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This page covers the NAV CANADA in-person assessment test only: where it is usually held, how long it takes, which cognitive abilities NAV CANADA says it evaluates, and what happens immediately after the test. For the remote online assessment, see the NAV CANADA online assessment guide. For the later assessment centre stage, see the NAV CANADA assessment centre guide.

Independent site notice: ATCPracticeTest.com is not affiliated with NAV CANADA. Follow your invitation for date, location, and instructions.

NAV CANADA’s official selection page describes the in-person test as an assessment of cognitive abilities such as memory, working speed, spatial visualization, thinking and reasoning, attention, information processing and simple math. Candidates should prepare for those official skill areas and follow the instructions they receive from NAV CANADA.

Some candidates and preparation resources compare NAV CANADA aptitude testing with FEAST-style tasks, but NAV CANADA’s official instructions for your own application should be treated as the source of truth. This page does not call the in-person test “the FEAST test.” For FEAST background only, see NAV CANADA FEAST test (cautious explainer).

Quick overview: NAV CANADA in-person assessment test

In-person testing comes after the online assessment for candidates who are invited. Sessions are scheduled by region based on operational requirements. NAV CANADA publishes a full-day format (about six hours) at area control centres, with cognitive testing and a same-day pre-screening interview for successful candidates.

Passing in-person testing does not guarantee an assessment centre invitation.

When candidates are invited to in-person testing

Invitations follow the online assessment stage. NAV CANADA does not publish a fixed calendar for every candidate; regional operational requirements affect scheduling.

Completing the online assessment promptly when invited is part of staying eligible for consideration for subsequent assessments. Timing context: NAV CANADA selection timeline.

Where the test is usually held

In-person testing sessions are held in each region based on operational requirements. NAV CANADA publishes that tests are typically held at NAV CANADA area control centres.

Plan travel, arrival time, and identification requirements using only your official invitation.

How long the test takes

Candidates should plan for approximately one full day—about six hours—for the in-person session, including check-in and the same-day pre-screening interview if you are successful at the test.

Candidates receive a link to a training platform to help them prepare for the in-person test. Use that official link when NAV CANADA provides it—not third-party sites claiming to replicate confidential tasks.

General skill practice limits: NAV CANADA test prep.

Cognitive abilities NAV CANADA says are evaluated

NAV CANADA publishes that in-person testing evaluates core cognitive abilities required for air traffic control careers, including:

  • memory;
  • working speed;
  • spatial visualization;
  • thinking and reasoning;
  • attention;
  • information processing;
  • simple math.

NAV CANADA does not publish a public pass score for this stage on the careers pages summarized here. Your outcome is communicated through Workday, the careers portal and personal email. See NAV CANADA results.

Same-day pre-screening interview

Candidates successful at the in-person test are invited to complete a 15-minute pre-screening interview on the same day.

This is a brief screening step, not the half-day assessment centre interview. Orientation: NAV CANADA interview—follow NAV CANADA’s format for your session.

What happens if you are unsuccessful?

NAV CANADA states that candidates unsuccessful at in-person testing are eligible to reapply two years after their testing date.

Save your testing date from official messages. Waiting periods: NAV CANADA retake policy. Overview: NAV CANADA hiring process.

Preparation resources

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

Use NAV CANADA’s preparation platform link when provided. See NAV CANADA test prep, JobTestPrep FEAST Review, and ATC Preparation Review. Optional vendor editions: European ATCO, UK & Ireland, and Germany, Austria & Switzerland.

Sources