# NAV CANADA ATC Training: 12-27 Months, Paid > NAV CANADA ATC training is paid: tower training takes about 12-18 months and ACC training 20-27 months, with classroom, simulator and on-the-job phases. Canonical: https://www.atcpracticetest.com/nav-canada/training/ Site guide: https://www.atcpracticetest.com/llms.txt 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](https://www.navcanada.ca/en/air-traffic-control-selection-and-training.aspx). 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](/nav-canada/hiring-process/) guide. > **Independent site notice:** [ATCPracticeTest.com](https://www.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](/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: - [Air Traffic Control Selection and Training](https://www.navcanada.ca/en/air-traffic-control-selection-and-training.aspx) - [Careers in Aviation](https://www.navcanada.ca/en/careers-in-aviation.aspx) 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](/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](/nav-canada/area-controller/) and [on-the-job training](/nav-canada/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](/nav-canada/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: - [Air Traffic Control Selection and Training](https://www.navcanada.ca/en/air-traffic-control-selection-and-training.aspx) - [Air Traffic Controller Careers](https://www.navcanada.ca/en/careers/air-traffic-controller.aspx) - [Careers in Aviation](https://www.navcanada.ca/en/careers-in-aviation.aspx) Your offer and trainee communications control your actual course dates, location and pay. ## Sources - [NAV CANADA - Air Traffic Control Selection and Training](https://www.navcanada.ca/en/air-traffic-control-selection-and-training.aspx) - [NAV CANADA - Air Traffic Controller careers](https://www.navcanada.ca/en/careers/air-traffic-controller.aspx) - [NAV CANADA - Careers in Aviation](https://www.navcanada.ca/en/careers-in-aviation.aspx) - [NAV CANADA - FAQ for Job Seekers](https://www.navcanada.ca/en/careers/faq-for-job-seekers.aspx) ## Related guides - [NAV CANADA hiring process](/nav-canada/hiring-process/) - [NAV CANADA salary](/nav-canada/salary/) - [NAV CANADA ATC requirements](/nav-canada/requirements/) - [NAV CANADA basic training](/nav-canada/basic-training/) - [NAV CANADA on-the-job training](/nav-canada/on-the-job-training/)