AOV Credentialing and Control Tower Operator Certificate Programs

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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Last updated: Tuesday, July 11, 2023