The Credentialing Program implements the Administrator's direction for independent oversight of the ATO's personnel certification program, and it ensures that those performing direct safety-related air traffic control services and/or certify systems/subsystems/services maintain required skills. ATO must maintain the NAS at a safety level that is at least equal to the baseline, in compliance with current policies, processes, and procedures that are documented in orders, handbooks, and manuals.

• The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) established International Standards for the licensing of aviation personnel including air traffic controllers in Annex 1 — Personnel Licensing from the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
• FAA Order 1100.161 Air Traffic Safety Oversight, directed AOV to develop and maintain a Credentialing Program in accordance with ICAO Annex 1 to ensure that operational personnel have the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform their assigned functions.
• FAA Order 8000.90C Air Traffic Safety Oversight Credentialing and Control Tower Operator Certification Programs, sets forth how to issue and maintain credentials for ATO personnel.

General Information

• Governing Documents
  • Air Traffic Safety Oversight, FAA Order 1100.161
  • Air Traffic Safety Oversight Credentialing and Control Tower Operator Certification Programs, FAA Order 8000.90C
  • Certification and Rating Procedures for DoD Personnel, FAA Order 7220.1
• FY20 Year in Review (PDF) – AOV Credentialing and Control Tower Operator Programs
• Program Frequently Asked Question (PDF)

AOV Credentials

• AOV Credentialing Online System
  • On-Line Login (Accessible in MyFAA)
  • Credentialing System Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• Air Traffic Control Specialist
  • FAA Form 8000-44, ATCS Proficiency Manager Request Form
  • FAA Form 3120-25 (ATCS BSE Only) (PDF)
  • BSE Guidance (MS Word)
  • ATCS specific Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• Airway Transportation Systems Specialist
  • FAA Form 8000-45, ATSS Proficiency Manager Request Form
  • ATSS specific Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Control Tower Operation (CTO) Certificate

• Resources
  • AOV Policy Memo 14 CFR 65.35 and 65.39 (PDF)
  • CTO Information Pamphlet (PDF)
  • CTO-E Checklist (PDF)
  • CTO Study Guide (PDF)
  • Air Traffic Safety Oversight Credentialing and Control Tower Operator Certification Programs, FAA Order 8000.90C
  • Certification and Rating Procedures for DoD Personnel, FAA Order 7220.1
  • CTO Facility Rating Test Information (PDF)
  • Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers from 14 CFR Part 65
• Forms*
  • Airman Written Test Application, FAA Form 8080-3
  • Application for an Airman Certification and/or Rating, FAA Form 8400-3
  • Temporary Airman Certificate, FAA Form 8060-4
  • Notice of Disapproval of Application, Form 8060-5
  • * For instructions about completing forms, look in FAA Order 8000.90C, Appendix B
• CTO specific Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• To request a replacement CTO contact the Airmen's Certification Branch

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