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What are the NATS Stage 1 tests?
The NATS Stage 1 tests are the first formal assessments in the current Trainee Air Traffic Controller selection process.
Candidates who successfully register and receive approval may be invited to complete eleven online ability tests. NATS states that these assessments examine skills such as:
- 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 webcam and microphone use so that the identity of the test-taker can be validated.
Stage 1 is an aptitude-testing stage. It is not a professional air traffic control examination, and candidates are not expected to arrive with an air traffic controller licence or operational experience.
You do not need to know how to:
- separate real aircraft;
- use operational radar systems;
- issue professional control instructions;
- apply licensed controller procedures;
- manage a live airport or airspace sector;
- use NATS operational equipment.
The purpose is to assess whether you demonstrate cognitive abilities that may support successful training in a complex, safety-critical environment.
The official NATS recruitment page does not publish a complete technical specification for all eleven assessments. It does not list every test name, question count, time limit, scoring formula or progression threshold.
The precise battery may also change between recruitment campaigns. Your official invitation and assessment instructions should therefore take priority over independent preparation websites, candidate discussions and historical NATS recruitment documents.
Where Stage 1 fits in the NATS recruitment process
Stage 1 follows the initial registration and application-approval process.
The current NATS selection structure is:
| Stage | Current published description |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Eleven online ability tests |
| Stage 2 | Online Situational Judgement Test and Listening Comprehension test |
| Stage 3 | Virtual assessment centre with an interview, ATC knowledge test and observed retesting |
| Stage 4 | Practical exercise delivered virtually or face to face |
| After the assessments | Conditional offer subject to medical, security and other employment requirements |
Candidates who pass Stage 1 may be invited to the NATS Stage 2 tests. Those who continue through the process may later attend the NATS Stage 3 assessment centre and complete the NATS Stage 4 practical exercise.
Passing Stage 1 does not guarantee:
- progression through every later stage;
- a successful assessment-centre outcome;
- a conditional employment offer;
- medical certification;
- security clearance;
- allocation to a training course;
- successful completion of controller training.
Stage 1 measures only part of the candidate profile. Later stages examine other areas, including listening comprehension, professional judgement, motivation, role knowledge, communication and practical learning potential.
How many NATS Stage 1 tests are there?
NATS currently describes Stage 1 as a battery of eleven online ability tests.
This does not necessarily mean that there are eleven completely different ability categories.
A battery of eleven tests may contain:
- several assessments related to one broad cognitive area;
- short tasks examining different aspects of the same ability;
- tasks that combine two or more cognitive demands;
- different response formats;
- exercises measuring both speed and accuracy;
- tasks designed to examine consistency across the battery.
For example, a directional exercise may also involve working memory and processing speed. A reaction task may require fast detection, rule application and response inhibition.
The five abilities named by NATS should not be treated as five confirmed test titles. NATS does not state on its main recruitment page that each ability corresponds to one separate assessment.
Be cautious with third-party sources that claim to provide a definitive list of all eleven tests without explaining:
- which recruitment campaign the information concerns;
- when the information was last checked;
- whether the terminology was confirmed by NATS;
- whether the exercises are official or independently created;
- whether the assessment provider has since changed the battery.
The reliable current statement is that NATS publishes a Stage 1 battery of eleven online tests and identifies several broad abilities that the tests are designed to assess.
What abilities are assessed in NATS Stage 1?
NATS currently names five skill areas:
- spatial awareness;
- logical thinking;
- numerical ability;
- sense of direction;
- reaction speed.
These categories provide useful preparation targets. They should not, however, be presented as confirmed individual test names or exact descriptions of the official exercises.
Spatial awareness
Spatial awareness is the ability to understand where objects are positioned and how their relationships change.
A general spatial task may involve:
- recognising a rotated object;
- comparing different viewpoints;
- following movement across a grid;
- identifying relative positions;
- visualising a shape after a transformation;
- predicting where an object will finish;
- interpreting a two-dimensional representation of space.
Why spatial awareness may matter
Air traffic controller training eventually requires trainees to understand aircraft moving through a three-dimensional environment.
Controllers may need to consider:
- direction;
- altitude;
- speed;
- relative position;
- crossing paths;
- future movement.
Stage 1 does not require candidates to manage real aircraft. A cognitive assessment may instead examine whether they can build and update a reliable mental representation of unfamiliar spatial information.
How to practise spatial awareness
Useful independent exercises include:
- mental rotation;
- shape matching;
- grid movement;
- coordinate tracking;
- map orientation;
- viewpoint changes;
- folded-shape problems;
- route comparison.
During early practice, prioritise accuracy.
Ask yourself:
- What is the starting position?
- Which part moves?
- Does the complete object rotate?
- Has the viewpoint changed?
- Which features remain fixed?
- Can any answer options be eliminated immediately?
Once your method is reliable, introduce moderate time pressure.
Avoid practising only one visual format. The objective is to develop transferable spatial processing rather than familiarity with one interface.
Logical thinking
Logical thinking is the ability to identify a rule, apply it consistently and reach a supported conclusion.
A general logical-reasoning task may require you to:
- identify a pattern;
- complete a sequence;
- classify information;
- apply a transformation;
- detect an exception;
- follow conditional instructions;
- determine which conclusion follows;
- recognise that a rule has changed.
Why logical thinking may matter
Air traffic controller trainees must learn structured procedures and apply them reliably.
Weak logical processing can lead to errors such as:
- overlooking a condition;
- applying a rule in the wrong order;
- making an unsupported assumption;
- treating an exception as a normal case;
- continuing to use a rule after circumstances change.
Logical practice does not teach professional air traffic control. It develops disciplined rule application.
How to practise logical thinking
Use a range of formats:
- number sequences;
- symbol sequences;
- diagrammatic rules;
- classification exercises;
- conditional statements;
- ordering problems;
- rule-switching tasks.
After each incorrect answer, identify the cause.
Ask:
- Did I misunderstand the instructions?
- Did I identify the wrong rule?
- Did I miss a second condition?
- Did I assume information that was not provided?
- Did I apply the rule inconsistently?
- Did I stop checking because of time pressure?
Understanding why an error occurred is more useful than recording only the final score.
Numerical ability
Numerical ability is the capacity to interpret and process quantitative information accurately.
General numerical tasks may involve:
- addition and subtraction;
- multiplication and division;
- percentages;
- ratios;
- averages;
- comparison of values;
- time calculations;
- estimation;
- interpreting simple tables;
- identifying numerical relationships.
NATS does not state on its main recruitment page that Stage 1 requires advanced mathematics.
Why numerical accuracy may matter
Air traffic control involves frequent use of numerical information, including:
- headings;
- flight levels;
- speeds;
- times;
- frequencies;
- distances;
- runway identifiers.
The professional meaning of these values is taught during training. Stage 1 may instead assess whether candidates can process numerical information accurately and efficiently.
How to practise numerical ability
Review basic arithmetic until common operations become dependable.
Useful areas include:
- multiplication tables;
- division using familiar factors;
- fractions and percentages;
- converting between simple numerical forms;
- increases and decreases;
- differences between values;
- time intervals;
- quick estimation.
Estimation can help identify an implausible response.
For example, if a question asks for 25% of 80, an answer of 60 should immediately appear too large because 25% represents one quarter.
Do not assume that a calculator is permitted during Stage 1. Use one only when the official instructions expressly allow it.
Sense of direction
Sense of direction concerns orientation and the ability to follow changes in movement.
General directional tasks may involve:
- compass points;
- left and right turns;
- final orientation;
- route tracking;
- movement from another viewpoint;
- reversing a sequence;
- comparing two paths.
Why direction tasks become difficult
Errors often occur when:
- the starting direction is forgotten;
- several turns are combined mentally;
- left and right are reversed;
- the viewpoint changes;
- a half-turn is confused with a quarter-turn;
- an intermediate position is skipped.
A reliable direction method
Track one change at a time:
- establish the starting direction;
- apply the first movement;
- update the current direction;
- apply the next movement;
- continue through the sequence;
- verify the final orientation.
During practice, this simple compass can help:
North
West East
South
Do not use written aids during the official assessment unless they are expressly permitted.
Reaction speed
Reaction speed is the ability to respond promptly when a relevant signal appears or a condition changes.
A general reaction task may require you to:
- detect a target;
- select a matching response;
- ignore a non-target;
- switch between response rules;
- react when several conditions are satisfied;
- sustain performance across repeated trials.
Reaction speed is not random clicking
A valid response normally requires three stages:
- detect the information;
- decide whether a response is required;
- select the correct response.
Clicking extremely quickly without fully applying the rule may produce:
- false responses;
- missed conditions;
- premature actions;
- inconsistent performance.
A slightly slower but more consistent candidate may perform better than someone whose fastest responses contain frequent errors.
How to practise reaction skills
Track more than average reaction time.
Record:
- correct responses;
- incorrect responses;
- missed targets;
- premature responses;
- consistency;
- performance near the end of the task.
Use short, focused sessions. Excessive repetition can create fatigue and produce results that do not represent your normal performance.
Supporting cognitive skills
Several other abilities may contribute to Stage 1 performance.
These should be treated as supporting cognitive skills, not as a confirmed additional list of official NATS tests.
Sustained attention
Sustained attention is the ability to remain engaged over time.
Performance may decline when an exercise becomes repetitive. Useful preparation involves maintaining the same checking standard from the first item to the last.
Selective attention
Selective attention involves focusing on relevant information while ignoring distractions.
An exercise may display several details even though only one or two determine the correct response.
Working memory
Working memory allows you to hold and manipulate information over a short period.
It may be involved when you need to:
- remember a starting position;
- apply several transformations;
- retain a temporary rule;
- compare a current state with an earlier one.
Processing speed
Processing speed concerns how efficiently information is understood and acted upon.
It does not mean responding before the information has been interpreted correctly.
Response inhibition
Response inhibition is the ability to avoid acting when the rule says that no response is required.
This is relevant when targets and non-targets appear close together.
Task switching
Task switching involves changing from one rule to another without continuing to apply the previous rule automatically.
Instruction comprehension
A candidate may have strong reasoning skills but perform poorly after misunderstanding the task.
Read every tutorial and worked example carefully. Do not assume that an official assessment follows the same rules as a familiar practice exercise.
Error monitoring
Error monitoring is the ability to notice that a response or method may be wrong.
Effective candidates adjust after identifying a recurring mistake rather than repeating it at greater speed.
Are the Stage 1 tests aviation knowledge tests?
Stage 1 is described by NATS as a battery of online ability tests.
It should be distinguished from:
- aviation knowledge;
- professional air traffic control knowledge;
- licensed controller training;
- the later ATC knowledge assessment.
Stage 1 candidates are not expected to know how to:
- separate aircraft operationally;
- issue professional control instructions;
- manage real radar traffic;
- apply licensed controller procedures;
- use NATS operational systems.
NATS provides professional instruction after recruitment.
The current selection process separately includes an ATC knowledge test during Stage 3.
Researching the career remains useful, but memorising technical aviation material does not replace cognitive preparation for Stage 1.
What is not publicly confirmed?
The main official NATS recruitment page does not provide a complete public specification for Stage 1.
Unless your official invitation states otherwise, do not assume that you know:
- the exact names of all eleven tests;
- the precise test order;
- the number of questions in each assessment;
- the duration of every test;
- whether all candidates receive identical items;
- whether difficulty increases during a test;
- whether you can return to previous questions;
- whether you can skip an item;
- whether unanswered questions are penalised;
- whether incorrect answers carry a penalty;
- whether paper is permitted;
- whether notes are permitted;
- whether a calculator is permitted;
- whether breaks are allowed;
- whether the battery must be completed in one sitting;
- the scoring formula;
- the weighting of each test;
- the minimum score;
- the required percentile;
- the maximum number of errors;
- the exact progression threshold.
Check these details in:
- your NATS invitation;
- the assessment-provider instructions;
- the privacy and consent information;
- the technical-support documentation;
- any official tutorial supplied before the assessment.
An independent preparation website cannot confirm details that NATS or its authorised provider has not published.
Are the NATS Stage 1 tests virtually proctored?
NATS currently states that Stage 1 and Stage 2 are virtually proctored by Aon.
Candidates must consent to webcam and microphone use so that the test-taker’s identity can be validated. NATS states that a candidate who does not provide consent will be blocked from taking the assessments.
Review the official:
- consent terms;
- privacy notice;
- identity requirements;
- webcam instructions;
- microphone instructions;
- technical requirements;
- assessment-security rules.
Do not assume that virtual proctoring operates in exactly the same way as an Aon assessment used by another employer.
The official candidate documentation should explain the conditions applying to your session.
Technical preparation for Stage 1
Technical preparation should be completed before the assessment begins.
Do not wait until the final minutes before the deadline to discover that your browser, webcam or microphone is not working.
Device
Use a device that meets the official requirements.
Before the assessment:
- confirm that your computer is supported;
- check the operating system;
- update the supported browser where necessary;
- connect the device to power;
- close unnecessary applications;
- prevent automatic restarts;
- avoid using a restricted employer or school computer where possible;
- complete any official system check.
Do not assume that a tablet or mobile phone is supported.
Internet connection
Use the most stable connection reasonably available.
Before starting:
- pause large downloads;
- close streaming services;
- ask other household members to avoid heavy network use;
- position yourself near the router where appropriate;
- avoid an unreliable public network;
- keep the official support details available.
Webcam and microphone
Confirm that:
- the browser can access the webcam;
- the browser can access the microphone;
- your face is clearly visible;
- the room is adequately lit;
- the correct microphone is selected;
- no other application is using the camera;
- privacy settings do not block access.
Room and workspace
Choose a room that is:
- quiet;
- private;
- free from interruptions;
- suitable for webcam use;
- clear of prohibited materials.
Before beginning:
- silence your mobile phone;
- disable computer notifications;
- close unrelated browser tabs;
- remove unapproved notes;
- remove unapproved devices;
- tell other people not to enter;
- prepare identification where required.
Candidate instructions
Read the entire invitation before opening a test link.
Confirm:
- the completion deadline;
- the applicable time zone;
- whether opening the link begins the assessment;
- whether tests must be completed in one sitting;
- whether breaks are allowed;
- which materials are permitted;
- how identity will be verified;
- how to contact technical support;
- what to do after a disconnection.
What should you do if a technical problem occurs?
If an assessment freezes, disconnects or displays an error:
- remain calm;
- follow the official support instructions;
- record the time;
- note the assessment name;
- copy the error message where permitted;
- record what happened immediately before the problem;
- note whether progress appeared to be saved;
- contact the authorised support team promptly.
Do not repeatedly restart an assessment unless the instructions tell you to do so.
Do not photograph or publish protected test content while documenting the problem.
A useful technical report should identify the fault without revealing assessment questions.
Original Stage 1 skill examples
The following examples are original practice material. They are not official NATS questions and are not intended to reproduce the exact assessment interface.
These exercises illustrate transferable cognitive skills only. They do not represent professional air traffic control scenarios.
Example 1: direction tracking
You begin facing east.
You then:
- turn left;
- make a half-turn;
- turn right.
Which direction are you facing?
A. North
B. East
C. South
D. West
Answer
D. West
Explanation
Track each movement separately:
- start facing east;
- turn left: north;
- make a half-turn: south;
- turn right from south: west.
The final direction is west, so the correct answer is D. West.
The exercise demonstrates why every intermediate direction must be checked rather than selecting an answer from intuition.
Skill practised
- directional awareness;
- sequential updating;
- error checking.
Example 2: numerical processing
A task contains 64 signals.
Three-eighths of the signals require a response.
How many signals do not require a response?
A. 24
B. 32
C. 40
D. 48
Answer
C. 40
Explanation
Calculate three-eighths of 64:
64 ÷ 8 = 8
8 × 3 = 24
Twenty-four signals require a response.
64 - 24 = 40
Therefore, 40 signals do not require a response.
Skill practised
- fractions;
- basic arithmetic;
- identifying the requested value rather than stopping after an intermediate calculation.
Example 3: logical transformation
Apply the following rules:
- triangle becomes circle;
- circle becomes square;
- square becomes triangle;
- the colour changes after every transformation.
A black circle is transformed twice.
What is the result?
A. Black triangle
B. White triangle
C. Black square
D. White square
Answer
A. Black triangle
Explanation
Apply one transformation at a time:
- black circle becomes a white square;
- white square becomes a black triangle.
The final result is a black triangle.
Skill practised
- applying two rules simultaneously;
- sequential reasoning;
- working memory.
Example 4: coordinate movement
Object A begins at coordinate (3, 2).
Object B begins at coordinate (8, 2).
Object A moves two spaces east. Object B moves one space west.
What is their final relationship?
A. A is one space west of B
B. A is two spaces west of B
C. They occupy the same coordinate
D. A is one space east of B
Answer
B. A is two spaces west of B
Explanation
Object A moves from (3, 2) to (5, 2).
Object B moves from (8, 2) to (7, 2).
A is therefore two spaces west of B.
Skill practised
- positional updating;
- coordinate tracking;
- relative location.
Example 5: response inhibition
Use this rule:
- respond only when the number is odd and the shape is a circle;
- do not respond in every other case.
Which item requires a response?
A. An even number inside a circle
B. An odd number inside a square
C. An odd number inside a circle
D. An even number inside a triangle
Answer
C. An odd number inside a circle
Explanation
Both conditions must be satisfied:
- the number must be odd;
- the shape must be a circle.
Options A and B satisfy only one condition. Option D satisfies neither.
Skill practised
- response inhibition;
- checking multiple conditions;
- avoiding premature responses.
Example 6: spatial rotation
An arrow points north-east.
It rotates 90 degrees clockwise.
Which direction does it point now?
A. North-west
B. South-east
C. South-west
D. North
Answer
B. South-east
Explanation
A 90-degree clockwise rotation moves the arrow through one quarter-turn:
North-east → South-east
Skill practised
- mental rotation;
- orientation;
- applying a fixed transformation.
Accuracy versus speed
Timed aptitude assessments can create pressure to respond as quickly as possible.
However, speed without control can produce:
- missed instructions;
- incomplete rule application;
- false responses;
- careless arithmetic;
- skipped conditions;
- directional reversals;
- repeated errors.
A better preparation sequence is:
- understand the rule;
- solve accurately without strict timing;
- identify recurring errors;
- introduce moderate time pressure;
- practise with varied formats;
- review consistency;
- increase pace only when accuracy remains stable.
Do not compare only your fastest attempt.
Track:
- average accuracy;
- slowest and fastest sections;
- missed items;
- false responses;
- performance after an error;
- performance near the end of a session.
A candidate who starts quickly but loses accuracy after several minutes may need to improve sustained attention rather than raw reaction speed.
How to prepare for NATS Stage 1
A structured plan is more effective than completing random tests repeatedly.
NATS aptitude test preparation: Practise for the NATS Stage 1 aptitude tests 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.
Step 1: verify the current process
Before beginning preparation, review the current official NATS information.
Confirm:
- whether Stage 1 still uses the published structure;
- the assessment provider;
- proctoring requirements;
- completion deadlines;
- technical requirements;
- permitted materials;
- adjustment procedures.
Do not build your plan around an old recruitment campaign.
Step 2: establish a baseline
Complete short independent exercises covering:
- spatial reasoning;
- logic;
- numerical ability;
- direction;
- reaction and inhibition.
Record:
- accuracy;
- completion rate;
- response time;
- recurring error types;
- concentration lapses.
A baseline shows whether your main difficulty is:
- understanding instructions;
- calculating efficiently;
- visualising movement;
- retaining information;
- controlling impulsive responses;
- maintaining concentration.
Step 3: isolate weak skills
Do not practise every ability equally when one area is substantially weaker.
For example:
- use untimed rotation tasks for spatial weakness;
- revise fractions and percentages for numerical weakness;
- track every turn manually during direction practice;
- slow down and check all conditions when false responses are frequent;
- shorten sessions when concentration declines sharply.
Targeted practice should come before full mixed simulations.
Step 4: develop an accurate method
For each skill, create a repeatable process.
Examples include:
- checking the starting orientation before tracking movement;
- separating multiple logical rules;
- estimating before completing a numerical calculation;
- identifying target and non-target conditions before a reaction task;
- checking fixed reference points during spatial rotation.
A repeatable method reduces dependence on instinct.
Step 5: introduce time pressure gradually
Once accuracy is stable:
- use shorter time limits;
- increase the number of items;
- alternate between skill types;
- practise maintaining concentration;
- review whether speed creates new errors.
Do not reduce the time so aggressively that every session becomes random guessing.
Step 6: use mixed practice
The official battery may require candidates to move between different cognitive demands.
Mixed sessions can include:
- five numerical questions;
- five directional questions;
- a short reaction exercise;
- several logical transformations;
- a brief spatial task.
This helps you reset between formats and read each new instruction carefully.
Step 7: simulate remote testing conditions
Complete some practice sessions:
- at the desk you plan to use;
- on the intended device;
- without a mobile phone;
- without interruptions;
- with notifications disabled;
- using only materials that would be permitted;
- for a sustained period.
The objective is not to create a fake official test. It is to reduce avoidable environmental disruption.
Step 8: review rather than over-practise
In the final days:
- revisit recurring errors;
- complete shorter mixed sessions;
- verify the technical setup;
- read official instructions again;
- protect sleep;
- avoid exhausting reaction-speed practice;
- prepare identification where required.
Last-minute volume is less valuable than stable performance.
For a broader plan covering every recruitment stage, use How to prepare for NATS ATC selection.
Four-week Stage 1 study plan
Week 1: baseline and accuracy
Focus on understanding your current level.
Complete:
- short spatial exercises;
- basic numerical questions;
- simple directional sequences;
- rule-based logic tasks;
- controlled response-inhibition exercises.
Record every error and classify its cause.
Do not use strict time pressure for unfamiliar formats.
Week 2: targeted skill development
Select the two weakest areas.
Practise them more frequently while maintaining shorter sessions in your stronger areas.
Example structure:
- 20 minutes on the weakest skill;
- 15 minutes on the second-weakest skill;
- 10 minutes of mixed review;
- 5 minutes analysing mistakes.
The purpose is improvement, not maximum volume.
Week 3: timed mixed practice
Introduce controlled time pressure.
Alternate between:
- spatial reasoning;
- logic;
- numerical processing;
- direction;
- reaction and inhibition.
Track whether errors increase when switching between task types.
Practise reading every new instruction rather than assuming the rules remain unchanged.
Week 4: consolidation and technical preparation
Reduce the number of new formats.
Focus on:
- recurring mistakes;
- stable accuracy;
- realistic session length;
- technical checks;
- assessment-room preparation;
- sleep and routine.
Complete a final system check where available.
Avoid an exhausting practice session immediately before the real assessment.
Common Stage 1 preparation mistakes
Searching for exact questions
Questions recalled by candidates may be inaccurate, outdated or protected.
Even an authentic remembered item may not appear in another campaign.
Developing the underlying abilities is more reliable and ethical.
Assuming every provider uses the official format
A commercial practice platform may use independent exercises designed around broad cognitive skills.
That does not make its interface, timing or scoring identical to the NATS assessment.
Practising only one skill
Strong numerical performance cannot compensate automatically for weak direction, logic, spatial processing or reaction control.
Use a balanced preparation plan.
Prioritising speed immediately
Maximum-speed practice can reinforce impulsive methods.
Build accuracy first.
Ignoring explanations
A score tells you what happened. Error analysis helps explain why.
Review the process that produced the wrong response.
Memorising answer patterns
A familiar practice pattern may not transfer when:
- symbols change;
- instructions change;
- the viewpoint changes;
- the response method changes;
- two rules are combined.
Learn the reasoning method rather than the visual appearance.
Using unauthorised aids
Do not assume that notes, paper, calculators, additional screens or mobile phones are permitted.
Follow the official instructions.
Leaving the technical check until the deadline
A webcam, microphone or browser problem may take time to resolve.
Complete technical checks early.
Completing excessive reaction practice
Fatigue can reduce concentration and response control.
Use short sessions with clear performance measures.
Treating Stage 1 as the complete recruitment process
Stage 1 is only the first assessment stage.
Candidates who progress must prepare for the NATS Stage 2 tests, assessment centre and practical exercise.
Limits of Stage 1 preparation
Preparation can help you:
- become familiar with general cognitive task demands;
- improve basic numerical fluency;
- strengthen directional tracking;
- develop spatial strategies;
- improve rule application;
- reduce impulsive responding;
- work more consistently under time pressure;
- prepare your technical environment.
Preparation cannot:
- reveal the official question bank;
- guarantee a passing score;
- guarantee progression;
- reproduce every official task;
- determine the current scoring threshold;
- replace the cognitive abilities being assessed;
- guarantee later success in the recruitment process;
- guarantee completion of controller training.
Be cautious with any source claiming to provide:
- official NATS questions;
- an exact test replica;
- a guaranteed pass;
- a confirmed universal passing score;
- leaked assessment content;
- a secret scoring formula.
What happens after NATS Stage 1?
Candidates who pass Stage 1 may be invited to Stage 2.
NATS currently describes Stage 2 as containing:
- an online Situational Judgement Test;
- an online Listening Comprehension test.
These assessments examine different areas from the Stage 1 cognitive battery.
The Situational Judgement Test focuses on the evaluation of workplace responses, while the Listening Comprehension test examines the accurate processing and retention of spoken information.
Strong Stage 1 performance does not guarantee success at Stage 2. Candidates should prepare the different skill areas separately.
Read the NATS Stage 2 tests guide before progressing to Stage 2.
You can also review the available NATS Stage 1 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 taking the Stage 1 assessments, verify:
- the current number of tests;
- the current assessment provider;
- whether the assessments are virtually proctored;
- webcam requirements;
- microphone requirements;
- identity-verification rules;
- consent and privacy terms;
- the completion deadline;
- the applicable time zone;
- supported devices;
- supported browsers;
- operating-system requirements;
- permitted materials;
- calculator rules;
- note-taking rules;
- whether breaks are allowed;
- whether tests must be completed in one sitting;
- whether an assessment can be paused;
- the procedure for technical failures;
- the workplace-adjustment process;
- how results will be communicated;
- the current progression rules.
Use the official NATS Trainee Air Traffic Controller page and your candidate invitation as the primary sources.
Campaign-specific instructions always take priority over an independent guide.
Bottom line
NATS currently describes Stage 1 as eleven online ability tests examining skills such as spatial awareness, logical thinking, numerical ability, sense of direction and reaction speed.
The official page does not publish every test name, question count, time limit or passing threshold. Candidates should therefore avoid relying on supposedly exact third-party descriptions.
Effective preparation develops the underlying abilities. Build accurate methods, review recurring errors, introduce time pressure gradually and become comfortable completing assessments in a controlled online environment.
Practise skills, not leaked or recalled content, and verify every current rule in the instructions supplied for your recruitment campaign.