ATSA Tests: 20 Important Facts you need to Know

By | July 17, 2023
ATSA Tests
You will need to pass the ATSA test if you are applying for the ATC Specialist job.

This article provides useful information about the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) test to boost your knowledge about the test.

It also presents valuable practice questions and answers to help you get familiar with the ATSA test, prepare well for it and pass it.

Please, read on:

What is ATSA Test and How Does it Work?

In the employment process for ATC Specialists, the ATSA test (Air Traffic Skills Assessment) is the first significant screening test.

The ATSA test, which replaced the earlier Air Traffic Selection and Training (AT-SAT) Exam, assesses your ability to perform as an air traffic controller (ATC).

The ATSA is a 3-hour test that consists of seven subtests in various formats.

Two memory games with basic math, verbal and logic thinking problems, a personality exam, a spatial reasoning test, and an actual air collision simulation are among the subtests.

The ATSA test preparation covers all 7 subtests, allowing you to practice effectively and pass the ATSA test with flying colors.

20 Important Facts about ATSA Test

Here are important facts about the ATSA test that you need to know to improve your chances of passing it:

  1. Variables 1

This subtest is divided into three sections, each of which contains ten questions. The first segment flashes a series of letters, each of which equals a different number (for example, A=1).

Following that, you’ll see the same letters on the screen, but this time they’ll be randomized.

It’s your job to match the number to the letter.

  1. Variables 2

Equations such as A=B+2, B=1, and so A=3 make up the second portion. Only addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are used in this section.

Two variable equations are provided in the third party.

  1. Spatial relationship

This subtest is broken down into three parts, each with 10 questions. The first segment displays a series of letters, each of which corresponds to a distinct number (for instance, A=1).

After then, you’ll see the same letters on the screen, but they’ll be randomized this time. It’s up to you to match the letter to the number.

  1. Visual relationship

The second section is made up of equations like A=B+2, B=1, and so on. In this part, just addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are employed.

The third section has two variable equations.

  1. ATC test simulation

There are two parts to this subtest. The first part of the game features a map on the screen with numbered balls flying in from the sides.

You must type in the number of one of the balls to eliminate them before they clash. In the second part, you must avoid collisions while still answering fundamental math questions.

An accurate ATC radar simulation that resembles the genuine ATSA simulation is included in the PrepPackTM.

Because the practice simulation is random, there is an infinite number of collision scenarios to choose from.

  1. Logical reasoning

This subtest consists of 15 questions that must be answered within 20 minutes. If you don’t answer all of the questions, you’ll be fined.

Tip: The two most effective solving approaches for “seating arrangement” questions, where you must sort or arrange a group of people/objects, are: drawing and filling a chart/table/seating arrangement according to the guidelines

Using the rules to eliminate answer options

Using both strategies at the same time can be beneficial or even necessary. Put it to the test.

  1. The question

Exactly six out of eight parents with various vocations – optician, gardener, florist, historian, jeweler, locksmith, inventor, and mailman,- are chosen to introduce their occupations to a local high school class during a two-day career event.

Three separate parents will speak to the class in three distinct time slots each day – morning, midday, and afternoon – subject to the following conditions:

  • The florist is only allowed to talk on the second day.
  • In the middle of the day, the gardener and the locksmith are unable to communicate.
  • If the gardener speaks on the first day, the optician and jeweler will speak on the second day.
  • The mailman and the inventor will not meet on the same day.
  • If both the inventors invent.
  1. Questions 2

Which of the following (in order of appearance) might constitute a complete and accurate itinerary of the two-day careers event?

A. The first day: inventor, gardener, and historian Day 2: a jeweler, a locksmith, and an optometrist

B. The first day: mailman, florist, and gardener Day 2: ophthalmologist, jeweler, and inventor

Day 1: jeweler, optometrist, and gardener Day 2: Inventors, Floral Designers, and Historians

D. The first day: inventor, historian, and jeweler Day two: optometrist, mailman, and locksmith

E. First day: historian, optometrist, and locksmith Day 2: postal worker, jeweler, and inventor

  1. Personality Assessment

There are 108 questions on this subtest. You’re given a list of three assertions and must choose which one is the most like you and which one is the least like you.

  1. Real testing methods

It involves real testing methods that feel like reality which would also improve your performance at a faster rate.

  1. Why the ATSA test?

The ATSA test is the first test in the hiring process. It came after the previous air traffic selection and preparation exam.

The test is usually performed to check out and assess the role of an air traffic controller.

  1. How long does the test last?

The ATSA test lasts exactly 2 hours and 49 minutes, with a 30-minute break that can be broken up into smaller chunks.

  1. Mini tests

Other mini-tests involved in it include memory games that primarily make use of basic maths, verbal and logic reasoning questions, a personality test, a spatial test on reasoning and actual real-life air collide simulation.

  1. Memory games

Memory game usually involves a number range of 1-9 that appear on the screen for dual seconds.

The method is quickly finding the difference between the two numbers, after that, another one will appear.

  1. What is the ATC simulation radar test?

The ATC simulation is one of the ATSA test’s subtests. It’s a collision avoidance game with some simple maths questions thrown in for good measure.

Your task is to keep the numbered dots from clashing on a screen with them coming in from all directions.

When you’ve determined which dots will clash, press the number of one of the dots to make it disappear, averting the collision.

  1. What does the ATC simulation radar test involve?

The ATC simulation test involves different difficulty levels, while in the end, the speed of the dots is very high, and you must answer math questions while trying to avoid the collisions.

  1. What skills are needed for an air traffic controller?

Air traffic controllers should have active listening and speaking skills, critical thinking, judgment and decision-making ability, and complex problem-solving talents, according to the FAA website.

Monitoring, coordination, reading comprehension, time management, social perceptiveness, service orientation, active learning, systems analysis, and writing abilities are also required of ATC professionals.

  1. Where do I apply for the test?

Every year, the FAA announces new air traffic control trainee positions, which are open to all US citizens under the age of 30.

  1. How long does it take to get the ATSA results?

A referral status (either “Referred” or “Not Referred”) can take up to a month after the ATSA test.

After that, assuming you performed well enough on the test, you should receive a TOL (Tentative Offer Letter) within 3 months of taking it.

If your score isn’t good enough, you’ll be placed on a waiting list.

  1. What is the best-qualified score?

The ATSA test results are classified into four categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, Qualified, and Not Referred.

Your objective is to achieve a Best Qualified score, which will increase your chances of receiving a TOL.

ATSA Test Practice Questions and Answers

When answering questions in the ATSA test, one important tip you should take note of is determining if the text box is on the left or right side, or if it is correct or wrong, by answering yes or no.

  1. Suppose from the perspective of a large plane the small plane is positioned left and the text box says “left”. The right answer to the questions should be YES.
  2. On the other hand, if the eye is present, your perspective is now the perspective of the eye. The right answer to the question should be NO because you are changing the perspective that has now reversed the direction, and now the text box statement is accurate.
  3. When the eye icon is displayed, usually it resembles a big plane, this perspective causes the reverse of directions from the large plane perspective. This trick can be used to answer the questions before the time elapses.
  4. Which is a complete and correct schedule of dual-career events?

A. Day 1: inventor, gardener, historian
B. Day 1: Mailman, florist gardener

Conclusion

The ATSA test aims to assess the air traffic control skills of a candidate. It is a test that will benefit anyone who is fully prepared for what the result will be.

It is one of the essential steps in becoming a successful ATC specialist.

The competition to qualify as an ATC specialist is extremely high. So, it is important to be well prepared for the ATSA test.

>> Learn how to make a great score in ATSA Test; prepare effectively for the test with the most accurate ATSA Test Prep consisting of detailed explanations of answers.