omitting relevant medical or security information;
- submitting duplicate applications to avoid an outcome.
Air traffic control is a safety-critical profession. Integrity during recruitment is directly relevant to professional suitability.
Common application mistakes
Applying without checking the recruitment status
An old application announcement may no longer be active.
Start from the current NATS trainee careers page.
Using an old direct application link
Recruitment portals and vacancy references can change.
Enter through the official NATS route rather than a saved third-party link.
Failing to verify eligibility
Do not spend weeks preparing for tests before confirming age, qualifications, right to work and mobility.
Entering inconsistent information
Differences between the application, qualification evidence, medical forms and security forms can create delays or concerns.
Use accurate records throughout.
Rushing declarations
Read each declaration rather than selecting the answer that allows the form to continue.
Hiding medical or security information
NATS explicitly requires honesty.
A matter that requires review is not the same as deliberate concealment.
Ignoring the location requirement
Candidates may be posted according to organisational need and should not assume they can remain near their current home.
Missing recruitment emails
Check spam folders and use an email account that remains accessible throughout the process.
Starting an assessment without reading instructions
Candidates may overlook:
- deadlines;
- technical requirements;
- identification rules;
- webcam consent;
- permitted materials;
- support procedures.
Treating candidate reports as official instructions
Glassdoor, Quora, forums and social media can contain individual experiences, outdated processes and inaccuracies.
Official candidate correspondence takes priority.
Paying for preparation before checking eligibility
Complete the basic eligibility review before purchasing preparation material.
No commercial resource can overcome an unmet right-to-work, qualification, medical or security requirement.
Application checklist
Before the window opens
- [ ] Read the current NATS career information.
- [ ] Confirm that you meet the minimum age.
- [ ] Confirm your English and Mathematics qualifications.
- [ ] Collect evidence of all required qualifications.
- [ ] Check your UK right-to-work status.
- [ ] Consider the mobility requirement.
- [ ] Review the Class 3 medical process.
- [ ] Prepare an accurate address and employment history.
- [ ] Register interest through the official NATS route.
When applications open
- [ ] Start from the official NATS careers page.
- [ ] Record the vacancy reference.
- [ ] Read the campaign-specific conditions.
- [ ] Complete every field accurately.
- [ ] Request adjustments early.
- [ ] Review all declarations.
- [ ] Save the submission confirmation.
- [ ] Record the candidate-support contact.
Before online assessments
- [ ] Read the full invitation.
- [ ] Record the deadline and time zone.
- [ ] Test the browser and device.
- [ ] Test the webcam and microphone.
- [ ] Prepare the required identification.
- [ ] Choose a quiet room.
- [ ] Remove prohibited materials.
- [ ] Disable notifications.
- [ ] Know how to report a technical fault.
Before the assessment centre
- [ ] Research NATS.
- [ ] Understand the controller specialisms.
- [ ] Prepare genuine competency examples.
- [ ] Review public ATC knowledge.
- [ ] Test Microsoft Teams if required.
- [ ] Confirm the schedule.
- [ ] Prepare questions about any unclear instruction.
- [ ] Arrange an interruption-free environment.
After a conditional offer
- [ ] Read every condition.
- [ ] Complete medical forms honestly.
- [ ] Attend the authorised medical assessment.
- [ ] Complete security forms accurately.
- [ ] Provide right-to-work evidence.
- [ ] Supply qualification documents.
- [ ] Monitor official communications.
- [ ] Avoid irreversible decisions until your position is clear.
Candidates may also look at the available NATS aptitude test preparation package from ATC Practice while preparing for the aptitude-test stages.
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 submitting a NATS application, verify:
- whether the application window is open;
- whether registration of interest is available;
- the official application portal;
- the current vacancy reference;
- the closing date and time;
- the minimum eligibility requirements;
- accepted equivalent qualifications;
- the right-to-work requirement;
- whether sponsorship is available;
- the mobility condition;
- assessment stages;
- assessment provider;
- virtual-proctoring requirements;
- webcam and microphone rules;
- permitted devices and browsers;
- adjustment procedures;
- application and assessment deadlines;
- current medical requirements;
- current security-clearance requirements;
- course-allocation arrangements;
- anticipated employment start dates;
- reapplication rules.
The primary source should be the official NATS trainee air traffic controller careers page.
Campaign-specific instructions in your official application account or invitation take priority over general guides.
Bottom line
The NATS air traffic controller application process begins with a careful eligibility and mobility check, followed by an official online application when recruitment is open.
Candidates who progress may complete online ability tests, situational judgement and listening assessments, a virtual assessment centre and a practical exercise. Passing the assessments may lead to a conditional offer, but medical certification, security clearance and other employment checks must still be completed.
Prepare accurate documents, monitor deadlines and follow the instructions issued for your campaign. Develop the underlying skills ethically, but do not rely on recalled questions, leaked content or outdated descriptions of earlier NATS recruitment processes.