Transportation & Aviation
How to Become an Air Traffic Controller
To become an air traffic controller, you must be a U.S. citizen under 31 on the job announcement's closing date, meet the FAA's education or work-experience rule, pass the ATSA aptitude test, a medical exam and a security check, then complete paid training at the FAA Academy. Full certification at a facility usually takes 2 to 3 years after hire. The FAA path itself costs little, though an AT-CTI college degree adds tuition.
- Time to start
- 2–4 years from application to fully certified controller
- Typical cost
- $0–$1,000 via the open FAA path; tuition if you choose an AT-CTI degree
- Median pay
- $148,080 per year
- Education
- 1 year of work experience, a bachelor's degree, or an AT-CTI program
- License / certification
- FAA Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status
- Job outlook
- +2% (2025–35), slower than average
Steps to become an air traffic controller
Check the age and citizenship rules
You must be a U.S. citizen and under 31 on the closing date of the FAA job announcement. Controllers must retire at 56, which is why the entry age cap exists. Some former military and prior civilian controllers can qualify past the age cap.
Meet the education or experience rule
The FAA accepts one year of general work experience, a four-year bachelor's degree, a mix of college and work, or specialized aviation experience. Graduates of an FAA Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) school apply in a separate pool. Pick the route that fits your age and budget.
Apply on USAJOBS when the FAA opens a window
The FAA posts entry-level controller announcements on USAJOBS, often for only a short time. The 2026 announcement closed the same day after hitting its application cap. Create your USAJOBS profile and upload your resume and documents in advance.
Pass the ATSA
Qualified applicants are invited to take the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA), a computer-based aptitude test given at a testing center. It measures memory, spatial reasoning, multitasking and decision-making. You need a 'Best' or 'Well-Qualified' score to move forward.
Clear medical, psychological and security checks
After a tentative offer, you complete a comprehensive medical evaluation, a psychological assessment and a drug test. You also go through a background investigation for a Secret clearance. Be fully honest on every form.
Complete FAA Academy training
Most new hires train at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, with paid housing, food and travel allowances. Training lasts several weeks to a few months, depending on your track. Graduates of an Enhanced AT-CTI program can go straight to a facility instead.
Certify at your assigned facility
You must accept placement at any FAA facility in the country. There you train on the job as a developmental controller, position by position. Reaching Certified Professional Controller status usually takes 2 to 3 years, depending on the facility.
Find an AT-CTI or air traffic control program
An AT-CTI degree can shorten Academy training and put you in a separate applicant pool, but it does not guarantee a job, so check the FAA's current list of approved schools before you enroll.
- FAA AT-CTI associate degree (community or technical college)
- FAA AT-CTI bachelor's degree (university aviation program)
- Enhanced AT-CTI program (graduates can skip the FAA Academy)
- Military air traffic control training (Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines)
- ATSA test prep course
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How much it costs and how long it takes
| Expense | Low | High | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAJOBS application | $0 | $0 | |
| Travel to ATSA testing center | $0 | $500 | You pay your own travel to testing |
| ATSA practice materials (optional) | $0 | $150 | |
| FAA Academy training | $0 | $0 | Paid training with housing, food and travel allowances |
| Relocation to your assigned facility | $1,000 | $5,000 | Entry-level announcements offer no relocation reimbursement |
| AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree (optional) | $8,000 | $120,000 | Community college programs cost far less than four-year universities |
| Total | $9,000 | $125,650 | Timeline: 2–4 years from application to fully certified controller |
Exams and how to prepare
Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA)
FAA computer-based aptitude test measuring memory, math, spatial reasoning, multitasking, situational awareness and a work-style survey.
How to prepare: Practice mental math, memory and multitasking drills, and get good sleep before test day. Answer the personality section honestly and consistently.
FAA Academy performance verifications
Graded written tests and simulator problems during Academy training. You must pass to move to a facility.
How to prepare: Memorize phraseology and regulations early and practice scenarios with classmates every evening.
Facility certification checkouts
On-the-job evaluations for each position at your facility before you reach CPC status.
How to prepare: Study local procedures and maps, ask your trainers for honest feedback and review every session.
Prepare for the ATSA
The FAA uses your most recent ATSA score, so prepare before your first attempt instead of planning to retake.
- Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA)
- FAA Academy performance verifications
Air Traffic Controller salary and job outlook
Employment of air traffic controllers is projected to grow 2% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average, with about 2,100 openings each year, mostly to replace retiring controllers.
Printable PDF
Air Traffic Controller Career Kit: 90-Day Action Plan
- 90-day action plan with checkboxes
- Documents checklist
- 12 interview questions with tips
- Resume lines, common mistakes, 13-week tracker
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become an air traffic controller?
The hiring process takes several months, Academy training lasts several weeks to a few months, and facility certification usually takes 2 to 3 years. Plan on 2 to 4 years from application to fully certified controller.
What is the age limit to become an air traffic controller?
You must be under 31 on the closing date of the FAA job announcement. Controllers face mandatory retirement at 56. Some prior military and civilian controllers can qualify past the age cap.
Can you become an air traffic controller without a degree?
Yes. The FAA accepts one year of general work experience instead of a degree. A degree or AT-CTI program is another route, not a requirement.
How much does it cost to become an air traffic controller?
The direct FAA path costs little because Academy training is paid. Your main costs are travel to testing and relocation to your assigned facility. An AT-CTI degree adds tuition, from community college rates to four-year university prices.
What is the ATSA test?
The Air Traffic Skills Assessment is the FAA's aptitude test for controller applicants. It covers memory, math, spatial reasoning, multitasking and a personality-style survey. You need a 'Best' or 'Well-Qualified' result to be considered.
How much do air traffic controllers make?
BLS reports a median of $148,080 per year in May 2025. Pay during Academy training is much lower, and pay after certification depends on the facility's level and location.
Do I get to choose where I work?
Not at first. Entry-level hires must accept placement at any FAA facility, and declining it ends your employment offer. You can request transfers later.
What is the hardest part of becoming an air traffic controller?
Many trainees find facility certification the hardest stage. It takes years of evaluated on-the-job training, and not everyone certifies at their first facility. Rotating shifts and high-pressure work add to the challenge.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Air Traffic Controllers
- USAJOBS: FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee announcement (2026)
- FAA: Air Traffic Controllers career page
- FAA: Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI)
- FAA: Record air traffic controller trainee hiring
Requirements vary by state and employer and can change. Confirm details with the official sources above before you spend money on training.