A person who wants to work as an air traffic controller in many countries must first pass an aptitude test. An aviation regulatory authority agency usually administers this test, and anyone preparing to take the air traffic controller test should be familiar with industry rules and procedures. In addition, the exam usually includes questions designed to assess the candidate’s intelligence quotient (IQ). Some people study IQ tests and enroll in air traffic controller training programs to prepare for these exams.
IQ questions are included in many books and training materials sold by businesses and educational institutions. While studying these materials will not significantly improve an individual’s IQ, many people believe that familiarizing themselves with test materials will help them improve their scores. To pass the test, an individual must achieve a specific score on the IQ portion of the exam; therefore, raising this score by a few points may be sufficient to pass the test.
Air traffic controllers must coordinate the movement of a large number of planes in a small amount of time. To perform the calculations required to ensure that airplanes do not collide while in the air or on the ground, controllers must have a strong understanding of both mathematics and physics. Many people who sit for the air traffic controller exam have completed mathematics or science-related degree programs, while others have completed aerospace engineering degree programs that prepare them to work in the airline industry. Short-term mathematics courses at community colleges can help people who lack such academic credentials prepare for the air traffic controller test. Some people also purchase mathematics and physics textbooks and study them without the assistance of a tutor or enrolling in a formal training program.
Many companies sell study guides to help people prepare for the air traffic controller exam. Textbooks, computer software programs, and compact discs containing recorded lectures are all examples of these materials. Regulatory information is also included in the training guides so that exam candidates are familiar with the rules regarding landing procedures and safety concerns. Some companies also host air traffic controller test preparation seminars, during which licensed controllers or regulatory agents educate attendees on the types of topics that are likely to appear on the exam.
In some countries, the air traffic controller exam also includes simulations in which candidates are given fictitious aircraft to manage. Private companies occasionally run simulation machines that the general public can use for a fee. Although the simulations used in the machine may differ from those used in the actual exam, some people find that getting some hands-on experience with the job before taking the exam is beneficial.