Requirements

How to Become an Air Traffic Controller in 2025: Requirements and Key Qualifications

A career as an air traffic controller is the dream job for so many people! The path to this profession is an exciting one, full of challenges and opportunities. Due to the high demands and the large number of applicants, the national air traffic control service providers have established strict minimum requirements for potential candidates. While the requirements are broadly similar around the world, there are differences in certain areas, such as language skills and maximum age limits.

Educational Requirements

The majority of air navigation service providers (ANSPs) require applicants to hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent qualification. Although a university degree is not mandatory, applicants with higher educational qualifications may be given priority during the selection process. Applicants are often able to apply before they have finished school, and then start their training straight away.

Language Requirements

English is the global language of aviation. Proficiency in this language is essential for communicating with pilots and colleagues. Fluency in both written and spoken English is a core requirement for this role. For many air navigation service providers, proficiency in the local language is advantageous and may even be a prerequisite.

Physical and Medical Requirements

General physical and mental health is required. This includes vision requirements, normally 20/20 vision is required, but this can be corrected with glasses. Colour vision disorders, such as red-green blindness, are common reasons for exclusion.

Applicants must undergo an audiometric examination to prove they have sufficient hearing ability for radio communication. Given the mental demands of the role, applicants undergo psychological assessments to evaluate stress tolerance, cognitive resilience and decision-making under pressure.

Age Requirements

The minimum age to start training is usually 18. Applicants may be permitted to commence the assessment process shortly before reaching the age of 18, provided they meet the minimum age at the start of the training programme. The maximum age is often limited and therefore depends on the policies of the air navigation service provider.

Minimum Age for Assessment

1. Some providers allow applications before turning 18

Minimum Age for Training Start

1. 18 years to start the training course

Maximum Age

1. Varies by provider. For example: 24 years for DFS, 30 years in the USA

Personal Requirements

In addition to formal qualifications, certain personal skills are also crucial for success as an air traffic controller.

Situational Awareness

1. Air traffic controllers must manage multiple aircraft in 3-dimensional space, taking into account potential collision conflicts, airspace structure, and weather conditions.

Communication

1. Good communication skills are essential. Instructions must be concise, unambiguous, and delivered in standard aviation phraseology to prevent misunderstandings.

Multitasking

1. Multitasking is essential. As well as being responsible for aircraft in their own airspace, air traffic controllers also have to respond to radio messages, monitor radar and coordinate flight movements with other controllers.

Decision Making

1. When in doubt, air traffic controllers have only seconds to make decisions that affect flight safety and the lives of hundreds of passengers. Making the right decisions under pressure is a key skill.

Teamwork

1. Air traffic controllers work closely with pilots, airport personnel and other controllers. Good teamwork and a collaborative mindset are required.

Psychological Requirements

Air traffic controllers must possess a high level of emotional stability and resilience. Routine mental health assessments form an integral part of the initial selection process and ongoing employment, ensuring the ability to perform effectively under pressure.

Background Check

Due to the high level of responsibility associated with the job, air traffic controllers must undergo background and security checks. A clean criminal record is mandatory for air traffic controllers to maintain the high standard of safety and trust required in aviation.

Serious offences such as fraud, drug offences or violent crimes will result in a licence not being issued.

In addition, passing a drug test is usually a prerequisite for employment.