ATSA Test Prep- Complete Guide and Practice for the FAA ATC Exam [2025]
Last updated: Nov 10th, 2025
The Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) is the gateway to becoming an Air Traffic Controller for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)—a highly competitive and demanding process that requires precision, focus, and strong cognitive skills.
With thousands of applicants each year, achieving a top score on the ATSA is crucial to securing a Tentative Offer Letter (TOL) and moving ahead in the FAA hiring process.
To help you stand out, JobTestPrep has developed a comprehensive, fully updated ATSA PrepPack™, designed to mirror the actual FAA exam and strengthen each of the skills assessed on test day.
Updated 2025 ATSA Test Practice | Trusted by over 11,400 ATSA Candidates
What Is the ATSA Test?
The Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) is a 3.5-hour exam created by a company called Pearson, and taken at Pearson Professional Centers (PPCs) across the U.S. It is usually scheduled 2–3 months after applying to the FAA. It measures key cognitive abilities like memory, spatial awareness, logic, and multitasking—skills every successful Air Traffic Controller needs.
In the US, the ATSA is a key stage in the process of becoming an Air Traffic Controller.
ATSA Scoring
The FAA selects candidates with the highest ATSA scores → so simply passing isn’t enough.
Results are divided into four score groups:
Only those in the top tier typically receive a Tentative Offer Letter (TOL), with slight preference given to Pool 1 applicants (military veterans and CTI graduates).
The best way to ensure that you pass the ATSA exam, receive a TOL and advance to the next stage in the ATC hiring process, is to receive a Best Qualified Score.
Only an estimated 2.5-6% of the candidates pass the ATC test and receive a TOL. Based on a survey conducted among 135 ATSA test takers, practicing with our ATSA Test Prep improved candidates' chances to pass the ATSA exam and receive a TOL by approximately 45%.
ATSA Categories - Explanation and Examples
The ATSA contains seven test categories, all of which are covered extensively on our ATSA Prep Course, the most accurate on the market.
Let's explore the ATSA test categories. Click a category to jump to the corresponding section.
ATC Simulation and Visual-Spatial Relationship
The first two question categories are similar in that they don't require knowledge but rather soft skills, which are crucial for passing your ATC training.
These include:
- Set-shifting and multitasking
- Spatial orientation
- Performance under pressure
Let's go over these test categories one by one:
ATC Simulation
This Air Traffic Controller Test is an ATC simulation consisting of two parts:
- During the first part, the screen displays a map, with numbered balls flying in from off the screen. You must eliminate balls before they are about to collide by typing in one of their numbers (see image below)
- In the second part, while avoiding collisions, you are required to simultaneously answer basic math problems.
Tip
You must prioritize your tasks on the Air Traffic Controller Simulation, like a real ATC Specialist. For example, avoiding collisions is obviously more important than answering a math question. Many candidates state that they got a high score on the ATSA, even when they answered a very small percentage of the math questions.
Spatial-Visual Relationship
On this test, you need to quickly determine the location of two airplanes in relation to each other. You are shown an image with two airplanes, one large and one small airplane, and a text box stating "right" or "left."
*Source - JobTestPrep's ATSA Practice Test)
- For the first half of the test, imagine you are sitting in the big airplane and answer yes or no, depending on whether the small airplane is on your right or left.
- In the second half of the test, an eye may appear occasionally, meaning you now have to answer the question from the eye's point of view.
Tip
When the eye appears, it's usually looking at the big plane, and this point of view causes the reversal of directions from the big plane’s point of view. You can use this trick to answer quickly before you run out of time.
The image will change very quickly- about every 1-2 seconds. To keep up with this pace you have to make sure you are "in the zone" before starting this section, so use the practice test offered at the beginning of this section to warm up. In addition, our ATSA Test Prep includes highly similar ATC practice tests to improve your speed.
Memory Games
Memory is considered particularly important for the job of Air Traffic Controller, and as such represents a soft skill that deserves two distinct categories: Numbers & Differences, and Variables.
Together, these games evaluate your:
- Working memory
- Short-term memory
- Response time
Let's review the ATSA memory sections:
ATSA Memory Game 1 - Numbers and Differences
This ATSA aptitude test begins with a number (1-9) appearing onscreen for two seconds. Another number quickly follows. Using the number pad, you need to type in the difference between these two numbers. After you type in your answer, a third number will appear. Now, you'll have to determine the difference between the last number shown on the screen and this new number shown.
Here is a sample from our memory ATSA practice test, closely similar to the actual test:
*Source - JobTestPrep's ATSA Test Prep
For each answer typed in, immediate feedback is provided. Additionally, a full report with the success rate score appears at the end, so you can track how well you improve.
Tip
A primary challenge of this air traffic control test is maintaining concentration throughout its high pace. In our full ATSA practice course is an additional ATC memory test without immediate feedback, so that it feels exactly like the actual test.
Another challenge is confusing the last number shown with your last answer, especially since the test keeps running quite quickly. For this reason, try to ignore your answer and mentally repeat the last digit at all times.
ATSA Memory Game 2 - Variables
This aptitude test question consists of three progressively harder sections, each containing 10 questions. The first section flashes multiple letters that each equal a different number (i.e. A=1). Next, you will see on the screen the same letters, albeit this time randomized. Your task is to fill in the number to match the letter.
The second section consists of equations, such as A=B+2, B=1, and therefore A=3. This section uses only addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In the third section, you are presented with two variable equations.
Try it for yourself, can you quickly answer what number each variable represents?
*Source - JobTestPrep's ATSA Practice Test- Memory (from the full ATSA Test Prep)
Tip
Find the best way to remember the numbers appearing and disappearing on the screen. Some test takers like to whisper to themselves the number and letter as they see them. Some use physical methods to remember the variables, like using your fingers or other parts of your body.
Logical Reasoning, Personality, and Reading Comprehension
The remaining three ATSA Test categories are closer to what you might expect from typical pre-employment aptitude exams.
They aim to ascertain candidates' abilities in:
- Deductive Reasoning
- Understanding, drawing conclusions, and implementing written information
- Character and personality traits
Let's take a look at these test sections:
ATSA Logical Reasoning - Word Problems
This aptitude test consists of approximately 18 questions that must be answered within 20 minutes. You will not be able to go back to previous questions and will be penalized for not answering all the questions.
This section includes word problems and seating arrangements, in which you need to sort or arrange a group of people/objects according to given constraints. These tend to be very challenging, especially since you only have a short time to solve them, and no pen and paper.
These questions require you to derive placements that necessarily follow from a set of rules. This type of reasoning is called deductive, and it is applied frequently in daily ATC work.
ATSA Sample Question - Logical Reasoning
For a two-day career event at a local high-school class, exactly six out of eight parents with different occupations - florist, gardener, historian, inventor, jeweler, locksmith, mailman, and optician - are chosen to introduce their occupations to the class. On each day exactly three different parents will speak to the class in three different time slots - morning, mid-day and afternoon, subject to the following conditions:
- The florist can only speak on day 2.
- The gardener and the locksmith cannot speak in mid-day.
- If the gardener speaks on day 1, then the optician and the jeweler speak on day 2.
- The inventor and the mailman will not speak on the same day.
- If both the inventor and the locksmith are speaking, then the inventor speaks sometime before the locksmith.
Which one of the following could be a complete and accurate schedule of the two-day careers event (in order of appearance)?
Tip
The two most effective solving techniques when dealing with sitting arrangements:
- Picturing a seating arrangement and filling it according to the rules.
- Eliminating answer choices according to the rules.
Sometimes, using both techniques together is helpful or even necessary.
ATSA Personality Test
This subtest has 108 questions, it is untimed and should take about 15-20 minutes to complete. You are given a list of three statements, and you must determine which of the three is most like you and which is least like you.
Here are example questions:
ATSA Reading Comprehension
This aptitude test contains 18 questions that must be answered in 20 minutes. You are presented with six paragraphs, each followed by three questions. Questions may ask you to determine the paragraph's main point or which statement is true. Try it for yourself (the explanation will show when you choose the correct answer):
ATSA Sample Question- Reading Comprehension
Experts agree that arts and culture are an important part of the economy, but the precise relationship is complicated. The main question is does investment in the arts stimulate growth, or are the arts the product of economic development? It would seem that the case for continued arts funding is clear-cut—enjoying the arts (visiting art galleries and theatres) boosts the economy. Yet some argue that the link between arts investment and economic output is tenuous. Researchers today are exploring a different angle of this relationship. They are trying to understand how the subjective value of the arts—the 'happiness factor'—may translate into economic benefits. According to the “happiness factor” hypothesis, when a place develops a critical mass of arts and vibrancy it tends to attract talented people which, in turn, tends to raise income.
Which of the following assumptions can definitely be made based on the above paragraph?
JobTestPrep's ATSA Prep Course
Accurate and Comprehensive Preparation
Our course is designed to maximize advancement in the abilities measured by the exam in the shortest time possible.
We constantly update our course content and platform based on fresh customer feedback.
Here is some of what our learners have said:
I don’t know anyone who has used jobtestprep.com and not moved forward in the process. There probably are people who don’t, but I’d recommend it
Source: r/ATC_Hiring
"Exactly like the test!"
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December 2024
Great guide
"Great guide that prepared me for my exam. The practice scenarios were identical to that of the real thing. I got a great score!"
Rita R.
August 2024
I took the ATSA using JobTestPrep and around a week of studying. The test was very similar to JTP. The simulation is easier on the real ATSA but still very similar.
Source: r/ATC_Hiring
Worth every penny
"I am very happy with my purchase [...] JobTestPrep is almost identical to the exam the sections may look different, but they are very similar. If you're wanting to get some practice before the exam, I highly recommend JobTestPrep."
Marc S.
Verified Purchase
August 13, 2024
I think JobTestPrep is pretty close with the number memorization, spacial awareness, and ATC simulation and it can help you develop useful strategies.
Source: r/ATC_Hiring
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August 2024
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July 2024
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Source: r/ATC
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Source: PointSixtyFive
How to Study for the ATC Test? 5 Tips
- Start preparing a long enough time before the ATSA test date. Most ATC candidates who practice with our preparation take at least a month to prepare, and most wish they had more time.
- Many questions on the ATSA test are unique and will not be found in any other test. To best prepare for it, it is highly recommended to practice full-length ATSA practice tests.
- Since the ATSA result depends on how well you do on all test sections, it is highly recommended to first go over all test sections and identify the parts that are most difficult for you and can be most improved.
- Even If you finish all the practice tests on a specific subject, repeated practice is extremely beneficial for ATC candidates in improving speed and accuracy.
- When completing ATSA practice tests, it's best not to use pen and paper to get the same experience as the ATSA test.
On the ATSA test day, you are allowed a total of 30 minutes of break time throughout the Air Traffic Control test. We recommend planning your breaks before the test, leaving room for adjustments at the time of the test, depending on mental fatigue.
Air Traffic Skills Assessment FAQ
Every year the FAA publishes new opening for the air traffic control trainee position that are open to all US citizens under 30. The announcement can be found on https://www.usajobs.gov/.
With no preparation at all, the Air Traffic Skills Assessment can be very difficult. You may think that because the ATSA is an aptitude assessment, you don't need to practice for it, but this can't be farther from the truth.
Before your upcoming test, get as much information as you can about the test and try to practice using ATSA practice tests that are most similar to the actual test (computerized and similar in their format and difficulty level).
The ATSA test is exactly 2 hours and 49 minutes long, plus 30 minutes of break time, which can also be divided into smaller breaks.
The ATSA test scores are divided into 4 groups – Best Qualified, Well Qualified, Qualified, or Not Referred. Your goal is to score high on this challenging test and get a Best Qualified score, optimizing your chances of getting a TOL.
It can take about a month after the ATSA test to get a referral status (either “Referred” or “Not Referred”). After that, if you scored high enough you can get a TOL (Tentative Offer Letter) about 3 months after taking the test. If your score is not quite good, you are put on a waiting list.
In short, yes. Pool 1 candidates are looked at first, meaning they may get referred and eventually hired, even though they scored lower on the ATC test. That means that if you’re an OTS candidate (Off the Streets), it’s better you score very high on the ATSA.
You can take the AT SA exam as many times as you want, but only once per application period.
It's important to remember that your ATSA test results are valid for three years after taking the test. However, if you feel you can do better on it, you can reapply when the next announcement publishes and take the test again. It is even recommended, especially if you did not get a "Best Qualified" score.
If you cannot make it to your Air Traffic Skills Assessment appointment, you're required to reschedule or cancel it at least 48 hours before the scheduled test date.
The Air Traffic Control (ATC) simulation is one subtest of the ATSA test. It is a game of collision avoidance and basic math questions. You are shown a screen with numbered dots coming in from all angles and your job is to prevent the dots from colliding. When you identify which dots are going to collide, you can press the number of one of the dots, making it disappear, thus preventing the collision.
The ATC simulation test involves different difficulty levels, while in the end the speed of the dots is very high, and you must answer math questions while trying to avoid the collisions. It is considered one of the most difficult parts of the Air Traffic Skills Assessment.
The Air Traffic Controller test does not cost anything for the applicant. However, you should consider travel costs, as sometimes you will need to drive a long way to get to the closest assessment center. The FAA does not reimburse travel costs.
Yes*, the ATSA test is usually done at Pearson Professional Centers (PPCs)** around the country. To find the closest Pearson testing center, write your address here.
Sometimes testing centers get full, so you want to schedule the test soon after getting the exam invitation email. And make sure you choose a date that fits best. In some cases, you will need to drive a few hours or even fly to the nearest testing center, so take that into consideration.
*In 2020, the AT SA exam was conducted in the candidates' homes, because of Covid-19 restrictions.
**In the past, the aptitude test was taken in PSI centers.
Pearson VUE is the official vendor of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the ATSA test and operates its testing system. If your application on USAJobs goes through, you will get an email from Pearson VUE inviting you to schedule a test date to take the ATSA test.
For more official information about Pearson VUE and Pearson Professional Centers (PPCs), visit this link.
In the past, pool 2 candidates were required to complete and pass the BioQ biographical assessment. Since July 2018 and following a lawsuit about the validity of the assessment, the biographical assessment is no longer relevant for any pool candidates.
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Yedidya, Aviation Industry Expert
Hi, I'm Yedidya. I have an academic background in occupational psychology and testing, and I serve as the aviation industry expert on the JobTestPrep team.
Got any questions? Feel free to email me.
