# NATS Assessment Tests: 4-Stage ATC Process

> NATS assessment tests follow four stages: 11 Stage 1 ability tests, Stage 2 SJT/listening, virtual assessment centre and practical exercise.

Canonical: https://www.atcpracticetest.com/nats/nats-assessment-process/

Site guide: https://www.atcpracticetest.com/llms.txt

## How the NATS assessment process works

NATS currently uses four assessment stages for trainee air traffic controller recruitment:

1.  [Stage 1](/nats/nats-stage-1-tests/): 11 online ability tests;
2.  [Stage 2](/nats/nats-stage-2-tests/): a Situational Judgement Test and Listening Comprehension test;
3.  Stage 3: a virtual assessment centre with interview, ATC knowledge testing and observed retesting;
4.  [Stage 4](/nats/nats-stage-4-practical-exercise/): a practical exercise, delivered virtually or at Whiteley.

That mix tells you something useful about the job. NATS is not looking only for someone who can score well on abstract aptitude tests; later stages also look at judgement, communication, learning speed and how you respond when the task becomes less familiar.

You do not need previous ATC experience for the trainee route. What matters is whether you can show the underlying abilities needed to learn a safety-critical role.

Campaign details can change, so treat this page as the map of the process and your own NATS invitation as the final word on timings, technology and test-day rules.

## The four assessment stages

Stage

Current official description

Main areas involved

Stage 1

Eleven online ability tests

Spatial awareness, logical thinking, numerical ability, sense of direction and reaction speed

Stage 2

Online Situational Judgement Test and Listening Comprehension test

Workplace judgement, professional behaviour and accurate processing of spoken information

Stage 3

Virtual assessment centre through Microsoft Teams

Interview, ATC knowledge test and observed retesting of earlier assessments

Stage 4

Practical exercise conducted virtually or at the NATS Whiteley office

Rule application, situational awareness, communication, adaptability and learning potential

After Stage 4

Conditional offer where successful

Medical, security and other employment conditions remain outstanding

NATS currently states that Stages 1 and 2 are virtually proctored by Aon and require candidates to consent to webcam and microphone use for identity validation. Stage 3 is currently described as a virtual assessment centre, while Stage 4 may be delivered remotely or face to face.

The table is the useful high-level picture. Your invitation may add campaign-specific details, so read it closely before each stage.

## Before Stage 1

Stage 1 comes after the initial application and eligibility checks. Before spending much time on test practice, make sure the basics are in order: age and school requirements, right to work in the UK, mobility, and willingness to complete the later medical and security checks.

The [NATS eligibility guide](/nats/nats-eligibility-requirements/) covers those requirements separately. Passing eligibility screening only gets you into the assessment process; it is not an assessment result in itself.

## Stage 1: eleven online ability tests

Stage 1 is the first testing stage. NATS currently describes it as **11 online ability tests** covering areas such as spatial awareness, logical thinking, numerical ability, sense of direction and reaction speed.

This hub does not duplicate the individual ability-test preparation. Use the dedicated [NATS Stage 1 assessment guide](/nats/nats-stage-1-tests/) for the full breakdown, proctoring rules and practice strategy.

## Stage 2: situational judgement and listening comprehension

Candidates who pass Stage 1 may move to two online Stage 2 assessments:

-   a **Situational Judgement Test**;
-   a **Listening Comprehension test**.

NATS currently says Stage 1 and Stage 2 are virtually proctored by Aon. For the detailed test format, listening practice and SJT guidance, use the dedicated [NATS Stage 2 assessment guide](/nats/nats-stage-2-tests/).

## Stage 3: the virtual assessment centre

Candidates who pass Stage 2 and meet the minimum requirements may be invited to a virtual assessment centre.

The current NATS process states that Stage 3 is held through Microsoft Teams and includes:

-   an interview;
-   an Air Traffic Control knowledge test;
-   retesting of previous assessments while the candidate is observed.

Each component serves a different purpose.

## The NATS interview

The interview gives assessors an opportunity to examine the candidate’s motivation, understanding, behaviours and evidence from previous experiences.

Potential competency areas may include:

-   teamwork;
-   communication;
-   adaptability;
-   resilience;
-   accountability;
-   decision-making;
-   learning from feedback;
-   managing pressure;
-   following procedures;
-   responding to mistakes;
-   motivation for the career;
-   understanding of mobility and training.

Candidate reports on Glassdoor, Quora, forums or social media may mention individual interview experiences. These accounts should not be treated as a confirmed question bank.

The assessment may change between campaigns, and interviewers can ask follow-up questions that require the candidate to explain genuine personal experience.

### Using STAR without sounding rehearsed

The STAR framework can help organise an answer:

-   **Situation:** provide the necessary context;
-   **Task:** explain what you were responsible for;
-   **Action:** describe what you personally did;
-   **Result:** explain the outcome and what you learnt.

A strong example should make clear:

-   why the situation mattered;
-   what choices were available;
-   why you chose your action;
-   how you communicated;
-   what happened;
-   what you would repeat or improve.

Do not invent an example or memorise a model answer word for word.

The [NATS Stage 3 assessment centre guide](/nats/nats-stage-3-assessment-centre/) explains how to prepare credible interview evidence.

## The NATS Air Traffic Control knowledge test

The knowledge test is distinct from the Stage 1 aptitude assessments.

Aptitude testing examines how a candidate processes information. A knowledge test examines what the candidate has researched or learnt.

Preparation may reasonably include public information concerning:

-   the role of NATS;
-   the purpose of air traffic control;
-   aerodrome control;
-   approach control;
-   area control;
-   the NATS training pathway;
-   controller locations;
-   safety-critical working;
-   teamwork and communication;
-   current recruitment information.

The exact syllabus is not guaranteed by unofficial flashcards or candidate-created study sets.

Quizlet, Brainscape and similar platforms may contain:

-   outdated material;
-   incomplete information;
-   user errors;
-   recalled content;
-   information from a different campaign;
-   questions that were never part of a NATS test.

Do not copy or memorise protected questions allegedly taken from a real assessment.

The same [Stage 3 guide](/nats/nats-stage-3-assessment-centre/) covers ethical study for the ATC knowledge test using public information.

## Observed retesting

NATS currently states that Stage 3 includes retesting of previous tests while the candidate is observed.

This is an important reason to develop genuine competence rather than rely on:

-   recognising one familiar practice interface;
-   assistance from another person;
-   prohibited notes;
-   external tools;
-   unusually favourable home conditions;
-   memorised answers.

Observed retesting may help NATS verify that the earlier results reflect the candidate’s own performance.

Candidates should therefore be prepared to:

-   follow instructions under observation;
-   explain technical difficulties honestly;
-   work without unauthorised assistance;
-   manage the pressure of being watched;
-   apply the same reliable methods used during preparation.

The exact assessments selected for retesting and the observation procedure may differ between campaigns.

## Stage 4: the practical exercise

Candidates who pass Stage 3 may be invited to a [practical exercise](/nats/nats-stage-4-practical-exercise/).

The current official page states that Stage 4 can be conducted:

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

NATS has also publicly described the deployment of a realistic work-sample exercise within trainee-controller recruitment.

In that work sample, candidates manage a simulated section of airspace in real time. They receive a briefing, talk through their thinking and complete a series of short runs. Assessors provide feedback between runs and observe how candidates adapt their approach.

NATS has identified abilities such as situational awareness, communication and problem-solving as relevant to this realistic assessment environment. It has also explained that the assessment remains human-led, even though the platform uses digital-twin technology.

### What the practical stage may examine

The practical exercise may provide evidence of whether a candidate can:

-   understand a new rule system;
-   build an accurate mental picture;
-   identify developing conflicts;
-   prioritise actions;
-   communicate decisions;
-   maintain safety;
-   work efficiently;
-   explain their reasoning;
-   receive feedback;
-   modify an unsuccessful method;
-   improve across repeated attempts.

The objective is not necessarily to achieve perfect performance immediately.

A trainee controller must be capable of learning from instruction and building safe, repeatable habits. The response to feedback may therefore be as informative as the candidate’s first attempt.

### What not to do

Do not attempt to obtain:

-   recordings of the official practical exercise;
-   leaked screenshots;
-   confidential instructions;
-   remembered scenarios;
-   exact assessor prompts;
-   unauthorised copies of the platform.

A commercial simulation may help practise general task management, but it should not be presented as an exact reproduction of the NATS exercise.

The [NATS Stage 4 practical exercise](/nats/nats-stage-4-practical-exercise/) guide explains transferable preparation methods.

## How progression decisions are made

NATS does not publish a universal percentage that guarantees success across every stage.

Candidates should not assume that:

-   70% is always a pass;
-   one high score compensates for every weak result;
-   every test has the same weighting;
-   progression depends only on an average;
-   the cut-off remains identical between campaigns;
-   completing every question guarantees success;
-   another candidate’s result reveals the required standard.

Assessment decisions may involve:

-   minimum standards;
-   performance across several tests;
-   competency evidence;
-   observed behaviour;
-   campaign capacity;
-   consistency during retesting;
-   performance in the practical exercise.

Only NATS and its authorised assessment partners can confirm how the applicable campaign is scored.

## Are NATS assessments the same as FEAST?

NATS assessments should not automatically be described as FEAST.

FEAST is the First European Air Traffic Controller Selection Test associated with EUROCONTROL and participating organisations.

The current NATS recruitment page describes its process using:

-   eleven online ability tests;
-   situational judgement;
-   listening comprehension;
-   an assessment centre;
-   a knowledge test;
-   observed retesting;
-   a practical exercise.

It does not state that every candidate is completing the standard FEAST sequence.

Do not assume that NATS uses:

-   FEAST Part 1;
-   FEAST Part 2;
-   FEAST III;
-   DART;
-   MULTI-PASS.

Use [What is FEAST?](/feast/what-is-feast/) for information about the European assessment system.

## Are NATS assessments the same as the ATSA?

No.

The Air Traffic Skills Assessment is associated with the Federal Aviation Administration’s controller-hiring process in the United States.

NATS operates a separate UK recruitment route with its own eligibility requirements, assessment stages, medical system, security process and training arrangements.

Some underlying abilities may overlap because both processes concern air traffic controller selection. That does not make the tests interchangeable.

Read [What is the ATSA?](/atsa/what-is-the-atsa/) for the FAA context.

## Assessment conditions and integrity

Air traffic control is a safety-critical occupation. Integrity during recruitment is therefore directly relevant to suitability.

Candidates should:

-   complete tests independently;
-   follow proctoring rules;
-   use only permitted equipment;
-   provide valid identification;
-   remain visible when instructed;
-   report technical problems honestly;
-   protect confidential assessment material;
-   provide truthful application information.

Prohibited or inappropriate behaviour may include:

-   asking someone else to complete a test;
-   receiving assistance during the assessment;
-   using hidden notes;
-   consulting a mobile phone;
-   recording the screen;
-   photographing questions;
-   sharing assessment content;
-   using leaked material;
-   attempting to bypass identity checks;
-   opening unauthorised software.

Even when a particular action is technically possible, it may still violate the assessment conditions.

## Technical preparation for online stages

Before each remote assessment, check:

-   device compatibility;
-   browser compatibility;
-   operating-system requirements;
-   webcam access;
-   microphone access;
-   internet stability;
-   power supply;
-   identification documents;
-   room lighting;
-   background noise;
-   notification settings;
-   assessment-support contact details.

Use the same computer and environment for a system check where possible.

Do not begin an assessment when:

-   the internet is unstable;
-   another person may enter repeatedly;
-   the device battery is low;
-   the webcam is malfunctioning;
-   you have not read the instructions;
-   you do not know whether starting the link begins the timed session.

When a genuine technical failure occurs, follow the official support procedure and record:

-   the time;
-   the test name;
-   the error message;
-   what happened;
-   whether progress was saved;
-   any case or reference number.

Do not repeatedly restart a test unless instructed.

## Workplace adjustments

Candidates who face a barrier during recruitment should contact the NATS Talent Acquisition team as early as possible.

NATS states that a formal diagnosis is not always required simply to discuss support. Examples of possible adjustments mentioned on its careers information include:

-   sharing an interview structure in advance;
-   holding an interview online where attendance at a location is not possible;
-   allowing extra time for some assessments where appropriate.

An adjustment is not guaranteed merely because it has been used in another recruitment process.

The available support depends on:

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

Do not wait until an assessment has started before raising a known barrier.

## How to prepare for the complete process

The assessment stages measure different areas, so a balanced preparation plan is more effective than practising one test repeatedly. For a full multi-week framework, see [How to prepare for NATS ATC selection](/nats/how-to-prepare-for-nats-atc/).

### Phase 1: understand the process

Review:

-   the current four stages;
-   delivery methods;
-   proctoring rules;
-   technical requirements;
-   deadlines;
-   eligibility conditions;
-   medical and security requirements.

### Phase 2: establish a cognitive baseline

Practise short exercises involving:

-   spatial reasoning;
-   direction;
-   numerical accuracy;
-   logical rules;
-   attention;
-   reaction speed.

Record both speed and accuracy.

### Phase 3: strengthen weak abilities

Separate weaknesses into categories.

For example:

-   misunderstanding instructions;
-   slow calculations;
-   directional confusion;
-   impulsive responses;
-   concentration lapses;
-   poor time allocation.

Use targeted exercises before returning to mixed practice.

### Phase 4: prepare Stage 2 skills

Practise:

-   analysing workplace scenarios;
-   identifying safety implications;
-   listening without subtitles;
-   retaining numbers and sequences;
-   summarising spoken information;
-   distinguishing relevant details.

### Phase 5: prepare for the assessment centre

Research:

-   NATS;
-   controller specialisms;
-   training;
-   locations;
-   mobility;
-   safety-critical work.

Prepare genuine examples demonstrating:

-   teamwork;
-   resilience;
-   accountability;
-   adaptability;
-   communication;
-   learning from feedback.

### Phase 6: practise learning under observation

Complete unfamiliar tasks while:

-   explaining your reasoning;
-   receiving corrective feedback;
-   applying the feedback in another attempt;
-   remaining calm after an error;
-   reviewing whether performance improved.

This supports preparation for practical assessment without reproducing the official exercise.

## Common assessment mistakes

### Preparing only for Stage 1

Passing the cognitive tests is only one part of the process.

Candidates must also prepare listening, judgement, interview, knowledge and practical skills.

### Searching for exact questions

Recalled questions may be inaccurate, outdated or protected.

Skill development is more reliable and ethically appropriate.

### Assuming speed matters more than accuracy

Fast, careless performance may undermine the ability being measured.

Develop an accurate method before increasing pace.

### Ignoring instructions

The official task may differ from a familiar practice format.

Read every instruction and complete any available tutorial carefully.

### Memorising situational judgement rules

Professional judgement requires context.

“Always tell a manager” or “always act immediately” is not a reliable strategy for every scenario.

### Using generic interview scripts

Assessors may ask follow-up questions that reveal whether the example is genuine.

Prepare evidence, not a speech.

### Treating aviation trivia as the whole knowledge test

Understanding NATS and the controller role is more useful than collecting obscure facts without context.

### Becoming defensive after feedback

The practical stage may assess whether a candidate can learn and adapt.

Listen, clarify where necessary and apply the feedback visibly.

### Comparing progress with anonymous candidates

Candidates may receive invitations at different times or misunderstand their own status.

Use official communication to assess your application.

### Assuming the process never changes

Older NATS PDFs and third-party guides may describe previous recruitment systems.

The current NATS page and candidate invitation take priority.

## Limits of assessment preparation

Preparation can help you:

-   understand common aptitude demands;
-   improve accuracy;
-   manage time more effectively;
-   strengthen listening habits;
-   analyse workplace situations;
-   organise interview evidence;
-   research the role;
-   become comfortable with remote assessment;
-   respond more effectively to feedback.

Preparation cannot:

-   guarantee progression;
-   reveal future test questions;
-   guarantee a particular score;
-   replace the required aptitude;
-   guarantee medical clearance;
-   guarantee security clearance;
-   ensure a preferred posting;
-   guarantee completion of controller training.

Be cautious with any provider claiming to offer:

-   official NATS questions;
-   an exact replica;
-   a guaranteed pass;
-   a confirmed passing score;
-   secret assessor criteria;
-   leaked practical scenarios.

## Check your invitation before test day

Before each stage, check the details that can actually change your test-day setup: deadline and time zone, device/browser requirements, webcam or microphone rules, permitted materials, breaks, identity checks, adjustment arrangements and what to do if the platform fails.

For Stage 3 and Stage 4, also confirm whether the session is virtual or in person and what location or software NATS has assigned. The [official trainee controller page](https://www.nats.aero/careers/operations/trainee-air-traffic-controllers/) and your candidate account take priority over this guide.

## If you’re preparing now

Treat the four stages as different problems rather than one giant test.

Stage 1 rewards clean aptitude-test execution. Stage 2 adds judgement and listening. Stage 3 asks you to explain yourself, show what you know about the role and repeat some earlier testing under observation. Stage 4 is where adaptability and practical learning matter most.

Prepare for the stage in front of you, but keep the whole sequence in mind. And before test day, check your current NATS invitation rather than relying on an older candidate account or a remembered forum post.