Get Immediate Access to the Most Accurate ATSA Test Prep [2021]

Memory Game 1 - Numbers and Differences

This subtest begins with a number (1-9) appearing onscreen for two seconds. Another number quickly follows. Using the number pad, type in the difference between these two numbers. After you type in your answer, a third number will appear. Now, determine the difference between the last number shown on the screen and this new number that has popped up on the screen. 

Tip: The most difficult part of this "easy" subtest is confusing the last number shown with the last answer you gave. For example, if the game shows '5' then '7', the first answer will be '2'. Then, if the screen shows a '4', your answer should be '3' (the difference between '7' and '4'), and not '2' (the difference between '4' and '2'). 

See for yourself a sample from our infinite memory practice test, when a question mark shows you type a digit and get an immediate response:

Memory Game 2 - Variables

This subtest 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?

Tip: Find the best way to remember the numbers appearing and disappearing on the screen. Some candidates 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 parts of your body.

Spatial/Visual Relationship

On this subtest, 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, and a text box stating "right" or "left."

In the first section of this subtest, your point of view should be the point of view of the big plane (imagine you are sitting in it, looking at the small plane). In the second section, an eye may appear sometimes, changing your point of view to the eye's point of view.

In all questions, you will have to determine if the text box ("left" or "right") is correct or wrong, answering YES or NO.

For example:

If from the viewpoint of the big plane the small plane is on the left, and the text box says “left" you should answer YES. However, if the eye is present, your point of view is now the eye’s point of view and you should answer NO because changing the point of view has reversed the directions and now the statement in the text box is incorrect.

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.

ATC Test Simulation - Collision Avoidance and Math

This subtest contains 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 the number of one of them. In the second part, while avoiding collisions, you need to simultaneously answer basic math questions.

In the PrepPack™ you will find an accurate ATC radar simulation that mimics the actual ATSA simulation. The practice simulation is random, creating an infinite amount of collision scenarios. 

Here's a glimpse from our pack: 

Important Tip: On the ATC Simulation, you must prioritize your tasks, like a real ATC Specialist. For example, it is obviously more important to avoid collisions than to answer 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.

Word Problems - Logical Reasoning

This subtest contains approximately 15 questions that must be answered in around 20 minutes. You will be penalized for not answering all the questions.

Tip: In "seating arrangement" questions, where you need to sort or arrange a group of people/objects, these are the two most effective solving techniques:

1. Drawing a chart/table/seating arrangement and filling it according to the rules
2. Eliminating answer choices according to the rules

Sometimes, using both techniques together is helpful or even necessary. Try it for yourself:

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)?

A. Day 1: inventor, gardener, historian Day 2: jeweler, locksmith, optician

B. Day 1: mailman, florist, gardener Day 2: optician, jeweler, inventor

C. Day 1: jeweler, optician, gardener Day 2: inventor, florist, historian

D. Day 1: inventor, historian, jeweler Day 2: optician, mailman, locksmith

E. Day 1: historian, optician, locksmith Day 2: mailman, jeweler, inventor

Personality Test

This subtest has 108 questions. 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 is a sample from our complete personality study guide:

Reading Comprehension

This subtest contains 18 questions that must be answered in 15 minutes. You are presented with six paragraphs, each followed by three questions. Questions may ask you to determine the main point of the paragraph or which statement is true. Try it for yourself (the explanation will show when you choose the correct answer):

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?

A) Subsidizing cultural activities leads to economic growth.
B) The "happiness factor" effect on the economy is still unclear.
C) Economic development contributes to the establishment of the arts.
D) The "happiness factor" focuses on the influence of talented artistic people on the economy.