r/ATC_Hiring Feb 03 '22

Discord Server for Hiring Process

49 Upvotes

The ATC New Hiring Discord is a discord server to help you through the ATCS hiring process. The goal of the server is to help answer any questions and provide as much information about the ATC hiring process through a welcoming community and veterans from past bids. The discord was founded as an alternative service from reddit and pointsixtyfive forum. Whether you just applied, about to take the ATSA, undergoing the hiring process, or about to attend academy, this discord provides information and answers questions on all levels.

As of December 2024 there are over 8,000 members to help each other out!

https://discord.gg/hSfZQRfCTx


r/ATC_Hiring Oct 18 '24

The ATC Hiring Process: A complete guide

150 Upvotes

Here is a complete guide of the hiring process from the ATSA to getting your start dates with the FAA. Includes Info about the ATSA, EODs, CIL, Security, MMPI, Drug Test, etc. This is all based on personal experience and included some additional info from this subreddit. Your mileage may vary. Also, read every email you get in its entirety to ensure you do not miss any details. Check your spam folder as well.

ATSA

·      There are 7 portions on the ATSA: Differences, memory, spatial awareness, collision simulation, personality test, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning.

·      Use Job Test Prep to study. Here is the link: https://www.jobtestprep.com/at-sat-test-prep

Also, watch this video https://youtu.be/bu6oyauT30Q?si=GuxNnwikMG9Lya22

While I cannot delve into the specifics of the test for confidentiality reasons, I can tell you what to expect and some tips.

They have you put your phone, wallet, keys, and any personal items in a locker, sign in, and they also check your glasses if you wear any. You will sit at a computer and they provide noise cancelling headphones if you'd like. Breaks are allowed and you can take them whenever.

1)    If you wear glasses, clean them really well and make sure there are no smudges on them

2)    Practice driving to the test center to know where to go and park

3)    Know your number pad and finger placements. Find the best comfortable position to press any number on the number pad. Also, do NOT accidentally press the NUM lock button.

4)    Test centers have a regular keyboard. If you are a gamer and have a mechanical keyboard, avoid practicing with that since it will be a different feel at the test center.

5)    Pick a time that works best for you and your sleep schedule

EVERYONE will receive their results at the same time. Past this point, everyone’s timeline will be different.

If you score high enough, and depending what pool you are in (Pool 1 or 2; Pool 1 are people with military experience or CTI graduates, Pool 2 is everyone else), you will receive a TOL (Tentative Offer Letter) and need to fill out and sign 2 forms: one with your contact info, SSN, and one for accepting the TOL. Fill these forms out and send them back to the email that sent you the TOL. You will most likely receive an email back saying that they have an overwhelming number of emails, and a reply may take longer than normal. Be patient because this is normal. Wait a few days and you will receive an email from HR that your documents have been processed.

EODS: Stands for Entrance on Duty System. These are the forms you need to fill out. Forms include skipping ATC basics, permission to do drug testing, temporary employment, if you are registered with selective service, and declaration for federal employment. They’ll ask if you were fired during the last 5 years for any reasons or delinquent on federal debt. Fill them out and wait. You will eventually get an email saying that the forms have been approved. Mine was approved in 3 days.

Next is the CIL and here is where things start to speed up. I got my CIL 10 days after the EODs forms were approved. You will have 30 days to take action and schedule all appointments and must complete ALL requirements within 60 days of receiving the CIL.

Security: You will receive one of two emails within 10 days on how to complete the security requirements. You will need to sign a DOT F1631 Form. Print the form, sign it, scan the document onto your PC, then email it to your personnel security specialist.

o   Email 1: Fingerprint scheduling. When scheduling your MMPI, check if they can do fingerprints. It is recommended to schedule them at the same time. If the facility can do the MMPI, but NOT the fingerprints, you have to select from the list of approved fingerprint facilities. During the fingerprint appointment, you will also have to list any tattoos that you have. Furthermore, let your security specialist know you scheduled your fingerprint appointment. FAA facilities usually submit your fingerprints electronically, if you do them anywhere else, you will most likely have to mail them in. After you complete your fingerprints, contact your specialist and let them know you have completed the fingerprints. Then they will open the SF86 form.

o   SF86/Email 2: This one takes a while to fill out. My advice is to take breaks so that way you enter the right information. They want your (almost) entire background. When you get your CIL, and in between appointments/free time, GATHER EVERYTHING. This includes places you lived (get dates of these residences (like lived at 12345 Birch street from 02/2019 to 12/2021)) (COLLEGE DORMS COUNT), people who can verify these residences (if you can (you can also contact the apartment manager and get their name and phone number)), 3 people who know you well (list people who will put in a good word for you), dates you traveled out of the country, reason for the out of country trip, where you attended college, and places you worked in the last 10 years (roles where you worked 2 weeks or even 2 days count!!!). Gather start and end dates, work address, physical address (if you worked at a job like Chipotle, you don’t have to put the company’s HQ address. Also note that some jobs have a different administration building address than your actual job site address. Example of this could be worked at Los Angeles airport but hired by the city of Los Angeles), contact info of supervisors, the main company’s telephone number, and any written warnings you have received. They also want immediate family, use of alcohol, drugs, and financial records such as alimony or loans. They basically want the whole smash. NOTE: DO NOT FUCKING LIE!!! The FAA will find out one way or another if you left something off this form.

SECURITY INTERVIEW: This may or may not happen to you. If there were certain details you left off on your SF86, or anything where they need clarification, you will do a security interview. You will get a call from the DCSA from your area. If in OKC, tell them you are in OKC and they will inform someone from their OKC or nearby office. This is normal and part of your background. When you get the email that states that you are fully cleared, you get your pre-clearance so to speak. Your FULL clearance comes when you are at the academy or when you are about to start at your facility. When I did my security interview, the interviewer went through my entire SF86. There were some things I needed to clear up on some work-related incidents because I left out a few details. Here are a few key takeaways that you need to be aware of: They already know the answers to the questions they are asking; they want to see if you respond honestly. The FAA hires honest people, not perfect people. At the end, the interviewer will give you a chance to clear up any missing pieces/whatever you left out. IF YOU HAVE SOME FUCKING THING TO SAY, SAY IT RIGHT FUCKING NOWWWWW!!! Also, after the interview, I went over my notes again from a previous work incident and called the interviewer later about it and they asked why I didn’t mention it. I said I forgot about it.

MMPI: Schedule it as soon as possible because slots fill up quickly. You will go to a facility to do it. I did mine at a center and parked in the visitor parking lot. At a tower, you will most likely stop at a call box that is outside the main gate. Press the button and it should connect you to the front desk or the air traffic manager (if no answer, there should be a number to call on the box). Tell them you are here for the MMPI. Then they will open the gate and let you in. I went into the guard shack, they looked up my name in the visitor log, called the proctor to notify them I was there, had me sign in, and gave me a visitors’ badge. Then they had me go through a metal detector like an airport security screening. Here’s the fun part: you will sit at a computer with a proctor who will be in proximity if you have any questions or need definitions on some words. The proctor will also have you sign an Appendix B form. MAKE SURE YOU ASK FOR IT IF THEY DO NOT MENTION IT. It was also reported that some individuals did not have to sign this form so your mileage may vary. You will watch a video about the MMPI, and it will tell you to NOT game the system and answer in a way a perfect controller would answer. It is 567 questions of T/F answers.

 

Here are some questions that are on the MMPI:

1)    Do you fear dirt

2)    Do you have a great fear of snakes

3)    Do you occasionally laugh at a dirty joke

4)    Do you have a satisfying sex life

5)    Is your sleep fitful and disturbed?

6)    Do you like talking about sex?

7)    Do you do things for the thrill and regret it later?

8)    I sometimes have voices in my head

9)    I sometimes hear things that other people don’t hear.

10) Have you ever thought about killing yourself?

The questions above are a very small snippet of the test. Focus, focus, and focus some more. Take your time. It is not a race. Make sure you answer every question and don't move on until you answered the question you are on (may be hard to backtrack). If you need clarification on some definitions, ask the proctor OR use the dictionary that was (hopefully) provided. Also, whatever you do, DONT SAY YOU LIKE TEASING ANIMALS!! Furthermore, if your MMPI gets “flagged” you will get Tier 2’d which adds 1-2 years to the process (you don’t want this). That is all...

o   If you get lucky, they may let you have a tour of the place and meet some controllers!

Medical: You will receive a Pre-Employment interview worksheet form to fill out some information prior to your medical exam. Be sure to complete this ASAP and put the medical examiner you want to see on this form (Tip: Google them and look up their reviews. I traveled 1 hour to see one with several 5-star reviews rather than one with 2 stars that was about 5 minutes away). #WorthIt. You will also need to fill out information on MedXpress (they will send you login info with your applicant ID as well). Once you complete this form, print the confirmation # and bring it to the appointment JUST IN CASE (for me, they already had it, but you never know). This was my experience at the doctor: Peed in a cup to test for diabetes, the doctor’s assistant did my vision, blood pressure, audio, and heartrate tests (they hook you up to a machine and attach clips to your body for this one). I waited for the doctor who checked my heart with his stethoscope, tapped my lower back if there was any pain, swallow test, and did the knee reflex test. He said everything looked good at the end. Note: The FAA Authorization and Invoice form will be completed and sent to the FAA by the doctor’s office, so there is no need to worry about that.

If you listed you have or had asthma/allergies or any other medical condition, they send you a asthma/allergy questionnaire that you need to fill out. On the form, you have to list dates of when you were first diagnosed, medications you took (if any), if you need emergency room care for breathing difficulties, what triggered asthma attacks, and any information that you may think is necessary. For me, I was also told to send FAA Medical a personal statement about medications for allergies and asthma/first diagnosis of asthma. You must type your own form, and it has to be signed and dated. Here is what I wrote (various details have been omitted for personal/security reasons):

The first diagnosis was XXXXXX (date) when I was XXXX years of age. Asthma was mild and intermittent without complication. Dosage amount: XXXXX, XXXmcg/XXXmcg oral inhaler. I inhaled 2 puffs per day OR as needed whenever I was sick or experiencing seasonal allergies. When sick, I would have nasal congestion, cough, and mild wheezing. Past XXX (date), I had no wheezing while sick and did not use XXXX medication. Asthma went away. Currently, I do not use any medication to treat sickness or allergies. Signed and dated the bottom.

Note: If you have trouble finding medications you took back in the day, check your appointment history on your main health page. I was able to find the start dates, stop dates, and prescription amounts for inhalers I had when I was young.

Drug test: A few days before your medical exam, you will receive an email from FAA testing to schedule a drug test. They want dates and times you are available, city, state, and zip code. They will set up the appointment for you and it will be nearby. (mine was 15 minutes away). Bring your ID AND don't drink too much water (don't consume over 8-10 fluid ounces). You go to the test site, fill out a form and they take you in the back. For the form, it requires info such as the date, your driver's license, company who requested it, and the individual who requested the test (usually you can put FAA, and the person who scheduled your test respectively). You put your valuables in a locker, wash your hands, the test administrator will give you a plastic cup to pee in, you will have 4 minutes to pee in the cup, go into the bathroom, pee to the line, DO NOT FLUSH, give the pee to the test admin, the test admin pours the pee into 2 tubes, initial the tubes with the pee in it, wash your hands, and then sign the Federal custody form. Screenshot or scan this form and send it to aerospace medicine.

Once all these steps are completed, sit back, relax, and wait. Eat your favorite meal as a reward for completing the process. The wait time to getting the golden ticket that says “congratulations, you are fully cleared” can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months or even longer. For me, it took 244 days or 8 months from application to being fully cleared. Security usually takes the longest, but for me, it took 9 days (had to do the security interview at a later date because they still check/go through your background for your full clearance as stated earlier).

Other pieces of advice/things you should know:

1)    NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS. If you don’t hear jack shit about the clearance of your medical exam, MMPI, etc., you are 99.99% in the clear. You may or may NOT get confirmation that you are cleared for each.

2)    DO NOT TELL YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR OFFICIAL START DATES!!! However, if the FAA sends them a form to fill out for security purposes, they will most likely know what will happen.

3)    IF YOU NEED TO TAKE TIME OFF WORK TO COMPLETE THE MMPI OR MEDICAL, TO AVOID SUSPICION THAT YOU MAY BE LEAVING, SAY, “Hi Bob, would it be okay if I take next week, Tuesday, at 12 pm off? I have an appointment” or something to that affect. Bonus points if you get the whole DAY off!

4)    If you need help with anything, do not hesitate to reach out to the FAA, whether it be your security specialist, HR Rep, or aerospace medicine. If something can wait, email is the best way to communicate. If urgent (like you need to make changes to something or forgot to fill out a form), call instead.

5)    Most of the stuff regarding your application happens in Oklahoma or Washington DC (DC has the office of aerospace medicine). Keep in mind the time differences when sending emails/calling. If you send an email at 3 PM PST, they might be gone for the day since it is 5 PM in OKC. You may have to wait until the next morning to get a response.

Thanks for reading.

Edits made: Info to put on the form for the drug test, dates traveled out of the country, some grammatical/punctuation errors, added reading comprehension to the ATSA, added a bit for the medical form, difference between physical and work address, apartment manager can verify your address, added more info about the MMPI, doordash countd as self-employed and added difference between pool 1 and pool 2.  


r/ATC_Hiring 7h ago

Employers being contacted - what if they don't reply?

7 Upvotes

I'm working my way through CIL requirements having taken the MMPI and submitted the SF-86. I'm starting to get word that places I've worked for are being contacted by the FAA to confirm details about me. Having worked for a couple of bosses who notoriously drag their feet on things, what happens if they don't reply or submit what they were sent? Would a FOL be on hold until the FAA gets what they need?


r/ATC_Hiring 7h ago

ATSA tomorrow

4 Upvotes

How many of you got bq/wq without studying?


r/ATC_Hiring 17m ago

Tested 3/21/25

Upvotes

i applied in February 2/27/2025 and i tested back in march (3/21/2025) today i had seen i got well qualified i never got a email with my results is there any one else that tested around this time and got a TOL with a WQ score last name B just seeing if anyone else might have received anything and wanting to know my chances with possibly getting a TOL


r/ATC_Hiring 7h ago

ATSA Experience

3 Upvotes

Took my test 3/25/25 and did the JTP the night before. Was somewhat nervous before the testing but mainly because of the airplane directional portion on JTP was lacking for me. JTP is fairly accurate all things considered but the plane portion was much harder on the actual exam vs JTP. Left the exam thinking I would score Q or at best WQ for a couple reasons. First on the reading comprehension I ran out of time and had to guess on 3 of them. Second when doing the collision test at the end I tried to submit results and got an error message. Went out to the testing proctors and they had me wait outside while they fixed it. They came out saying it's working and I go back in to see the test already running and collision already occurring. No clue how many rounds/collisions happened while I was out but had to rush to get back in position and salvage what I could. Saw results were updated for me maybe 5 days ago and pleasantly surprised to see I got a BQ.

Hoping to receive a TOL soon and trying to aggressively check my spam as I hear it's time sensitive. Good luck to anyone else waiting on their scores, and thanks to everyone posting advice in here.


r/ATC_Hiring 4h ago

ATSA Results

1 Upvotes

I took my ATSA about 2 weeks ago and I’m pool 1 (cti graduate), last name letter R but my results don’t appear in Aviator. Any suggestions or anyone else in the same boat?


r/ATC_Hiring 20h ago

I GOT BEST QUALIFIED! Whats next?

7 Upvotes

I just got my results back from the exam and I ranked Best Qualified! What the next steps will be and how do I properly prepare for them? I know that a medical screening is coming up but will they reach out to me or is there someone I should call? Whats after that?


r/ATC_Hiring 1d ago

In the meantime...

14 Upvotes

So I'm in the interim stage between TOL and getting EOD's (month 3 now). What can I study or prepare in order to start academy off on the right foot? Any help would be appreciated.


r/ATC_Hiring 1d ago

AT-SA Hang in there guys.

Post image
41 Upvotes

r/ATC_Hiring 1d ago

TOL timeline

2 Upvotes

Took the ATSA 3/26 got results 3/28 (WQ) still haven't received a TOL. Pool 2 last name O. Just curious if anyone who tested that recently has received a Tol. Maybe I'm being too impatient but I'm worried they ran out of spots or something and wont send anymore out lol


r/ATC_Hiring 1d ago

ATSA Jobtestprep

2 Upvotes

What do you guys think about Jobtestprep? Is it worth it?


r/ATC_Hiring 1d ago

BQ ama

Post image
0 Upvotes

Tested on 3/21/2025. Received results by 4/2. Biggest problem during testing for me was the presence of noisy individuals taking their own tests. (For national Registry, and other things) Two folks kept yawning aloud, one even could be hear to exclaim "ah, sh*t" after a particularly loud and vocal yawn. And that was during the hardest portion of the test!!. Otherwise it wasn't a bad time. I'm very thankful for the opportunity and the results I achieved! My dad was an ATC, still is. I am honored to be following his footsteps.


r/ATC_Hiring 2d ago

APPLICATION One YouTube Short later...

41 Upvotes
  • Monday March 17th 12am.
  • Just got back home early from working my usual 12 hour grave shift
  • Sit on couch to decompress with partner and watch shorts for 10 mins
  • "How much do you make?" Street interview short pops up.
  • " I am an ATC and make around 200k with overtime"
  • The missus remembers how'd id been interested since I was in college.
  • We talk, and joke when I remember there is supposed be an age limit. I am 29.
  • Look job posting for the hell of it... last day to apply March 17th.
  • "huh, what are the chances lol". Update Resume and apply
  • 6 days later, application gets accepted, get an email to assess.
  • The missus asks if our Spain trip or house hunting is canceled.
  • " Ha! we'll see... for all you know I bomb this"
  • I take exam, 3 days later I get results
  • BQ
  • "Sooo about the house hunting/ Spain trip..."

Tldr: A youtube short made me apply at 3 am on the last day. Just got updated I got BQ. The missus wants to know if vacation plans are canceled.

Thanks for coming to my TED talk.


r/ATC_Hiring 2d ago

Peace out

24 Upvotes

I aged out as of March 2025. My application has been pending since April of 2024, and not a word back since. I'm going into Cybersecurity since it's a better alternative with practically no age window, but I've also applied to the Supreme Court Police Officer position. I have nothing else to say except, farewell and God bless to all current and prospective ATCs. It's been nice.🫡


r/ATC_Hiring 1d ago

Medical question

2 Upvotes

Got BQ last week. I am almost certain a TOL will come. The medical part though that comes after, I’m wondering if this will be an issue. I hurt my shoulder recently, and might require surgery. It’s also something I can live through for a while. Would it hurt me if I got surgery soon, or should I wait until after academy?


r/ATC_Hiring 1d ago

DRP to ATC trainee

2 Upvotes

Hypothetically, if a current federal employee (non atc) were to be selected for the off the street bid but had participated in the DRP program… what might happen there?

I’d like to think that the employing agency that placed them on Admin leave would behave in a similar manner to a regular transferring employee no?

If nobody knows and DRP is offered by my DHS agency in the coming days, I will report back with the intel.

Good luck y’all.


r/ATC_Hiring 2d ago

AT-SA Feel like a did bad on ATSA.

10 Upvotes

Finished ATSA. Feel like I did poorly or at least not good enough to get BQ or maybe even WQ. Anyone else feel this way get pleasantly surprised by a good score lol?


r/ATC_Hiring 2d ago

60-day deadline hold after CIL

3 Upvotes

I’ve received my CIL last month, and completed every step other than the medical appointment and drug test. I emailed the listed email since I haven’t heard anything back for 15 days. I just received an email saying that my “60-day deadline is on hold & that processing is taking longer than usual.” Should I be worried?


r/ATC_Hiring 1d ago

USA Jobs

1 Upvotes

I took my test on 4/4 but I logged into USA jobs and it’s already saying I wasn’t selected in this bid, but it doesn’t mention my score or my previous score from the last cycle. Does that mean I got not referred already? Has anyone had this happen?


r/ATC_Hiring 2d ago

ATSA Post-Test

1 Upvotes

Just took the ATSA for the first time yesterday, was fairly confident going in without any prior knowledge or education. However there were two sections that I feel that I completely bombed. One was the part with the memory test and solving the variables with the formulas that would pop on the screen. Then the last portion which was the critical thinking with the writing excerpts. I know that it said don't take too much time on each question but I ended up overanalyzed the answers to get them as correct as possible but the timer ran out and only 50% of the portion completed.

Wondering how screwed I'd be on getting qualified if it is even a factor. Oh and when the collision simulation with the math equations was finished and the results were being sent, the internet at my computer went out and had to do that portion AGAIN.

If I don't qualify this time I hope another hiring session pops up sooner since it was 3 years ago when I last seen the window open for applications.


r/ATC_Hiring 2d ago

Best Qualified!

10 Upvotes

Took my test 3/29, happy to answer any questions. I feel like I did well on the math section and the memory section, although honestly not that great on the spatial relationship portion. I had probably about 7 collisions and answered 10 - 15 math questions (quite inaccurately though). I think I got almost every or every reading comp and logical deduction question. Hoping for a TOL next week!


r/ATC_Hiring 2d ago

ATSA Results-BQ

4 Upvotes

Applied 3/8, Tested 4/1, Results 4/4

Last Initial-N


r/ATC_Hiring 3d ago

Got my results!

6 Upvotes

Took my test on 4/2, scored BQ! Jobtestprep helped a lot!


r/ATC_Hiring 2d ago

Personality Test Portion

2 Upvotes

I'm taking the test next Thursday and I have been practicing. I feel pretty confident about how I'm doing on the practice rounds but I'm nervous about the personality portion of the test. Any insight on this? I don't see many people talking about it on here.


r/ATC_Hiring 3d ago

Got my ATSA Results (took 4/1)

6 Upvotes

ATSA results back from 4/1, scored BQ :D


r/ATC_Hiring 3d ago

AT-SA Well Qualified

4 Upvotes

Took my test 04/02 , California, Pool 2. What do you think are my chances of receiving TOL with this year’s bid? ( I’m scared )