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What happens at the NATS Stage 3 assessment centre?
Stage 3 is the current assessment-centre stage in the NATS Trainee Air Traffic Controller recruitment process.
Candidates who pass the Stage 2 assessments and continue to meet the minimum requirements may be invited to attend.
According to the current NATS trainee air traffic controller recruitment information, Stage 3 is held virtually through Microsoft Teams and includes:
- an interview;
- an Air Traffic Control knowledge test;
- retesting of previous assessments while the candidate is observed.
These three components examine different aspects of trainee potential.
The interview allows assessors to explore your motivation, understanding of the role and evidence from your previous experiences. The knowledge test examines what you have learnt from current public information about NATS and air traffic control. Observed retesting allows NATS to review your performance on earlier assessment material under controlled conditions.
The exact timetable, question format, duration, retests selected and assessment criteria are not published in full on the main NATS recruitment page.
Your official invitation must therefore be treated as the definitive source for:
- the date and time;
- the expected duration;
- the Microsoft Teams arrangements;
- identification requirements;
- permitted materials;
- preparation instructions;
- technical requirements;
- retesting arrangements;
- workplace adjustments;
- contact details.
This page contains independent preparation guidance. It does not reproduce official NATS interview questions, protected knowledge-test content or the exact assessment-centre procedure.
Where Stage 3 fits in the recruitment process
Stage 3 follows the NATS Stage 2 tests.
The current recruitment 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 3 may be invited to complete the NATS Stage 4 practical exercise.
Passing Stage 3 does not guarantee:
- success at Stage 4;
- a conditional employment offer;
- Class 3 medical certification;
- SC security clearance;
- a particular training date;
- a particular training location;
- a preferred operational posting;
- successful completion of controller training.
Stage 3 is an important selection point, but it remains one part of a longer recruitment and training process.
NATS Stage 3 at a glance
| Component | Current official description | Main preparation focus |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Virtual assessment centre through Microsoft Teams | Technical readiness, professional environment and careful reading of instructions |
| Interview | Interview with NATS assessors | Motivation, role understanding and genuine competency evidence |
| Knowledge test | Air Traffic Control knowledge test | Current public information about NATS, controller roles, recruitment and training |
| Retesting | Previous assessments repeated while observed | Stable performance, integrity, concentration and compliance with instructions |
| Next step | Stage 4 practical exercise if successful | Practical learning, situational awareness and response to feedback |
This table summarises the published structure. It is not an official scoring matrix.
Why Stage 3 is different from the online tests
Stages 1 and 2 are completed as online assessments.
Stage 3 introduces direct interaction with assessors.
This means candidates may need to demonstrate more than the ability to select correct answers.
The assessment centre may also provide evidence of how you:
- explain your motivation;
- describe your own behaviour;
- communicate under pressure;
- respond to follow-up questions;
- understand the realities of the career;
- apply knowledge rather than recite isolated facts;
- perform while being observed;
- follow instructions;
- handle technical or unexpected difficulties professionally.
A highly rehearsed answer may be less useful when an assessor asks:
- why you made a particular decision;
- what you personally contributed;
- what you learnt;
- what you would change;
- how the experience relates to air traffic controller training.
Preparation should therefore develop understanding and evidence rather than memorised scripts.
The virtual assessment-centre format
NATS currently states that Stage 3 is conducted through Microsoft Teams.
A virtual assessment centre still requires professional preparation.
Candidates should approach it as a formal selection event rather than an informal video call.
Before the assessment, prepare:
- a suitable computer;
- a stable internet connection;
- a working webcam;
- a working microphone;
- the required version or access method for Microsoft Teams;
- identification where required;
- a quiet and private room;
- suitable lighting;
- an appropriate background;
- a reliable power supply;
- the official support contact.
Do not assume that using a mobile phone is acceptable merely because Microsoft Teams can operate on one.
Follow the device requirements in your official invitation.
Preparing your Microsoft Teams setup
Test the platform
Before the assessment:
- open Microsoft Teams using the intended device;
- confirm that the correct account or guest access works;
- test the meeting link where permitted;
- check the camera;
- check the microphone;
- check the speakers;
- confirm the display name;
- close unnecessary applications;
- install updates before the assessment day.
Do not begin the official meeting link early if the instructions indicate that access should occur only at the scheduled time.
Check the camera position
Position the camera so that:
- your face is clearly visible;
- the image is stable;
- the light is in front of you rather than behind you;
- the camera is close to eye level;
- you can maintain a natural posture.
Avoid repeatedly looking at another screen or off-camera materials unless the instructions allow them.
Check the microphone
Test whether your voice is:
- clear;
- loud enough;
- free from strong background noise;
- not distorted;
- not interrupted by another application.
A headset may improve audio in some circumstances, but use one only when the assessment instructions permit it.
Prepare the room
Choose a room that is:
- quiet;
- private;
- adequately lit;
- free from interruptions;
- suitable for a formal interview;
- clear of unauthorised materials.
Tell other people not to enter.
Silence:
- mobile phones;
- smart speakers;
- computer notifications;
- alarms;
- messaging applications.
Prepare a contingency
Keep the authorised support details available.
Know what to do if:
- the meeting link fails;
- the camera stops working;
- the microphone disconnects;
- the internet connection drops;
- you cannot hear the assessor;
- the test platform displays an error.
Do not switch devices or reconnect repeatedly unless instructed.
The NATS Stage 3 interview
The interview allows NATS to assess whether your motivation, behaviour and understanding are consistent with the demands of trainee air traffic controller selection and training.
NATS does not publish a complete list of current interview questions on its main recruitment page.
Candidate reports on Glassdoor, Quora, forums and social media may describe individual experiences, but they should not be treated as an exact or permanent question bank.
Interview content can change between campaigns, and assessors may adapt follow-up questions according to your answers.
Preparation should therefore focus on:
- understanding the role;
- researching NATS;
- analysing the training commitment;
- preparing genuine examples;
- explaining your decisions;
- responding naturally to follow-up questions.
What the interview may explore
Potential themes include:
- why you want to become an air traffic controller;
- why you are interested in NATS;
- what you understand about the controller role;
- the distinction between aerodrome, approach and area control;
- the demands of training;
- shift work;
- mobility and relocation;
- teamwork;
- communication;
- accountability;
- learning from mistakes;
- resilience;
- adaptability;
- performance under pressure;
- acceptance of feedback;
- commitment to a safety-critical career.
These are broad preparation themes, not confirmed current questions.
Understanding your motivation
A strong motivation answer should go beyond:
- liking aircraft;
- enjoying travel;
- wanting a high salary;
- wanting an exciting career;
- playing aviation games;
- being interested in airports.
These interests can form part of your motivation, but they do not demonstrate that you understand the occupation.
A stronger explanation may connect your interest with:
- structured decision-making;
- safety responsibility;
- precise communication;
- concentration;
- teamwork;
- continuous learning;
- technically demanding work;
- the realities of training and shift work.
Your answer should remain honest.
Do not claim that you have wanted the career since childhood when that is not true. A recent but well-researched career decision can be more credible than an invented lifelong ambition.
Researching NATS for the interview
Candidates should understand at least the public fundamentals of the organisation.
Useful topics include:
- what NATS does;
- the types of air traffic services it provides;
- the three broad controller specialisms;
- the role of airport control units;
- the role of Swanwick and Prestwick control centres;
- the trainee training pathway;
- the Student Air Traffic Control Licence;
- operational unit training;
- mobility requirements;
- current recruitment stages;
- the safety-critical nature of the work.
Do not attempt to impress assessors by memorising obscure statistics without understanding their relevance.
Current, accurate knowledge is more useful than a large collection of disconnected facts.
Preparing competency examples
Prepare several genuine examples from:
- employment;
- education;
- volunteering;
- sport;
- community activity;
- family responsibilities;
- personal projects;
- military service;
- other structured experiences.
The example does not need to come from aviation.
A suitable example should show what you personally did.
Useful themes include:
- working with others;
- managing competing priorities;
- responding to pressure;
- communicating difficult information;
- taking responsibility for an error;
- learning a complex task;
- adapting after feedback;
- maintaining accuracy;
- resolving disagreement;
- making a decision with limited time.
Avoid using the same example for every question unless it genuinely demonstrates several different competencies.
Using the STAR structure
The STAR structure can help organise an interview response.
Situation
Explain the context briefly.
Include only the information needed to understand the example.
Task
Explain:
- what needed to be achieved;
- what your responsibility was;
- why the situation mattered.
Action
Describe what you personally did.
This should normally be the largest part of the answer.
Explain:
- what you considered;
- what decision you made;
- how you communicated;
- how you involved other people;
- how you managed risk;
- how you adjusted when circumstances changed.
Result
Explain:
- what happened;
- whether the objective was achieved;
- what you learnt;
- what you would repeat;
- what you would improve.
Do not force every answer into an artificial speech.
STAR should provide structure without making the response sound memorised.
Original interview preparation questions
The following questions are original preparation prompts. They are not official NATS interview questions and are not presented as predictions of the current assessment.
Motivation
Why do you want to become an air traffic controller, and which aspects of the role have you researched carefully?
Role understanding
How would you explain the difference between aerodrome, approach and area control to someone unfamiliar with air traffic management?
Accountability
Describe a time when you made a mistake that could have affected another person’s work. What did you do?
Pressure
Give an example of a situation in which you had several urgent demands. How did you decide what to address first?
Teamwork
Describe a time when you disagreed with a colleague or team member. How did you manage the disagreement?
Learning from feedback
Tell us about a time when feedback required you to change a method that you believed was working.
Communication
Describe a situation in which you had to explain complex or important information clearly.
Adaptability
Give an example of a plan that changed unexpectedly. How did you update your approach?
How to prepare strong interview answers
NATS aptitude test preparation: Prepare for the NATS Stage 3 assessment centre and related aptitude retesting 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.
For each example, ask:
- Is the example genuine?
- Is my own role clear?
- Did I explain the decision rather than only the event?
- Did I communicate with the appropriate people?
- Did I take responsibility?
- Did I identify any risk?
- Did I learn something?
- Can I answer a follow-up question?
- Does the example demonstrate the intended competency?
Do not memorise every word.
Instead, remember:
- the context;
- your responsibility;
- two or three key actions;
- the outcome;
- the lesson.
This supports a natural response while keeping the evidence organised.
The dedicated interview section below provides more detailed interview preparation.
Common interview mistakes
Giving a generic motivation answer
Saying that the career is “interesting” or “challenging” does not show that you understand it.
Connect your motivation to the actual responsibilities and working conditions.
Reciting the NATS website
Research is important, but repeating text without interpretation can sound superficial.
Explain what the information means for you as a candidate.
Describing what the team did
The assessor needs to understand your contribution.
Use “we” for the wider context and “I” for your actions.
Providing no result
An answer without an outcome is incomplete.
Explain what happened and what you learnt.
Claiming that nothing went wrong
Safety-critical training requires candidates who can recognise errors and learn.
An honest example of improvement can be stronger than a claim of flawless performance.
Giving a rehearsed model answer
Generic answers may collapse under follow-up questions.
Prepare evidence rather than scripts.
Ignoring mobility and shift work
Candidates should understand that air traffic controllers are a mobile grade and may be posted according to business needs.
Do not imply that you will accept only one location unless the recruitment process explicitly provides that option.
Exaggerating aviation knowledge
You are applying for a trainee route.
Do not claim professional knowledge that you do not possess.
The NATS Air Traffic Control knowledge test
The current Stage 3 assessment centre includes an Air Traffic Control knowledge test.
This is separate from the Stage 1 aptitude battery.
The distinction is important:
- aptitude testing examines how you process information;
- knowledge testing examines what you have researched or learnt;
- professional training teaches the operational knowledge required to become a controller.
NATS does not publish a complete current knowledge-test syllabus on its main trainee recruitment page.
Unofficial flashcards on Quizlet, Brainscape or other platforms should not be treated as authoritative.
They may contain:
- outdated information;
- candidate-recalled content;
- user errors;
- questions from an older campaign;
- information unrelated to the current assessment;
- material copied without permission.
Prepare from current public sources rather than attempting to memorise an alleged official question bank.
What should you study?
A sensible high-level study plan may include:
NATS as an organisation
Understand:
- the role of NATS in UK air traffic services;
- its broad responsibilities;
- the environments in which its controllers work;
- its emphasis on safety and efficiency.
Controller specialisms
Understand the broad distinction between:
- Aerodrome controllers;
- Approach controllers;
- Area controllers.
You should be able to explain each role clearly without presenting yourself as a trained controller.
The recruitment process
Review:
- eligibility;
- Stage 1;
- Stage 2;
- Stage 3;
- Stage 4;
- conditional offers;
- medical clearance;
- security clearance.
The training pathway
Understand the broad progression from:
- initial training;
- Student Air Traffic Control Licence;
- operational unit training;
- validation;
- full controller licensing.
Working locations
Understand that NATS controllers may work:
- at airport units;
- at Swanwick Control Centre;
- at Prestwick Control Centre.
Candidates should also understand the mobility requirement.
Safety-critical working
Understand why the role requires:
- honesty;
- accurate communication;
- procedural compliance;
- teamwork;
- responsibility;
- medical fitness;
- security vetting;
- drug and alcohol compliance.
What not to study as professional instruction
Do not attempt to teach yourself operational control procedures as though you were already in training.
Candidates are not expected to arrive able to:
- apply professional separation minima;
- issue real control clearances;
- operate NATS systems;
- control live traffic;
- use full operational phraseology;
- interpret confidential procedures.
High-level public understanding is appropriate. Professional operational knowledge belongs within approved training.
Original knowledge-check examples
The following questions are original study examples based on public, high-level career information. They are not official NATS knowledge-test questions and are not intended to predict the current assessment.
Example 1: controller specialisms
Which controller specialism is most closely associated with managing aircraft and authorised vehicles at an airport?
A. Area control
B. Aerodrome control
C. Network planning
D. Engineering control
Answer
B. Aerodrome control
Explanation
Aerodrome controllers work in the airport environment and may manage aircraft and vehicle movements on or close to the aerodrome.
Example 2: approach control
Which description best matches approach control?
A. Managing only aircraft parked at terminal stands
B. Managing aircraft travelling across the North Atlantic exclusively
C. Organising arriving and departing aircraft within the relevant area around an airport
D. Maintaining airport buildings and navigation equipment
Answer
C. Organising arriving and departing aircraft within the relevant area around an airport
Explanation
Approach controllers manage traffic approaching or departing an airport and coordinate with other control units.
Example 3: area control
Where are area controllers generally associated with working?
A. Only from airport fire stations
B. From control centres managing larger airspace sectors
C. Exclusively from aircraft flight decks
D. From airline booking offices
Answer
B. From control centres managing larger airspace sectors
Explanation
Area controllers manage aircraft travelling through larger sectors of controlled airspace.
Example 4: training progression
What normally happens after a trainee gains a Student Air Traffic Control Licence?
A. The trainee automatically becomes qualified at every NATS location.
B. The trainee stops receiving assessment.
C. The trainee continues supervised training at an operational unit.
D. The trainee chooses any airport without further training.
Answer
C. The trainee continues supervised training at an operational unit.
Explanation
The student licence supports progression into operational unit training. The trainee must still complete local training and validation.
Example 5: mobility
Which statement best reflects the current NATS mobility requirement?
A. Every trainee is guaranteed their nearest airport.
B. Candidates can always choose between Swanwick and Prestwick.
C. Posting may depend on training, skills and business needs.
D. All trainees work remotely after initial training.
Answer
C. Posting may depend on training, skills and business needs.
Explanation
NATS describes air traffic controllers as a mobile grade. Candidates should be prepared for training or work at a location determined by organisational requirements.
Example 6: safety-critical employment
Why are honesty and accurate disclosure important during NATS recruitment?
A. They replace the aptitude assessments.
B. The role involves medical, security and professional safety requirements.
C. They guarantee a preferred posting.
D. They eliminate the need for training.
Answer
B. The role involves medical, security and professional safety requirements.
Explanation
Candidates may undergo qualification checks, medical assessment and security vetting. Complete and truthful information is essential.
How to prepare for the knowledge test
Use current official information
Begin with the current NATS trainee careers page.
Review:
- controller roles;
- recruitment;
- training;
- working locations;
- mobility;
- salary only where relevant to career understanding;
- safety-critical expectations.
Create your own notes
Write short explanations in your own words.
For example:
- What does an aerodrome controller do?
- How does approach control differ from area control?
- What happens after initial training?
- Why is mobility important?
- What conditions remain after a conditional offer?
Writing your own explanations encourages understanding rather than recognition.
Use retrieval practice
Close your notes and answer questions from memory.
Then compare your answer with the current official source.
Retrieval practice is more effective than repeatedly rereading the same page.
Check for outdated information
Do not mix the current process with historical NATS recruitment systems.
Older material may refer to:
- different stage numbers;
- different assessment providers;
- previous assessment-centre formats;
- different training arrangements;
- outdated working locations;
- old salary rates.
The knowledge-test section below provides a more complete ethical study framework.
Observed retesting of previous assessments
NATS currently states that Stage 3 includes retesting of previous tests while the candidate is observed.
The main recruitment page does not publicly specify:
- which tests will be repeated;
- how many tests will be repeated;
- whether every candidate receives the same retests;
- whether the format is identical;
- the exact observation procedure;
- how the retest is weighted;
- how closely results must match.
Do not rely on another candidate’s account as a guarantee of your own retesting arrangement.
Why observed retesting matters
Observed retesting may help NATS confirm that earlier results represent the candidate’s own ability.
It reinforces the importance of:
- completing online assessments independently;
- avoiding unauthorised assistance;
- developing genuine skill;
- practising varied formats;
- maintaining stable performance;
- following instructions under observation.
A candidate who relied on:
- another person;
- prohibited notes;
- an unauthorised calculator;
- external software;
- remembered answer patterns;
- an unrepresentative practice interface;
may find it difficult to reproduce the underlying performance under observation.
How to prepare for observed retesting
Revisit the underlying abilities
Review the skills assessed during earlier stages, including:
- spatial awareness;
- logical thinking;
- numerical ability;
- sense of direction;
- reaction control;
- situational judgement;
- listening comprehension.
Do not attempt to memorise old test items.
Use varied formats
Practise the same skill using different layouts.
For example:
- track directions using words and diagrams;
- practise percentages and time calculations;
- apply logical rules to numbers, shapes and symbols;
- listen to different speakers and topics;
- analyse unfamiliar workplace scenarios.
Practise while being observed
During independent preparation, ask a trusted person to watch one short session without helping.
This can reveal whether observation causes you to:
- rush;
- hesitate;
- change your normal method;
- lose concentration;
- become distracted by small mistakes.
Do not use another person during the official assessment unless their presence is expressly authorised.
Recover after an error
One mistake should not determine the rest of the task.
Practise:
- recognising the error;
- returning attention to the current item;
- applying the method again;
- avoiding repeated mental review of the mistake.
Stable recovery is more useful than attempting to perform perfectly.
Assessment integrity
Air traffic control is a safety-critical career. Integrity during recruitment is directly relevant to suitability.
Candidates should:
- complete assessments independently;
- use only permitted materials;
- provide valid identification;
- follow observation rules;
- protect confidential assessment content;
- report technical problems honestly;
- answer interview questions truthfully;
- avoid exaggerating experience or knowledge.
Inappropriate conduct includes:
- asking another person to complete a test;
- receiving hidden assistance;
- using unauthorised notes;
- recording the screen;
- photographing questions;
- sharing assessment content;
- attempting to bypass observation;
- inventing qualifications or experiences;
- presenting another person’s interview example as your own.
What to do if a technical problem occurs
If a technical problem affects the assessment centre:
- remain calm;
- follow the instructions supplied by NATS;
- tell the assessor or authorised support contact promptly;
- describe the problem clearly;
- avoid repeatedly reconnecting without guidance;
- record the time and error where appropriate;
- protect confidential assessment content.
Examples include:
- loss of internet connection;
- microphone failure;
- camera failure;
- inability to open the test;
- frozen assessment software;
- loss of audio;
- unexpected Microsoft Teams disconnection.
A technical issue does not justify using an unapproved device or receiving unauthorised assistance.
Workplace adjustments
Candidates who require an adjustment should contact NATS Talent Acquisition as early as possible.
Do not wait until the assessment centre has started.
Possible discussions may concern:
- communication access;
- interview structure;
- timing;
- technical barriers;
- visual or auditory access;
- physical requirements;
- other barriers affecting participation.
The adjustment available depends on:
- the candidate’s needs;
- the competency being assessed;
- maintaining assessment validity;
- technical feasibility;
- the current process.
Do not assume that an adjustment used by another employer or candidate will automatically be available.
How is Stage 3 scored?
NATS does not publish a universal Stage 3 passing percentage on its main trainee recruitment page.
Candidates should not assume that:
- the interview has a public numerical cut-off;
- every component has equal weighting;
- one strong component compensates for every weak component;
- the knowledge test has a publicly confirmed pass mark;
- retesting must match the original score exactly;
- assessment-centre capacity determines the score;
- another candidate’s result reveals the current threshold.
Only NATS can confirm the assessment and progression standards used for the applicable campaign.
Focus on demonstrating consistent evidence across the components rather than attempting to reverse-engineer an unpublished formula.
Three-week Stage 3 preparation plan
Week 1: research and evidence
Research
Review current information about:
- NATS;
- controller specialisms;
- recruitment stages;
- training;
- licences;
- locations;
- mobility;
- safety-critical working.
Interview evidence
Prepare genuine examples involving:
- teamwork;
- responsibility;
- pressure;
- communication;
- feedback;
- adaptability;
- mistakes;
- decision-making.
Use bullet-point notes rather than complete scripts.
Retesting
Complete short baseline exercises in the earlier assessed abilities.
Identify skills that have declined since Stage 1 or Stage 2.
Week 2: active preparation
Interview
Practise answering questions aloud.
Ask another person to use follow-up prompts such as:
- Why did you choose that action?
- What was your personal contribution?
- What did you learn?
- What would you do differently?
- How did the other person respond?
Knowledge
Use retrieval practice.
Explain key topics without looking at your notes, then verify the details against official sources.
Retesting
Use varied formats under moderate time pressure.
Focus on:
- accuracy;
- stable concentration;
- recovery after mistakes;
- instruction reading.
Week 3: realistic rehearsal
Complete a short mock session containing:
- a technical check;
- several interview questions;
- a brief knowledge quiz;
- short exercises drawn from earlier ability areas.
Practise in the intended room and on the intended device.
In the final days:
- reduce excessive preparation;
- review only key notes;
- test Microsoft Teams;
- confirm the time and time zone;
- prepare identification;
- check the meeting link;
- protect sleep;
- reread the official instructions.
Common Stage 3 mistakes
Preparing only for the interview
Stage 3 currently includes three components.
Candidates should also prepare for the knowledge test and observed retesting.
Memorising complete answers
Memorised answers can sound artificial and may fail under follow-up questioning.
Prepare evidence and structure instead.
Learning isolated trivia
Understanding NATS and the controller pathway is more useful than memorising obscure facts without context.
Using outdated recruitment information
Older NATS documents may describe a different selection process.
Use current official information.
Neglecting previous test skills
Observed retesting means earlier ability areas remain relevant.
Review them before Stage 3.
Giving theoretical competency answers
An assessor may ask for evidence from your own experience.
Prepare real examples.
Claiming that you never make mistakes
The ability to recognise and learn from errors is important in training.
Use an honest example showing accountability and improvement.
Ignoring the virtual setup
Technical failure, poor audio or an unsuitable environment can interfere with performance.
Complete checks in advance.
Reading notes constantly
Unless notes are explicitly permitted, do not rely on them.
Even during permitted preparation, answers should remain natural and responsive.
Treating candidate reports as guaranteed questions
Individual accounts may be outdated, incomplete or inaccurate.
Prepare the underlying themes.
Limits of Stage 3 preparation
Preparation can help you:
- understand the current published format;
- research NATS;
- organise genuine interview evidence;
- improve answer structure;
- learn public high-level ATC information;
- maintain earlier assessment skills;
- become comfortable under observation;
- prepare the virtual environment.
Preparation cannot:
- reveal the official interview questions;
- reveal the official knowledge-test bank;
- guarantee which tests will be repeated;
- confirm an unpublished passing score;
- guarantee progression to Stage 4;
- replace honest experience;
- guarantee medical clearance;
- guarantee security clearance;
- guarantee a training place.
Be cautious with any source claiming to provide:
- exact NATS interview questions;
- official knowledge-test answers;
- leaked assessment-centre content;
- a guaranteed passing script;
- an exact retesting list;
- secret assessor criteria.
What happens after NATS Stage 3?
Candidates who pass Stage 3 may be invited to Stage 4.
NATS currently describes Stage 4 as a practical exercise conducted:
- virtually through Microsoft Teams; or
- face to face at the NATS Whiteley office.
The practical stage is separate from the Stage 3 interview, knowledge test and retesting.
It may examine how candidates:
- understand a new task;
- build a situational picture;
- apply rules;
- communicate;
- prioritise;
- solve problems;
- respond to feedback;
- adapt across repeated attempts.
Read the NATS Stage 4 practical exercise guide before progressing.
You can also review the available NATS aptitude test preparation package from ATC Practice while consolidating earlier-stage skills.
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 attending the NATS Stage 3 assessment centre, verify:
- whether Stage 3 remains virtual;
- whether Microsoft Teams is still used;
- the assessment date;
- the start time;
- the applicable time zone;
- the expected duration;
- the interview format;
- whether there is one assessor or several;
- the current knowledge-test instructions;
- any published preparation material;
- which previous tests may be repeated;
- identification requirements;
- permitted materials;
- note-taking rules;
- device requirements;
- camera requirements;
- microphone requirements;
- audio requirements;
- dress or professional-presentation guidance;
- workplace-adjustment arrangements;
- technical-support procedures;
- how the result will be communicated;
- the current Stage 4 progression process.
Use the official NATS Trainee Air Traffic Controller page and your assessment-centre invitation as the primary sources.
Campaign-specific instructions always take priority over an independent guide.
Bottom line
NATS currently describes Stage 3 as a virtual assessment centre conducted through Microsoft Teams.
It includes an interview, an Air Traffic Control knowledge test and observed retesting of earlier assessments.
Effective preparation requires three different approaches:
- prepare genuine evidence and informed motivation for the interview;
- study current public NATS and controller-career information for the knowledge test;
- maintain stable underlying skills for observed retesting.
Do not rely on memorised scripts, unofficial flashcard banks or supposedly leaked questions. Understand the organisation, know your own evidence and prepare to demonstrate consistent performance under observation.