Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative Program (AT-CTI)

Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Is the program offered near my city?
2. Should I select a two year or four year program?
3. What are the requirements I need to meet to become an air traffic controller in addition to completing a program from an approved AT-CTI?
4. What is the difference between going to a school that offers a certificate program and one that offers an associate's or bachelor's degree program?
5. What is the hire rate for new graduates?
6. Will the AT-CTI Program and degree train me to be an air traffic controller?
7. Can you recommend an AT-CTI School to attend?
8. Are there AT-CTI Schools that are more successful than others?
9. If I want to take Air Traffic Controller classes, how do I apply?
10. How do I apply for FAA School and how much does it cost?
11. Is there an AT-CTI School I can attend online?
12. Is there a school that offers Air Traffic Certification?
13. Does FAA provide tuition assistance for the AT-CTI program?
14. Why do I need a recommendation from my AT-CTI school?
15. Are AT-CTI graduates guaranteed employment with FAA?
16. Do I need to take the AT-SAT if I have completed an AT-CTI Program?

1. Is the program offered near my city?

   Currently there are 36 schools located throughout the US and Puerto Rico. You will need to review the list of approved partner schools to find the one closest to you.

   There are points of contact listed for each school who can give you specific information about their programs. Additionally, there are links to each institution's web site.

2. Should I select a two year or four year program?

   That decision is totally up to each individual. It is your preference as to the type of degree you want to obtain. You should consider a degree that gives you flexibility in the marketplace should you decide not to, or you do not qualify to become an Air Traffic Controller. If you are interested in aviation, we encourage you look at a degree that offers you broad appeal for future employers. There are many jobs available in the FAA other than an Air Traffic Controller Specialist (ATCS) as well as in the aviation community.

   Understand that CTI schools do not train you to become an Air Traffic Control Specialist per se. They offer an aviation education that includes FAA mandatory and approved curriculum in their degree programs which qualifies them as a CTI Partner. Graduating with an approved degree from a CTI school is only one part of the requirements to become an ATCS.

3. What are the requirements I need to meet to become an air traffic controller in addition to completing a program from an approved AT-CTI?

   In addition to completing your program, you will need to meet these other requirements:

   • You MUST be a United States citizen and, if required, be registered for the selective service.
   • You MUST receive an official school recommendation. Each school determines its criteria for recommendation to the FAA. It could include grade point average, attendance, and/or a Capstone project or test.
   • You MUST be under age 31, in most cases, prior to appointment (offered a job as an air traffic controller).
   • You MUST pass a rigorous medical examination.
   • You MUST successfully pass both a background and security investigation.
   • You MUST achieve a score of at least 70 on the FAA (ATSAT) pre-employment test.
   • You MUST successfully complete an interview to determine whether you possess the personal characteristics necessary to perform air traffic control work and that you speak English clearly enough to be understood.
   • You MUST speak English clearly enough for others to understand you over radios, intercoms, and similar communications equipment.

4. What is the difference between going to a school that offers a certificate program and one that offers an associate's or bachelor's degree program?

   Certificate programs are NOT included in the AT-CTI program. Individuals with certificates in aviation related fields cannot apply under the CTI program job announcements.

   The type of college program you enroll in is entirely based on your goals and preferences. Degree programs are based on the amount of knowledge you will acquire about in given area of study. Some jobs require a certificate. These are usually reserved for career entry where there is not a specific college degree for the knowledge required by the employer. As for associate versus bachelor degrees, again, this depends on what your future employer may require as a minimum, and what will make you competitive with other applicants.

   Of course there are other considerations you will want to take into account including financial obligations.

   The bottom line is to choose a program that will make you competitive in an aviation field and that you can use if you are not hired as an air traffic controller.

5. What is the hire rate for new graduates?

   The FAA staffs to traffic, matching the number of air traffic controllers at its facilities with traffic volume and workload. The new hire rate is determined strictly by the number of controllers we need in any given year. This number may vary due to many factors including the economy, mandatory retirement, etc. According to our projections, which can be found in the Controller Workforce Plan (PDF), we are looking at hiring approximately 1000 new controllers per year for the next 10 years.

   The FAA can draw from a number of hiring sources including former military controllers, CTI graduates, and open announcements for the general public with no aviation experience required. The agency evaluates the size of the hiring pool(s) which is used to determine the rate of hire from the specific sources.

6. Will the AT-CTI Program and degree train me to be an air traffic controller?

   The CTI Program does not train you to be an air traffic controller. The degree programs offered by CTI approved institutions vary and are all aviation related. The only requirement is that institutions include the basics of aviation or air traffic within the curriculum required for the approved degree program. The subjects are fundamental to aviation and include aviation weather; airspace; clearances; reading maps; Federal Air Regulations, etc.

   Some institutions may offer degrees that are more air traffic control intensive, but this is not required by the FAA as part of the agreement with the institution to be included in the CTI Program.

7. Can you recommend an AT-CTI School to attend?

   The FAA cannot recommend any school specifically. All CTI institutions are treated equally for their primary purpose which is to include aviation fundamentals within the classes required for the approved degree. These fundamentals are necessary for almost any job in aviation. You should contact the schools that you are interested in and talk with them about the degrees they provide and how their students do after graduation.

8. Are there AT-CTI Schools that are more successful than others?

   Success is based primarily on the applicants and their abilities. The agreement between the FAA and approved institutions is that they include the fundamentals of aviation within classes that are part of their degree programs. These fundamentals are necessary for almost any job in aviation. Although there are some schools which offer degrees that include more intensive ATC curriculum, they do this as a service to their students. The FAA takes full responsibility for training all air traffic control students.

   All graduates from CTI approved institutions are treated equally when it comes to applying for a job as an air traffic controller under the CTI Vacancy Announcement. Success in getting hired is based on a candidate's application, experience, and most importantly, the score on the Air Traffic Skills and Training (ATSAT) aptitude test. All applicants must pass the aptitude test which is a measure of a candidate's aptitude to become a certified air traffic controller. Knowledge and college education have very little influence on the aptitude and test score.

9. If I want to take Air Traffic Controller classes, how do I apply?

   There are no air traffic controller classes specifically, if you mean that you are interested in becoming an air traffic controller. In order to apply for an air traffic controller under the "Collegiate Training Initiative Vacancy Announcement" you must have completed one of the degrees at an approved CTI institution.

10. How do I apply for FAA School and how much does it cost?

    The only way to attend FAA training is to apply and be selected for a job. The FAA trains all newly hired air traffic controllers at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. This training takes place after a candidate is offered and accepts a job offer. All new controllers are selected from applications under the various Vacancy Announcements. Once selected, there is no cost for the training; as a matter of fact, you get paid during your training.

    The FAA CTI Program enables graduates with specific degrees from approved institutions to apply for air traffic controller vacancies. The cost varies by institution and degree type.

11. Is there an AT-CTI School I can attend online?

    CTI Schools are accredited colleges and universities. Under the CTI Program, the FAA recognizes the "Aeronautical / Aviation Degree" from partner schools. Some colleges and universities offer some of their general education courses online, but we are not aware of any institution that allows you to complete the entire degree that is part of the CTI Program online.

    Due to the nature of air traffic control, it is beneficial to have the one-on-one experience and to understand the teamwork involved in the occupation. Additionally, many schools include hands-on and simulation sessions that do not lend themselves to an online experience.

12. Is there a school that offers Air Traffic Certification?

    The FAA is the only body that provides certification for air traffic controllers. Even military controllers must be certified by the FAA if they want to become controllers outside of their military duty.

13. Does FAA provide tuition assistance for the AT-CTI program?

    No. You must pay to attend the college or university. For tuition assistance, contact the financial aid office at the partner school you want to attend. They will tell you about financial aid programs, scholarships, and grants.

14. Why do I need a recommendation from my AT-CTI school?

    An official school recommendation from your AT-CTI school tells us that you satisfied all academic requirements and that we can consider you for employment. If you do not get a school recommendation, you will not be eligible for selection under the CTI vacancy announcements.

15. Are AT-CTI graduates guaranteed employment with FAA?

    No. The FAA hopes to employ all eligible AT-CTI graduates but cannot guarantee that all will be hired. There is no guarantee that graduates from CTI programs will be hired by the FAA as air traffic controllers. Even after being hired, graduates must successfully complete all ATC training requirements to become certified professional controllers (CPC).

16. Do I need to take the AT-SAT if I have completed an AT-CTI Program?

    The Air Traffic Selection and Training (AT-SAT) is a pre-employment test that indicates your aptitude to become a successful air traffic controller. It is an eight-hour, computer-based exam applicants take as part of the application process.

    • You may take the test if you meet specific AT-CTI course requirements.
    • Your test score is valid for three years from your graduation date.
    • You may not retake the test if you receive a passing score of 70 and above.
    • If you do not pass the test after two tries, you may not retake the test under the AT-CTI program

General AT-CTI Information