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This page covers the first part of the NAV CANADA air traffic controller process: learning about opportunities, checking eligibility and submitting an application through Workday. For the full selection process, see the NAV CANADA hiring process guide. For the first assessment after applying, see the NAV CANADA online assessment guide.

Quick overview: NAV CANADA application process

Before assessments begin, candidates typically learn about NAV CANADA air traffic services opportunities, verify eligibility, and apply through Workday. Passing screening at this stage does not guarantee later invitations. Details and next steps are communicated through Workday, NAV CANADA’s careers portal, and your personal email.

Learn about NAV CANADA air traffic services opportunities

NAV CANADA advises candidates to learn about its air traffic services career opportunities before applying. Official starting points include Air Traffic Controller careers and Careers in Aviation.

Understanding the role helps you submit an accurate application and set realistic expectations. Tower versus area control paths diverge later in training; early selection steps are shared. See NAV CANADA hiring process for the full pathway after application.

Check eligibility before applying

Verify eligibility on official pages before you apply. Published requirements for air traffic controller selection commonly include age, education, work authorization, language, relocation willingness, training start availability, medical standards, security checks, and drug screening including cannabis.

If any eligibility requirements are not met, NAV CANADA states the application can be screened out immediately.

Detail by topic: NAV CANADA ATC requirements, language requirements, medical requirements.

English fluency is required for all regions. English and French fluency are required to work in Quebec or Ottawa.

Apply through Workday

Applications are submitted through NAV CANADA’s Workday recruiting system-not informal email applications.

Before submitting:

  • confirm spelling and contact details;
  • answer eligibility questions accurately;
  • save any confirmation or reference from Workday;
  • monitor the email address on your profile and spam folders.

NAV CANADA communicates invitations and updates through Workday, the careers portal, and your application email.

What information the application may ask for

NAV CANADA’s application asks for details including, but not limited to, academic and professional history. Provide complete, consistent information. Discrepancies can delay screening or create problems in later checks.

You may also need to confirm relocation availability, training start timing, and eligibility declarations. Use only information you can support if asked later in the process.

What happens if eligibility requirements are not met

If requirements are not met, NAV CANADA states the application can be screened out immediately. That is different from failing a later assessment-you may not receive an online assessment invitation at all.

Do not assume you can correct eligibility answers after submission without following official channels.

What happens after applying?

Candidates who meet eligibility requirements may receive an email invitation to complete the online assessment-the first assessment in the selection process. NAV CANADA advises completing it promptly to be considered for subsequent assessments.

That invitation is not a guarantee of in-person testing or later stages. Passing one stage does not guarantee the next.

Next step detail: NAV CANADA online assessment. For timing between stages, see NAV CANADA selection timeline. For how outcomes may be communicated, see NAV CANADA results.

Optional vendor shortcuts (commercial)

If you want optional paid prep aligned with this page topic, compare these options:

Use review-first comparison: JobTestPrep FEAST Review, ATC Preparation Review, and SkyTest Review.

Preparation resources

Application quality and eligibility matter more than unofficial tests at this stage.

Some linked preparation resources may be commercial. NAV CANADA’s official instructions should always come first.

If you want early aptitude familiarity before an invitation arrives, see NAV CANADA test prep, JobTestPrep FEAST Review, and ATC Preparation Review. Optional vendor editions: European ATCO, UK & Ireland, and Germany, Austria & Switzerland.

Sources