The selection process is rigorous and designed to assess the core competencies required to be an air traffic control professional. The competencies we assess ensure we select candidates who have the best chance of success through training and on the job.
Please note that throughout the selection process, successfully passing one stage does not guarantee that a candidate will receive an invitation for additional testing. The description of each stage of the selection process below includes details on how long the test results remain valid and when applicants are eligible to reapply.
Before applying, potential candidates should take the time to review our website and learn about the different air traffic services career opportunities available at NAV CANADA.
Once familiar with the opportunities, candidates should ensure they meet all oureligibility requirements.
If any requirements are not met, the application will be screened out immediately.
Candidates must complete a basic online application through our Workday recruiting system found on the NAV CANADA Careers page and provide details including, but not limited to, academic and professional history.
Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements will receive an email invitation to complete an online assessment. There are no travel requirements for this assessment – it can be completed from wherever candidates access the internet. This online assessment is timed and should take approximately 30 minutes. This is the first assessment in the selection process and should be completed promptly in order to be considered for subsequent assessments. Candidates who are unsuccessful at this stage are eligible to reapply one (1) year after their testing date.
Tip: We recommend completing the online assessment on a desktop or laptop computer, not a phone or tablet.
In-person testing sessions are held in each region based on operational requirements. Candidates will receive a link to a training platform to help them prepare for the test. The tests are typically held at our area control centres and require one full day (approximately six hours) to complete. The tests evaluate core cognitive abilities required for successful careers in air traffic control, including memory, working speed, spatial visualization, thinking and reasoning, attention, information processing and simple math. Candidates who are successful at this test will be invited to complete a 15-minute pre-screening interview on the same day. Candidates who are unsuccessful at this stage will be eligible to reapply two (2) years after their testing date.
Half-day assessments are held in each region. These sessions are typically held at our area control centres and include various group and individual exercises as well as an interview designed to assess candidates’ skills, abilities and attitudes. Candidates who are applying for bilingual positions in the Montreal flight information region will complete a bilingual assessment centre session.
Candidates should be prepared to discuss their academic and work experience, as well as their interest in a career in air traffic control.
Candidates who are unsuccessful at this stage will be eligible to reapply three (3) years after their assessment date.
Applicants must be fluent in English for all regions. Applicants must be fluent in both English and French to work in the province of Quebec or in Ottawa. Candidates may need to undergo language testing to confirm they meet the language requirements. This testing is completed with a third-party company over the phone.
Selected candidates will receive an offer before the course start date. Prior to employment, candidates must meet all pre-employment conditions, including medical and licensing requirements, security clearance, and drug testing (including cannabis). Details and next steps will be communicated through Workday, NAV CANADA’s careers portal, and sent to candidates’ personal email accounts.
Training to become an air traffic controller at NAV CANADA requires a lot of hard work – but it’s worth it. In classrooms, high tech simulators, and on the job, you will learn complex information regarding air traffic management, safety, and much more. There's a steep learning curve, but we provide tools and resources to support you along the way, including a dedicated instructional team, peer support programs and cutting-edge technology.
In the section below, you will find information on what is involved in training for both area control centre and tower control careers, from training duration and schedules to work locations and compensation.
Training times may vary depending on the complexity of the course and location.
The first stage of training consists of classroom and simulator training. Students start by learning basic operational rules and phraseology.
The first stage of training consists of classroom and simulator training. Students start by learning basic operational rules and phraseology.
Upon successful completion of generic training, students training to be an area control centre controller will move on to a specialty-specific course. This training includes working with an enhanced simulator designed to replicate the airspace to which you will be assigned.
For students assigned to a complex tower location for on-the-job training, a complex tower course may be required, where students may complete some of their training in a simulator that closely represents the specific tower environment.
The final phase for all courses is on-the-job training, where students are paired with a licensed ACC controller who will serve as their on-the-job instructor.
The final phase for all courses is on-the-job training, where students are paired with a licensed tower controller who will serve as their on-the-job instructor.
Total duration of training: 20 to 27 months. Some training times may vary.
Salary range for a licensed ACC controller: $143,513 to 207,450 *
*These rates reflect the 2026 union pay range under the current collective agreement.
In addition to the base salary, area control centre controllers can receive premiums based on location, holidays, shifts, and more.
Total duration of training: 12 to 18 months. Some training times may vary.
Salary range for a licensed tower controller: $104,258 to 207,450*
*These rates reflect the 2026 union pay range under the current collective agreement.
In addition to the base salary, tower controllers can receive premiums based on location, holidays, shifts, and more.