Qualification Process
1. AT-CTI Database — AT-CTI schools send names of students enrolled in their AT-CTI program to FAA, Aviation Careers, AMH-300. There is an AT-CTI database of names for tracking purposes until graduation and recommendation.
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship — Students must complete and submit a citizenship paper proving United States citizenship after being identified to FAA by the AT-CTI school. Non-United States citizens may not test.
3. Pre-employment Test — After enrollment in an AT-CTI program, students take FAA’s authorized pre-employment test. This test determines an individual’s aptitude to become an air traffic control specialist. After achieving a qualifying score on FAA’s authorized pre-employment test, individuals are:
- Notified of their results
- Asked to complete several forms, including a geographic preference sheet and self-identity veterans' preference sheet
4. Employment Consideration — FAA bases employment consideration on:
- Successful completion of an FAA approved AT-CTI program
- An official school recommendation
- Basic qualification requirements which include:
- Meeting the minimum and maximum age limit
- A qualifying score on FAA’s authorized pre-employment test
5. School Recommendation — Candidates who do not receive a school recommendation will not be considered for this program. FAA removes their name from the AT-CTI database. Students/graduates only get recommendations once through the AT-CTI program.
6. Filling ATC Vacancies — To fill ATC vacancies, regions contact the Aviation Careers Division for a list of eligible graduates from the AT-CTI database.
7. Referral Lists — A graduate’s primary geographic preference determines the referral list. Category grouping (well-qualified/qualified) will be used when referring eligible graduates for employment consideration. Note: We only use second and third geographic preferences if there is an employment shortage in that location.
8. Pre-employment Clearing — Candidates considered for employment by the hiring region, will begin the pre-employment clearing process for:
- Suitability
- Medical
- Security
If selected by the agency, employees will attend FAA’s Academy in Oklahoma City for training.
9. Referred But Not Selected — Referred but not selected candidate’s names are returned to the AT-CTI database for future referral unless:
- The candidate's eligibility expires, or
- The candidate reaches age 31, or
- FAA selects the candidate.
10. Eligibility — Eligibility under this program:
- 2 years from the candidate's graduation date
- Is good until the candidate reaches the age of 31
- Expires if a candidate does not meet any basic qualification requirement (i.e., medical, security, or suitability)
- Expires if a candidate declines a position
- Expires when FAA selects a candidate
11. Failure to Meet Qualifications — Individuals may not reapply through this program if removed for failure to meet any qualification requirements or failure to receive recommendation from authorized school officials.
