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NAV CANADA describes the air traffic controller selection process as rigorous and designed to assess the core competencies required to become an air traffic control professional. Passing one stage does not guarantee an invitation to the next stage.

This page covers the full NAV CANADA air traffic controller selection process before training: eligibility, Workday application, online assessment, in-person testing, assessment centre, language testing, selection and pre-employment conditions. For paid classroom, simulator and on-the-job training after selection, see the NAV CANADA training process guide. For timing between stages, see NAV CANADA selection timeline. For outcomes after each assessment, see NAV CANADA results. For reapplication waiting periods, see NAV CANADA retake policy.

Independent site notice: ATCPracticeTest.com is not affiliated with NAV CANADA. Facts below are drawn from NAV CANADA’s public careers and selection pages. Requirements and scheduling can change. Always follow your Workday messages and official NAV CANADA instructions.

Quick overview: NAV CANADA hiring process

NAV CANADA’s published pathway for air traffic controller candidates generally includes:

  1. Learning about opportunities and confirming eligibility.
  2. Applying through NAV CANADA’s Workday recruiting system.
  3. Completing a timed online assessment if invited.
  4. Attending regional in-person testing if invited.
  5. Completing a same-day pre-screening interview after successful in-person testing.
  6. Attending an assessment centre session if invited.
  7. Completing language testing when required.
  8. Receiving selection and meeting pre-employment conditions before training.

NAV CANADA’s FAQ for job seekers notes that a 2–3 month hiring timeline applies to non–Air Traffic Services (ATS) roles and directs ATS candidates to role-specific selection pages. Do not apply that general timeline to air traffic controller recruitment.

Step 1: Check eligibility

Published eligibility requirements for air traffic controller selection include:

  • age 18 or older at time of application;
  • high school diploma or equivalency at time of application;
  • Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
  • willingness to relocate to training and/or work location;
  • availability to start full-time training within 18 months of application;
  • meeting medical requirements as set out by Transport Canada;
  • security check and ongoing background-check requirements;
  • initial drug screening, including cannabis, and compliance with NAV CANADA’s Drug and Alcohol policy.

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

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

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

Step 2: Apply through Workday

Applications are submitted through NAV CANADA’s Workday recruiting system. Invitations and next steps are communicated through Workday, the careers portal, and the email on your application.

See NAV CANADA application process for practical submission tips on this site-not a substitute for official instructions.

Step 3: Online assessment

Candidates who meet eligibility requirements may receive an email invitation to complete an online assessment.

NAV CANADA publishes that the assessment is timed, can be completed remotely, takes approximately 30 minutes, and should be completed on a desktop or laptop-not a phone or tablet.

Passing the online assessment does not guarantee in-person testing. See NAV CANADA online assessment for preparation limits.

If unsuccessful at this stage, NAV CANADA states candidates are eligible to reapply one year after their testing date. See NAV CANADA retake policy for how waiting periods fit the wider process.

Step 4: In-person test

In-person testing sessions are held by region based on operational requirements.

NAV CANADA publishes that sessions are typically held at area control centres, require approximately one full day (about six hours), and evaluate memory, working speed, spatial visualization, thinking and reasoning, attention, information processing and simple math. Successful candidates receive a link to a training platform to help prepare for the in-person test.

Detail: NAV CANADA assessment test.

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

Step 5: 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 before the fuller assessment centre interview. Orientation: NAV CANADA interview.

Step 6: Assessment centre

Assessment centre sessions are half-day assessments, typically held at NAV CANADA area control centres. They include group exercises, individual exercises, and an interview designed to assess candidates’ skills, abilities and attitudes.

Candidates applying for bilingual positions in the Montreal Flight Information Region complete a bilingual assessment centre session.

Detail: NAV CANADA assessment centre.

If unsuccessful at the assessment centre, NAV CANADA states candidates are eligible to reapply three years after their assessment date.

Step 7: Language testing, if required

When required, language testing is completed with a third-party company over the phone. Verify current rules on official pages and in your invitation.

Step 8: Selection and pre-employment conditions

Selected candidates receive an offer before the course start date.

Before employment, candidates must meet pre-employment conditions, including medical and licensing requirements, security clearance, and drug testing, including cannabis, under NAV CANADA’s Drug and Alcohol policy.

Details are communicated through Workday, the careers portal, and your personal email. Meeting these conditions does not guarantee training completion, licensing, or employment.

Reapplication waiting periods after unsuccessful stages

Stage where unsuccessful Eligible to reapply after
Online assessment 1 year after testing date
In-person test 2 years after testing date
Assessment centre 3 years after assessment date

Confirm dates and eligibility with NAV CANADA. Full context: NAV CANADA retake policy.

What happens after selection?

After selection and pre-employment conditions, candidates enter paid, full-time training. See NAV CANADA training process for classroom, simulator, ACC and tower paths, durations, and training salary (verify figures on official pages).

Optional vendor shortcuts (commercial)

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Preparation resources

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

See NAV CANADA test prep, JobTestPrep FEAST Review, and ATC Preparation Review. Optional vendor editions: European ATCO, UK & Ireland, and Germany, Austria & Switzerland.

Sources