FAQs

What has changed about the new process?

The key elements that have changed are that there are now three stages to progress through – two online and one assessment centre.  The other key change is that you will have a limited time now in which to take the first two online stages. You need to be able to take each stage within 14 days, (28 days for the first two stages in total) You need to ensure that you take each stage of tests within 14 days or you will be rejected and won’t be able to apply again for 12 months.

How many stages are there in the new process?

In the new model there are three stages. The first two stages will be online and the third will be an assessment centre.

What can I expect to do at stage one?

At stage one you will take part in a battery of nine tests, hosted by our assessment partner Cut-e. The tests will assess skills such as spatial awareness, logical thinking and reaction speed.

What can I expect to do at stage two?

At stage two there will be two assessments. The first assessment is a Situation Judgement Test (SJT) hosted by our assessment partner Cut-e. The second assessment will be an Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ) hosted by our assessment partner SHL.

What can I expect to do at stage three?

At stage three you will take part in four activities. You will take part in an interview, a group exercise and two online tests – an Air Traffic Control knowledge test and a retest of the stage one tests.

Who do I contact if I have a problem with the stage 1 tests?

Cut-e can be contacted on NATS@cut-e.com.

I accidentally closed my browser while taking the tests, what do I do?

If you were part way through one of the nine assessments, then you will need to contact Cut-e on NATS@cut-e.com. If you have completed a test then you should just log back into the Candidate Zone in our applicant tracking system, ‘Kenexa Brassring’ and select ‘assessments’ from the drop down menu.  You can also access the tests from the link in your invite email.

Who do I contact if I have a problem with stage two tests?

SHL can be contacted on https://support.shl.com/candidate, web form or call using the number 44 (0) 3301003435.

What locations will you be holding the stage three assessment centres at?

We will be holding assessment centres at locations across the UK. When you are invited to attend, please ensure that you check the location that you are booking.

What preparation can I do for the online assessments at stage one?

There is no specific preparation that we advise for the online tests. We do advise that you ensure that you are in an environment where you can concentrate and are free from distractions.

What preparation can I do for the online assessments at stage two?

There is no specific preparation that we advise for the online tests. We do advise that you ensure that you are in an environment where you can concentrate and are free from distractions.

What preparation can I do for the Stage three assessment centre?

We would advise that you carry out usual interview preparation and also ensure that you have learned in full the ATC Knowledge test pre learning document as well.

How long do I have to take each stage of the assessment?

You need to make sure that from the point at which you apply, you can take stage one tests within 14 days and then take stage two tests within a further 14 days.

How long will each assessment take at stage one?

There are nine tests in the stage one battery of tests.  At stage one we recommend you set aside 1.5 hours to take the tests in one go. This includes time to read all of the instructions, take the practice tests and then the live tests.  Each of the nine tests lasts between 2 – 10 minutes. As long as you complete each individual test in full then once the results have been transmitted you can go back into the candidate zone and take further tests. You need to ensure that you take all nine tests within 14 days or you will be rejected and won’t be able to apply again for 12 months.

How long will each assessment take at stage two?

There are two tests that take place at stage two. We recommend that you allow 30 minutes for the first assessment (Situational Judgement test) and 30 minutes for the second assessment (Occupational Personality Questionnaire). This is only a guide and neither of these assessments is timed.

What if I don’t complete the assessment in the required time?

You have 14 days to take stage on and then if successful you have a further 14 days to take stage two. If you are not successful then you will be rejected from the process and can reapply in 12 months.

What is your security or medical requirements?

You will be required to pass a Class 3 medical and you will need to pass security clearance to SC level.

What devices can I take my tests on?

You will have the ability to take the tests on a laptop or tablet. We do advise that you are in an environment that is free from distractions.

What happens if I fail the tests?

If you fail any of the stages then you will be notified by email. You can then reapply 12 months from the date that you failed, up to a maximum of three attempts.