How to Ace the NATS Aptitude Test and Become an Air Traffic Controller (2025)



Outside of the military, the NATS ATC trainee programme is the most efficient and financially prudent route to becoming an ATCO in the UK.

This is because NATS is the largest employer of air traffic controllers in the country, providing air traffic services to 15 UK airports (including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester), to the Civil Aviation Authority, and to various airlines.

This PrepPack includes aptitude tests covering:

Deductive thinking, inductive thinking, and monitoring ability

Spatial orientation and concentration

Working memory and reaction time 

NATS Air Traffic Controller Practice

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The PrepPack™ Includes Accurate Prep for the NATS Psychometric Tests: 

  • Monitoring Ability Test Practice
  • Ability to Concentrate Practice
  • Spatial Orientation Practice
  • Reaction Speed Practice
  • GridChallenge Test Practice
  • MotionChallenge Practice  New! 
  • English Language Skills
  • Logical Skills Practice- Inductive & Deductive Reasoning

Joining the NATS trainee ATCO programme requires you to undergo 3 stages of testing:

  • Stage 1  -  9 Psychometric Tests
  • Stage 2  -  2 Personality Tests
  • Stage 3  -  The NATS Assessment Centre

Failing one of these, you can only reapply after 12 months, and only three times in total.

This page covers the details of all three stages and provide NATS test practice questions.

Full, comprehensive practice for many of the assessments is available on our NATS Test PrepPack


Yedidya, Aviation Industry Assessments Expert at JobTestPrep

Hi, I’m Yedidya Lixenberg. With a background in psychology and expertise in psychometric and aptitude testing, I help candidates succeed in complex aviation industry recruitment processes through accurate simulations and clear guidance. Have a question? Contact me at:


Below you can learn about NATS Recruitment Process and try some Sample Questions


What Is the NATS Test?

The NATS (National Air Traffic Service) aptitude test is, in fact, a series of assessments taken at three distinct stages during the NATS hiring process. They include cognitive assessments, personality tests, and interviews.

Candidates who complete all three stages are granted admission to the NATS Air Traffic Control college-based training programme at Fareham College.

Passing the NATS ATC course will guarantee you work as an aerodrome, approach, or area controller either at one of the airports served by NATS or at the ATC centres in Swanwick or Prestwick.

NATS Air Traffic Controller Recruitment Process

You must pass 3 different stages, and fill in an online application form, during the NATS recruitment process. Failure in any of the stages means you will have to wait one year before you can reapply, and you cannot have more than three attempts in total. Note that there might be a waiting period of several months between each stage.

  • Online application
  • Stage 1: NATS Air Traffic Control Aptitude Tests
  • Stage 2: NATS Air Traffic Control Personality Tests
  • Stage 3: NATS Assessment Centre

NATS Online Application

Online application

This is the quickest part of the NATS hiring process, taking an average of 10-12 minutes to complete.

Firstly, you will have to upload a CV and cover letter. Make sure these are in line with the NATS values, primarily safety and efficiency. You will also be asked for biographic information such as previous work experience.

It’s important to note that prior knowledge of ATC is not mandatory. However, you must have five GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English and maths. You must be over 18 at the time of submission and have a licence to work in the UK.


NATS Aptitude

Stage 1 – NATS Aptitude Tests

This is the big one:

This stage comprises a series of 9 aptitude tests taken online from your own home. You will receive your invitation by email, and the entirety of the test battery will take approximately 75 minutes to complete. The tests are provided by Aon.

Why do NATS use these tests?

The NATS aptitude assessments focus on traits that can’t really be taught and are crucial for air traffic control work. These include spatial reasoning, attention and concentration, logical reasoning, reaction speed, and more.

Though these skills are innate, it is recommended to sharpen them before taking the test, thus ensuring that your performance reflects your true potential.


You can gain access to many more NATS practice questions, with full solutions and study guides, through our full NATS test PrepPack™.


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Stage 2 – NATS Personality Assessments

Like the cognitive assessment stage, you will receive a link to these tests via email, provided you have passed stage 1.

There are two questionnaires at this stage:

  • cut-e SJQ - a situational judgment test. You will be presented with work scenarios and asked which of a number of responses is most optimal.
  • SHL OPQ32 – a personality test. Though there are no right or wrong answers, strictly speaking, it is wise to highlight traits and attributes that reflect your professional persona. Remember, your interviewers at the NATS assessment centre will have access to your results and you may be asked to elaborate on your choices.

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Stage 3 – NATS Assessment Centre

Since Covid19, NATS hold virtual assessment days hosted by Microsoft Teams, where candidates alternate between public rooms and private rooms.

Here is what you can expect from your NATS assessment day:


NATS Aptitude Test Sample Questions


Access the Complete NATS PerpPack for Optimal Preparation

The pack includes 16 practice aptitude tests which cover seven out of nine psychometric assessments.