r/ATC_Hiring

I’m just curious the people that got BQ or WQ. How did u do on the radar sim. How many collisions did you have and how important are the math questions?

I am previous experience bid, I got my list and my dream location was on there obviously I placed it as my top choice. Now, my 2nd choice seems to have more need as far as staffing. How many people lately have gotten their number 1 choice? It’s staffing the only factor when it comes to deciding what to give me?

Basically the title.

I am in my late 20’s.

From what I understand, the ATC role is quite niche, with the main career path being accepted in to ATC school in your country.

What are my options if I am unable to get in? Am I unable to become an ATC?

Hello! I’m currently in college and realized that I would rather work in ATC. I’ve always loved airports, planes and that kind of stuff ever since I was young. I had the dream of being a commercial pilot but I’ve kinda put it on the back burner. I’ve looked around on the FAA website and read Reddit posts by others, but I have no damn clue how to even get started in this. I don’t know where, how, or who to apply to— what training looks like in full, or what to expect in general.

Like I said, I’ve read a few things— but I’m unsure of where to even begin when going on this journey. Any advice about how to even start with this would be lovely. What I know is that sign up windows are brief and hard to catch, but maybe I’m wrong.

Thanks so much! ✈️

I am 18 years old and I just graduated high school. The past 4 years I have been interested in two different careers: air traffic control and data science. I have had a really tough time picking between the two. I feel like I would really enjoy and be good at both. This year, I have still continued to struggle between the two. Air traffic control will obviously be better financially than going to college, but it is a much tougher job. Data science isn't as good financially because it makes slightly less and requires college tuition, but it's less stress and I could have more time to spend with family. So I've really been struggling on making a decision. I believe I would enjoy both, but it just figuring out which is better for me.

Right now, I have talked to my family and I am going to go to college for 1 year for data science, and then after that first year I am going to re-assess and figure out it I want to switch over to air traffic control, or if I am enjoying data science, stay in college to work towards my degree. I have won a lot of scholarship money, so my total cost of college isn't bad at all compared to a lot of people.

The question I have for you guys here is what are the current steps for me to become an air traffic controller through the Academy in OKC? Is the current rule still you need a high school diploma and either 1 year of postsecondary education or 1 year of full-time work experience? Or has that changed? After my first year in college I am good to apply? And would I still apply through USAJOBS? How does that work?

I would also love to hear any advice you guys have for me. Outside of taking a tour at the Indy ATC building, I haven't really had any opportunities to talk to any controllers. I would really appreciate any and all advice.

If anyone is wondering the TOLs for WQ should be coming out July 13th, I just got off the phone with them and I did test WQ, so to anyone wondering…there ya go! Happy to be on this journey 🫡

I was curious if anyone who went through the application process was colorblind or knew how strict having “normal color vision” was for the medical exam. I have red-green color blindness but I would consider it pretty mild. I’m currently a remote pilot operator for a TRACON facility and I haven’t had any issues with the colors on the radar displays. I’ve heard some talks about alternate options you can take for certain parts of the medical exam and I was curious if that applies to colorblindness as well. I’d just like to know if I’d have a good shot if I move forward.

I get out at the end of 27 and am curious about the direct hire process. I have a CTO and have ratings at 3 towers (2 deployed locations 1 stateside). If I try to direct hire to an up/down facility how marketable are my tower ratings? Also the facilities i’m looking at are “projected” 100%+ manning, do I have a shot direct hiring there? From what i’ve heard I just call the ATM and have a conversation with him/her about applying. Any advice is appreciated!

I’m part of the Spring 2026 bid (BQ), did my MMPI, SF-86, and drug test.

I have a past ADD diagnosis, and they told me to find a psychologist for the required evaluation. Before I spend around $4,000, I’m trying to figure out whether there’s any way to request or declare a location early because I really want to stay in Southern California. The possibility of going through this whole process and getting assigned somewhere in the middle of nowhere scares me.

Is a geographic restriction or early location request possible?

Hey so I’m required to take the MMPI exam. I’m also required to schedule the appointment myself by reaching out to the proctors. I live in the Miami area and have had no luck with the two proctors closest to me. I have reached out via phone and email, no response on either. I have also emailed ATC about my situation. Can I do anything else?

Has anyone else only received an EODS login with 4 onboarding forms after accepting their FAA ATC TOL? I keep seeing people say they got a lot more forms. Is this normal, or should I be concerned that something is missing?

Has anyone received any communication after sending back the signed TOL and getting the confirmation email?

I'm worried I might have missed it in spam or accidentally deleted it. On the FAA Application Status site, it says:

"You've accepted your tentative offer letter! Keep an eye out for pre-employment forms and clearance instructions."

It's been like this for a few weeks with no updates. I'm leaning towards it just being normal government slow movement. But I just want to make sure if my case is isolated or if everyone else is waiting too.

Any like Private or Commercial/Instrument Pilot here transition to ATC? and if so how hard/easy was the training? Was anything similiar?

Anything to know about certifying for atc at mfr and what’s best to study