The selection process is rigorous and designed to assess the core competencies required to be a flight services professional. The competencies that we assess ensure that we select candidates who have the best chance of success through training.
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 our eligibility 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 flight services, 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 flight services.
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. 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 for flight information services begins with an initial flight information course, where students are taught basic meteorology theory, local weather effects and pre-flight and enroute services.
Training for airport advisory services begins with an initial course that combines classroom knowledge training with simulation in a generic airspace.
Upon completion of the initial FIC course, students move into on-the-job training at one of our flight information centres, where they are paired with a certified flight service specialist who serves as an on-the-job instructor until students are certified to work independently.
Upon completion of the initial AAS course, students move into on-job training at one of our flight service units, where they are paired with a certified flight service specialist who will serve as an on-job instructor until students are certified to work independently.
Total duration of training: 14 to 17 months.
Salary range for a certified flight service specialist (FIC): $96,157 to $122,619 per annum*
*These rates reflect the 2026 union pay range under the current collective agreement.
In addition to the base salary, flight service specialists can receive premiums based on location, holidays, shifts, and more.
Total duration of training: 8 to 11 months.
Salary range for a certified flight service specialist (AAS): $80,859 to $123,784 per annum*
*These rates reflect the 2026 union pay range under the current collective agreement.
In addition to the base salary, flight service specialists can receive premiums based on location, holidays, shifts, and more.