NAV CANADA uses a staged selection process for Air Traffic Services candidates. The exact path depends on the role, region, language requirements and the results of each stage.

This page focuses on the current public Air Traffic Control selection process. It does not treat NAV CANADA testing as interchangeable with the FAA ATSA or EUROCONTROL FEAST.

JobPracticeTests is independent and is not affiliated with NAV CANADA. The practice examples below are original and do not reproduce secure NAV CANADA assessment content.

Current selection sequence

NAV CANADA’s current Air Traffic Control selection page describes the following progression for eligible applicants.

1. Online assessment

Candidates who meet the initial eligibility requirements are invited to complete a timed online assessment.

NAV CANADA currently describes this stage as approximately 30 minutes. It is designed to assess abilities relevant to Air Traffic Services work.

The invitation and candidate portal control the exact deadline and technical instructions.

2. In-person testing

Candidates successful at the online stage may be invited to a full day of in-person testing.

NAV CANADA currently says this stage takes approximately six hours and evaluates abilities including:

  • memory;
  • working speed;
  • spatial visualisation;
  • thinking and reasoning;
  • attention;
  • information processing;
  • simple math.

Do not assume this is the same test battery as the FAA ATSA or FEAST simply because some underlying abilities overlap.

3. Pre-screening interview

NAV CANADA currently states that candidates successful at the in-person test complete a short 15-minute pre-screening interview on the same day.

This is a separate stage from the aptitude testing itself.

4. Assessment centre and later selection

Candidates who continue may be invited to an assessment centre and other selection steps. NAV CANADA’s current public process can include interview and language components depending on the position and region.

Successful selection does not remove later medical, security, licensing or training requirements.

Language requirements

NAV CANADA’s current Air Traffic Services careers information says candidates must be able to meet the required language standards for the region in which they apply.

English is used across regions, while bilingual or French requirements can apply in specific locations such as Quebec and the National Capital Region.

Follow the language requirements published for your application stream rather than assuming one national language standard covers every posting.

Retest and reapplication rules

NAV CANADA publishes stage-specific waiting periods rather than one universal retest rule.

Its current selection guidance identifies different waiting periods after unsuccessful stages. The exact rule that applies depends on where you exited the process, so use the current candidate portal or NAV CANADA selection page before reapplying.

Do not rely on an old article that gives one blanket waiting period for every stage.

Original ability practice

These examples practise general abilities named by NAV CANADA. They are not NAV CANADA questions.

Question 1: working memory

Read once: A7 - K2 - M8 - D5.

Which pair appeared second?

A. A7
B. K2
C. M8
D. D5

Answer: B. K2 was second.

Question 2: simple math

A task begins at 13:35 and lasts 50 minutes. When does it end?

A. 14:15
B. 14:20
C. 14:25
D. 14:35

Answer: C. Fifty minutes after 13:35 is 14:25.

Question 3: information processing

A rule says: “If both Signal A and Signal B are active, respond to A first unless B is marked PRIORITY.”

Both are active and B is marked PRIORITY. Which should be handled first?

A. Signal A
B. Signal B
C. Neither
D. Either

Answer: B. The stated exception applies.

Question 4: spatial sequence

A marker rotates 90 degrees clockwise each step: up, right, down, left, ?

A. Up
B. Right
C. Down
D. Left

Answer: A. The four-position rotation repeats.

How to prepare

  1. Confirm the exact role and region in your NAV CANADA application.
  2. Read the current candidate instructions for your stage.
  3. Practise the underlying abilities named by NAV CANADA rather than memorising unofficial simulations.
  4. Train accuracy first, then add time pressure.
  5. Practise sustained concentration before a full-day in-person session.
  6. Prepare truthful examples for later interview stages.
  7. Recheck the current reapplication rule if you are returning after an unsuccessful attempt.
System Current public selection anchor
NAV CANADA Online assessment, six-hour in-person testing and later selection stages
FAA ATSA administered through Pearson VUE inside the FAA hiring process
FEAST FEAST I cognitive + English, FEAST II work samples and optional FEAST III personality depending on the ANSP

Use Air Traffic Controller Aptitude Tests for the cross-system comparison.

Official source

The current NAV CANADA candidate instructions remain the authority for your live assessment, scheduling and reapplication rules.