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USA
Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Skills Assessment (AT-SA)
600 questions
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About this exam
The Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Skills Assessment (AT-SA) is a computer-based aptitude assessment used in the FAA hiring process for eligible air traffic control applicants. It evaluates abilities relevant to safe, efficient control work, such as attention, memory, spatial reasoning, prioritizing competing information, and decision-making under time pressure. The AT-SA is not an air traffic controller certification exam. Entry-level applicants generally do not need prior controller experience, but eligibility depends on the hiring pathway and vacancy announcement. Check the current USAJOBS posting and FAA instructions for requirements.
Candidates often ask about the AT-SA test format and what to study. The FAA does not publish a complete question-by-question syllabus, and the assessment emphasizes cognitive skills rather than memorized aviation rules. Prepare for timed computer-based tasks involving attention, tracking, recall, sequencing, and judgment, and follow your invitation for current format and testing logistics. Reviewing airspace classes, aircraft identification and flight data, radar tracking, and separation concepts can provide context for air traffic control scenarios, but these topics are not a guaranteed list of tested questions. Confirm year-specific details in official hiring materials.
How to prepare for the FAA AT-SA
- Read the current FAA vacancy announcement and assessment invitation carefully; use them to confirm eligibility, testing arrangements, and any instructions that apply to your hiring cycle.
- Build timed practice into your preparation for attention, memory, spatial reasoning, tracking, and prioritization. After each session, note whether errors came from rushing, losing track of information, or misunderstanding directions.
- Review basic airspace structure, aircraft identification and flight data, radar surveillance, and separation concepts for context. Focus on understanding information quickly rather than memorizing procedures as if the AT-SA were a technical certification exam.
FAQ
Who takes the FAA AT-SA?
Eligible applicants for FAA air traffic control positions may be invited to take the AT-SA as part of the hiring process. Eligibility and assessment steps vary by vacancy and hiring pathway, so consult the current USAJOBS announcement and FAA instructions.
What is the format of the FAA AT-SA?
The AT-SA is a computer-based assessment that evaluates skills relevant to air traffic control, including attention, memory, spatial reasoning, and handling competing information. The exact tasks and logistics should be confirmed in the instructions provided for your assessment.
What should I study for the FAA AT-SA?
Prepare for timed cognitive tasks such as tracking, recall, sequencing, and prioritization. Basic air traffic control topics—including airspace, aircraft identification, radar tracking, and separation—may help you understand the work, but the AT-SA is primarily an aptitude assessment, not a test of advanced controller procedures.