How to become an air traffic controller in the UK: the honest guide
Eligibility, the NATS online tests and assessment centres, training at college, and what trainee and qualified controllers are paid in the UK.
The short answer
Most UK controllers train with NATS. You need to be 18 or over, have the right to work in the UK, 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and Maths, and pass security clearance and a Class 3 medical. Selection is online tests, then assessment centres. Training starts with 12 to 18 months at college on a starting package of about £34,600, rising to about £50,000–£56,000 once fully qualified (NATS figures, 2026).
Air traffic control is one of the few well-paid careers in the UK where you don’t need a degree and you’re paid while you train. It’s also hard to get into. Here’s how it works, using the figures NATS published for 2026.
Who you’d work for
NATS runs the UK’s en-route control centres (Swanwick and Prestwick) and the towers at many major airports. It’s the biggest employer of controllers in the country and runs its own training. Some airports use other providers, which recruit separately.
Can you apply?
NATS asks that you:
- Are 18 or over when you apply.
- Have an indefinite, unrestricted right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship).
- Have 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (or Scottish National 5s at A–C) including English and Maths, or equivalent.
- Can pass security clearance (SC level) and a Class 3 medical.
No aviation experience needed.
Selection, stage by stage
- Online ability tests: spatial awareness, logical thinking, numbers, sense of direction and reaction speed. You get 14 days to complete them.
- Situational judgement and listening tests, also online.
- Assessment centre (online): interview, ATC knowledge test, and a supervised retest of the earlier tests.
- Second assessment centre: a practical exercise and a second knowledge test, online or in person.
Then a conditional offer, subject to medical and security clearance. Recruitment opens in campaigns, so check the NATS site and register your interest.
Want to see what the tests feel like? Try our 10 practice questions.
Training
You start at college, at NATS in Whiteley (Hampshire) or a partner centre in Cheltenham, with theory and simulator training. Most college training takes 12 to 18 months. Then you’re posted to an operational unit, which could be anywhere in the UK, and train on live traffic until you validate and get your full licence.
Pay (NATS, 2026)
| Stage | Package |
|---|---|
| College | about £34,600 (£25,500 salary + accommodation allowance) |
| Unit training | about £37,500–£42,800 |
| Qualified controller | about £50,500–£56,200, depending on unit |
Plus a pension, 28 days’ leave and bonuses during training. Pay grows with experience and the unit you work at.
The honest bit
- You’ll move. Controllers are posted where they’re needed.
- Not everyone validates. Training is demanding and some trainees don’t finish.
- Shifts. Nights, weekends, Christmas. The sky doesn’t close.