We may earn a commission from some links on this page. Recommendations remain editorially independent.

This page covers NAV CANADA selection timing only: the order of stages, how long key assessments take, why waiting times can vary, and what candidates can do while waiting. For the full selection process, see NAV CANADA hiring process. For assessment outcomes, see NAV CANADA results. For reapplication waiting periods after an unsuccessful stage, see NAV CANADA retake policy.

Independent site notice: ATCPracticeTest.com is not affiliated with NAV CANADA. Timing can change by campaign and region. Follow Workday and official NAV CANADA communications.

Quick overview: NAV CANADA selection timeline

There is no single published calendar that applies to every air traffic controller candidate. NAV CANADA schedules in-person sessions by region based on operational requirements, and gaps between stages can be long even when the next step is not a rejection.

NAV CANADA’s FAQ for job seekers gives a 2–3 month timeline for non-ATS roles. Do not apply that figure to air traffic controller recruitment.

Typical order of selection stages

A typical sequence (your campaign may differ) is:

  1. Application through Workday.
  2. Eligibility screening.
  3. Online assessment invitation and completion.
  4. Regional in-person testing invitation and session.
  5. Same-day pre-screening interview after successful in-person testing.
  6. Assessment centre invitation and half-day session.
  7. Language testing by phone when required.
  8. Selection, pre-employment conditions, then training.

Passing one stage does not guarantee how soon the next invitation arrives. Stage-by-stage detail belongs on NAV CANADA hiring process, not on this timing page.

How long the online assessment takes

NAV CANADA publishes that the online assessment is timed, completed remotely, and takes approximately 30 minutes. NAV CANADA recommends a desktop or laptop, not a phone or tablet.

Allow time to read instructions and submit before any deadline in your invitation. Processing before the next update can take additional time with no fixed public schedule.

How long the in-person test takes

In-person testing sessions are held by region based on operational requirements. NAV CANADA publishes that candidates should plan for approximately one full day-about six hours-and that sessions are typically held at area control centres.

Travel, check-in, and same-day pre-screening interview time can extend the day beyond the test block alone.

How long the assessment centre takes

Assessment centre sessions are half-day assessments, typically held at NAV CANADA area control centres. Bilingual Montreal Flight Information Region positions use a bilingual assessment centre session.

Allow time for travel and any instructions about arrival, documents, or format in your invitation.

Why waiting times vary

Waiting between updates is common. NAV CANADA does not publish one end-to-end ATS hiring duration for all candidates.

Delays may reflect:

  • regional scheduling of in-person sessions and assessment centres;
  • operational requirements and staffing priorities;
  • number of applicants in a campaign;
  • time to review assessments;
  • language testing scheduling with a third-party phone provider;
  • pre-employment medical, licensing, security clearance, and drug screening;
  • training start dates after selection.

Silence for a period does not by itself mean success or failure. See NAV CANADA results for how updates may be communicated-not for a guaranteed timeline.

What to do while waiting

While official updates are pending:

  • monitor Workday, the NAV CANADA careers portal, official email and your personal email (including spam folders);
  • keep contact information current;
  • respond promptly to document or scheduling requests;
  • maintain sleep and routine before timed assessments;
  • avoid resigning, relocating, or large financial commitments before a confirmed offer.

Passing one stage does not guarantee invitation to the next.

How reapplication waiting periods fit into the timeline

If you are unsuccessful at a stage, NAV CANADA publishes reapplication eligibility from specific dates:

Stage 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

These are waiting periods before a new attempt may be allowed-not estimates of how long the full process takes when you are progressing. Full rules: NAV CANADA retake policy.

What happens before training starts?

Selected candidates receive an offer before the course start date, per NAV CANADA’s published selection information. Pre-employment conditions (medical, licensing, security clearance, drug screening) must be met before training begins.

Training structure, duration and salary figures belong on NAV CANADA training process. Training completion, licensing and employment are not guaranteed.

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

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

While you wait between stages, optional aptitude practice may help-see NAV CANADA test prep, JobTestPrep NAV CANADA prep, and JobTestPrep FEAST Review. Compare ATC Preparation FEAST software via our ATC Preparation Review. SkyTest® editions (not official NAV CANADA materials): European ATCO, UK & Ireland, and Germany, Austria & Switzerland.

Sources