NAV CANADA currently publishes paid, full-time air traffic controller training lasting about 20-27 months for area control centre (ACC) controllers and 12-18 months for tower controllers, depending on course complexity and location. Training combines classroom instruction, high-tech simulators and supervised on-the-job training. See the official NAV CANADA selection and training page.

The current training salary starts at $58,606 per year and rises to $61,337 after one year. For the application and assessment stages before training, see the NAV CANADA hiring process guide.

Independent site notice: ATCPracticeTest.com is not affiliated with NAV CANADA. This guide summarizes public training information from NAV CANADA careers pages. It is not a training manual. Follow official trainee communications.

Quick overview: NAV CANADA ATC training

After selection and pre-employment conditions, candidates enter paid, full-time training. NAV CANADA describes training as including classroom sessions, high-tech simulators, and on-the-job experience. Training times vary depending on course complexity and location.

NAV CANADA states that no prior aviation experience is required because it provides the training necessary for the role.

Path Published total duration (with variation)
Area Control Centre (ACC) 20 to 27 months
Tower 12 to 18 months

Training completion, licensing, and employment are not guaranteed. Training remains performance-based.

Before training: selection and pre-employment conditions

Candidates must complete the NAV CANADA hiring process first, including Workday application, assessments, language testing when required, and pre-employment conditions (medical, licensing, security clearance, drug screening).

Is NAV CANADA training paid

Yes. NAV CANADA states that students receive a training salary throughout the program, beginning when training starts and paid bi-weekly.

Salary figures can differ between official NAV CANADA pages and update cycles. Always verify current amounts on:

Current published training pay:

Stage Current published salary
Training start $58,606/year
After one year in training $61,337/year
Licensed ACC controller $143,513-$207,450/year
Licensed tower controller $104,258-$207,450/year

NAV CANADA notes that licensed controllers may also receive eligible premiums based on location, holidays, shifts and other factors.

NAV CANADA also notes candidates may be eligible for a bi-weekly relocation allowance during basic training and additional relocation assistance when assigned to a location.

Broader pay context: NAV CANADA salary.

Classroom and simulator training

Classroom and simulator phases introduce basic operational rules and phraseology. High-tech simulators are used in generic or basic training and in specialty-specific or complex tower courses. Enhanced simulators can replicate assigned airspace or tower environments where applicable.

Classroom and simulator blocks are commonly scheduled at 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

ACC training path

For area control centre controllers, NAV CANADA publishes:

Generic training

  • classroom and simulator training at an area control centre;
  • approximately 6 to 8 months (with variation).

Specialty-specific training

  • enhanced simulator replicating assigned airspace;
  • approximately 6 to 7 months (with variation).

On-the-job training (OJT)

  • paired with a licensed ACC controller;
  • 34 hours per week;
  • approximately 8 to 12 months (with variation).

Total ACC training: 20 to 27 months, with variation. See area controller and on-the-job training.

Tower training path

For tower controllers, NAV CANADA publishes:

Basic training

  • classroom and simulator training at an area control centre;
  • 6 months.

Complex tower course (when assigned)

  • simulator training representing the tower environment when applicable;
  • approximately 6 months at an area control centre or assigned tower.

Tower OJT

  • at the assigned tower with a licensed tower controller;
  • 34 hours per week;
  • 6 to 18 months (with variation).

Total tower training: 12 to 18 months, with variation. See tower controller.

On-the-job training

OJT is the final phase for both paths. Trainees work under supervision of licensed controllers and are evaluated on operational readiness. Standards are set by NAV CANADA and Transport Canada licensing processes communicated to trainees.

ACC vs tower training timeline

Phase ACC (published) Tower (published)
Initial classroom/simulator Generic: 6-8 months Basic: 6 months
Mid training Specialty: 6-7 months Complex tower: ~6 months (if assigned)
OJT 8-12 months 6-18 months
Total 20-27 months 12-18 months

Individual progress and facility needs can shift timelines.

Training schedule and workload

Expect full-time training: 37.5 hours per week for classroom and simulator blocks; 34 hours per week for OJT. NAV CANADA describes training as intensive.

Salary during training and after qualification

Training salary is paid from the start of training, bi-weekly. After qualification, licensed controller pay falls within union ranges published on NAV CANADA pages (ACC and tower ranges differ). Verify figures in your offer and on official careers pages-not only third-party summaries.

What happens after qualification?

Qualification requires demonstrated competence, not attendance alone. Controllers continue under medical, security, and organizational requirements. Training discontinuation can occur for performance, suitability, medical, or other official reasons depending on cohort policy.

Official training resources

For current course lengths, salary, locations and schedules, use NAV CANADA’s own pages:

Your offer and trainee communications control your actual course dates, location and pay.

Sources