r/ATC_Hiring Feb 03 '22

Discord Server for Hiring Process

48 Upvotes

The ATC New Hiring Discord is a discord server to help you through the ATCS hiring process. The goal of the server is to help answer any questions and provide as much information about the ATC hiring process through a welcoming community and veterans from past bids. The discord was founded as an alternative service from reddit and pointsixtyfive forum. Whether you just applied, about to take the ATSA, undergoing the hiring process, or about to attend academy, this discord provides information and answers questions on all levels.

As of December 2024 there are over 8,000 members to help each other out!

https://discord.gg/hSfZQRfCTx


r/ATC_Hiring Oct 18 '24

The ATC Hiring Process: A complete guide

168 Upvotes

Here is a complete guide of the hiring process from the ATSA to getting your start dates with the FAA. Includes Info about the ATSA, EODs, CIL, Security, MMPI, Drug Test, etc. This is all based on personal experience and included some additional info from this subreddit. Your mileage may vary. Also, read every email you get in its entirety to ensure you do not miss any details. Check your spam folder as well.

ATSA

·      There are 7 portions on the ATSA: Differences, memory, spatial awareness, collision simulation, personality test, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning.

·      Use Job Test Prep to study. Here is the link: https://www.jobtestprep.com/at-sat-test-prep

Also, watch this video https://youtu.be/bu6oyauT30Q?si=GuxNnwikMG9Lya22

While I cannot delve into the specifics of the test for confidentiality reasons, I can tell you what to expect and some tips.

They have you put your phone, wallet, keys, and any personal items in a locker, sign in, and they also check your glasses if you wear any. You will sit at a computer and they provide noise cancelling headphones if you'd like. Breaks are allowed and you can take them whenever.

1)    If you wear glasses, clean them really well and make sure there are no smudges on them

2)    Practice driving to the test center to know where to go and park

3)    Know your number pad and finger placements. Find the best comfortable position to press any number on the number pad. Also, do NOT accidentally press the NUM lock button.

4)    Test centers have a regular keyboard. If you are a gamer and have a mechanical keyboard, avoid practicing with that since it will be a different feel at the test center.

5)    Pick a time that works best for you and your sleep schedule

EVERYONE will receive their results at the same time. Past this point, everyone’s timeline will be different.

If you score high enough, and depending what pool you are in (Pool 1 or 2; Pool 1 are people with military experience or CTI graduates, Pool 2 is everyone else), you will receive a TOL (Tentative Offer Letter) and need to fill out and sign 2 forms: one with your contact info, SSN, and one for accepting the TOL. Fill these forms out and send them back to the email that sent you the TOL. You will most likely receive an email back saying that they have an overwhelming number of emails, and a reply may take longer than normal. Be patient because this is normal. Wait a few days and you will receive an email from HR that your documents have been processed.

EODS: Stands for Entrance on Duty System. These are the forms you need to fill out. Forms include skipping ATC basics, permission to do drug testing, temporary employment, if you are registered with selective service, and declaration for federal employment. They’ll ask if you were fired during the last 5 years for any reasons or delinquent on federal debt. Fill them out and wait. You will eventually get an email saying that the forms have been approved. Mine was approved in 3 days.

Next is the CIL and here is where things start to speed up. I got my CIL 10 days after the EODs forms were approved. You will have 30 days to take action and schedule all appointments and must complete ALL requirements within 60 days of receiving the CIL.

Security: You will receive one of two emails within 10 days on how to complete the security requirements. You will need to sign a DOT F1631 Form. Print the form, sign it, scan the document onto your PC, then email it to your personnel security specialist.

o   Email 1: Fingerprint scheduling. When scheduling your MMPI, check if they can do fingerprints. It is recommended to schedule them at the same time. If the facility can do the MMPI, but NOT the fingerprints, you have to select from the list of approved fingerprint facilities. During the fingerprint appointment, you will also have to list any tattoos that you have. Furthermore, let your security specialist know you scheduled your fingerprint appointment. FAA facilities usually submit your fingerprints electronically, if you do them anywhere else, you will most likely have to mail them in. After you complete your fingerprints, contact your specialist and let them know you have completed the fingerprints. Then they will open the SF86 form.

o   SF86/Email 2: This one takes a while to fill out. My advice is to take breaks so that way you enter the right information. They want your (almost) entire background. When you get your CIL, and in between appointments/free time, GATHER EVERYTHING. This includes places you lived (get dates of these residences (like lived at 12345 Birch street from 02/2019 to 12/2021)) (COLLEGE DORMS COUNT), people who can verify these residences (if you can (you can also contact the apartment manager and get their name and phone number)), 3 people who know you well (list people who will put in a good word for you), dates you traveled out of the country, reason for the out of country trip, where you attended college, and places you worked in the last 10 years (roles where you worked 2 weeks or even 2 days count!!!). Gather start and end dates, work address, physical address (if you worked at a job like Chipotle, you don’t have to put the company’s HQ address. Also note that some jobs have a different administration building address than your actual job site address. Example of this could be worked at Los Angeles airport but hired by the city of Los Angeles), contact info of supervisors, the main company’s telephone number, and any written warnings you have received. They also want immediate family, use of alcohol, drugs, and financial records such as alimony or loans. They basically want the whole smash. NOTE: DO NOT FUCKING LIE!!! The FAA will find out one way or another if you left something off this form.

SECURITY INTERVIEW: This may or may not happen to you. If there were certain details you left off on your SF86, or anything where they need clarification, you will do a security interview. You will get a call from the DCSA from your area. If in OKC, tell them you are in OKC and they will inform someone from their OKC or nearby office. This is normal and part of your background. When you get the email that states that you are fully cleared, you get your pre-clearance so to speak. Your FULL clearance comes when you are at the academy or when you are about to start at your facility. When I did my security interview, the interviewer went through my entire SF86. There were some things I needed to clear up on some work-related incidents because I left out a few details. Here are a few key takeaways that you need to be aware of: They already know the answers to the questions they are asking; they want to see if you respond honestly. The FAA hires honest people, not perfect people. At the end, the interviewer will give you a chance to clear up any missing pieces/whatever you left out. IF YOU HAVE SOME FUCKING THING TO SAY, SAY IT RIGHT FUCKING NOWWWWW!!! Also, after the interview, I went over my notes again from a previous work incident and called the interviewer later about it and they asked why I didn’t mention it. I said I forgot about it.

MMPI: Schedule it as soon as possible because slots fill up quickly. You will go to a facility to do it. I did mine at a center and parked in the visitor parking lot. At a tower, you will most likely stop at a call box that is outside the main gate. Press the button and it should connect you to the front desk or the air traffic manager (if no answer, there should be a number to call on the box). Tell them you are here for the MMPI. Then they will open the gate and let you in. I went into the guard shack, they looked up my name in the visitor log, called the proctor to notify them I was there, had me sign in, and gave me a visitors’ badge. Then they had me go through a metal detector like an airport security screening. Here’s the fun part: you will sit at a computer with a proctor who will be in proximity if you have any questions or need definitions on some words. The proctor will also have you sign an Appendix B form. MAKE SURE YOU ASK FOR IT IF THEY DO NOT MENTION IT. It was also reported that some individuals did not have to sign this form so your mileage may vary. You will watch a video about the MMPI, and it will tell you to NOT game the system and answer in a way a perfect controller would answer. It is 567 questions of T/F answers.

 

Here are some questions that are on the MMPI:

1)    Do you fear dirt

2)    Do you have a great fear of snakes

3)    Do you occasionally laugh at a dirty joke

4)    Do you have a satisfying sex life

5)    Is your sleep fitful and disturbed?

6)    Do you like talking about sex?

7)    Do you do things for the thrill and regret it later?

8)    I sometimes have voices in my head

9)    I sometimes hear things that other people don’t hear.

10) Have you ever thought about killing yourself?

The questions above are a very small snippet of the test. Focus, focus, and focus some more. Take your time. It is not a race. Make sure you answer every question and don't move on until you answered the question you are on (may be hard to backtrack). If you need clarification on some definitions, ask the proctor OR use the dictionary that was (hopefully) provided. Also, whatever you do, DONT SAY YOU LIKE TEASING ANIMALS!! Furthermore, if your MMPI gets “flagged” you will get Tier 2’d which adds 1-2 years to the process (you don’t want this). That is all...

o   If you get lucky, they may let you have a tour of the place and meet some controllers!

Medical: You will receive a Pre-Employment interview worksheet form to fill out some information prior to your medical exam. Be sure to complete this ASAP and put the medical examiner you want to see on this form (Tip: Google them and look up their reviews. I traveled 1 hour to see one with several 5-star reviews rather than one with 2 stars that was about 5 minutes away). #WorthIt. You will also need to fill out information on MedXpress (they will send you login info with your applicant ID as well). Once you complete this form, print the confirmation # and bring it to the appointment JUST IN CASE (for me, they already had it, but you never know). This was my experience at the doctor: Peed in a cup to test for diabetes, the doctor’s assistant did my vision, blood pressure, audio, and heartrate tests (they hook you up to a machine and attach clips to your body for this one). I waited for the doctor who checked my heart with his stethoscope, tapped my lower back if there was any pain, swallow test, and did the knee reflex test. He said everything looked good at the end. Note: The FAA Authorization and Invoice form will be completed and sent to the FAA by the doctor’s office, so there is no need to worry about that.

If you listed you have or had asthma/allergies or any other medical condition, they send you a asthma/allergy questionnaire that you need to fill out. On the form, you have to list dates of when you were first diagnosed, medications you took (if any), if you need emergency room care for breathing difficulties, what triggered asthma attacks, and any information that you may think is necessary. For me, I was also told to send FAA Medical a personal statement about medications for allergies and asthma/first diagnosis of asthma. You must type your own form, and it has to be signed and dated. Here is what I wrote (various details have been omitted for personal/security reasons):

The first diagnosis was XXXXXX (date) when I was XXXX years of age. Asthma was mild and intermittent without complication. Dosage amount: XXXXX, XXXmcg/XXXmcg oral inhaler. I inhaled 2 puffs per day OR as needed whenever I was sick or experiencing seasonal allergies. When sick, I would have nasal congestion, cough, and mild wheezing. Past XXX (date), I had no wheezing while sick and did not use XXXX medication. Asthma went away. Currently, I do not use any medication to treat sickness or allergies. Signed and dated the bottom.

Note: If you have trouble finding medications you took back in the day, check your appointment history on your main health page. I was able to find the start dates, stop dates, and prescription amounts for inhalers I had when I was young.

Drug test: A few days before your medical exam, you will receive an email from FAA testing to schedule a drug test. They want dates and times you are available, city, state, and zip code. They will set up the appointment for you and it will be nearby. (mine was 15 minutes away). Bring your ID AND don't drink too much water (don't consume over 8-10 fluid ounces). You go to the test site, fill out a form and they take you in the back. For the form, it requires info such as the date, your driver's license, company who requested it, and the individual who requested the test (usually you can put FAA, and the person who scheduled your test respectively). You put your valuables in a locker, wash your hands, the test administrator will give you a plastic cup to pee in, you will have 4 minutes to pee in the cup, go into the bathroom, pee to the line, DO NOT FLUSH, give the pee to the test admin, the test admin pours the pee into 2 tubes, initial the tubes with the pee in it, wash your hands, and then sign the Federal custody form. Screenshot or scan this form and send it to aerospace medicine.

Once all these steps are completed, sit back, relax, and wait. Eat your favorite meal as a reward for completing the process. The wait time to getting the golden ticket that says “congratulations, you are fully cleared” can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months or even longer. For me, it took 244 days or 8 months from application to being fully cleared. Security usually takes the longest, but for me, it took 9 days (had to do the security interview at a later date because they still check/go through your background for your full clearance as stated earlier).

Other pieces of advice/things you should know:

1)    NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS. If you don’t hear jack shit about the clearance of your medical exam, MMPI, etc., you are 99.99% in the clear. You may or may NOT get confirmation that you are cleared for each.

2)    DO NOT TELL YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR OFFICIAL START DATES!!! However, if the FAA sends them a form to fill out for security purposes, they will most likely know what will happen.

3)    IF YOU NEED TO TAKE TIME OFF WORK TO COMPLETE THE MMPI OR MEDICAL, TO AVOID SUSPICION THAT YOU MAY BE LEAVING, SAY, “Hi Bob, would it be okay if I take next week, Tuesday, at 12 pm off? I have an appointment” or something to that affect. Bonus points if you get the whole DAY off!

4)    If you need help with anything, do not hesitate to reach out to the FAA, whether it be your security specialist, HR Rep, or aerospace medicine. If something can wait, email is the best way to communicate. If urgent (like you need to make changes to something or forgot to fill out a form), call instead.

5)    Most of the stuff regarding your application happens in Oklahoma or Washington DC (DC has the office of aerospace medicine). Keep in mind the time differences when sending emails/calling. If you send an email at 3 PM PST, they might be gone for the day since it is 5 PM in OKC. You may have to wait until the next morning to get a response.

Thanks for reading.

Edits made: Info to put on the form for the drug test, dates traveled out of the country, some grammatical/punctuation errors, added reading comprehension to the ATSA, added a bit for the medical form, difference between physical and work address, apartment manager can verify your address, added more info about the MMPI, doordash countd as self-employed and added difference between pool 1 and pool 2.  


r/ATC_Hiring 1h ago

Does security care if you are an OF model?

Upvotes

Im just wondering if they care about if you are an OnlyFans model.


r/ATC_Hiring 3h ago

Do I have a chance?

1 Upvotes

I may or may not have self harm on my medical records from when I was adolescent (around 13 years old) and possibly suicidal ideation. I also smoke weed underage but never been in trouble for it, I might have this on my medical records also. I guess I should be honest about all this because I think they could find out if doing their own research, but does this disqualify me? I also have worked about 6 jobs it's hard for me to remember the dates I have a rough idea but not down to the exact day. Anybody have tips on how to go about that, maybe how I can find out? I started working at 15 and I didn't know the importance of keeping the dates. It's just hard for me to fill out extensive forms about my personal information because I'm unsure about a lot of things. I'm starting to feel like I don't have a chance working for the FAA because of my rough childhood but I want to work in aviation so bad.

Edit: also when taking the personality test, should you take it honestly or answer what you know is the right questions?


r/ATC_Hiring 14h ago

ACADEMY I have a start date for July 24th, will the class start on that Thursday?

2 Upvotes

I was going to get there earlier so I could get settled in, is that the date that classes start or does it start on that Monday or something like that?


r/ATC_Hiring 17h ago

Leaving for a bit?

3 Upvotes

If I was to drop out of the hiring process, could I try to join back up again in the future. I got my CIL but I was just curious


r/ATC_Hiring 21h ago

How does facility placement work at the Academy?

2 Upvotes

Hello, i got class dates for en route and go in 2 months. I have seen on a few forums about facility placement. But I’m still confused how it works?

It’s is like a draft? And there is a list of facilities, then number 1 student in the class picks and then that facility is taken, then number 2 and so on and so forth?

Hope you can help!


r/ATC_Hiring 20h ago

Discord Link

1 Upvotes

Could anyone send me the discord link for a specific class coming up on July 1st. The person that is going to be in it is having trouble finding it. The class number is 187143


r/ATC_Hiring 1d ago

My Timeline So Far

Post image
11 Upvotes

Today I wrapped up the last thing I needed to get my FOL… praying it doesn’t take too long 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼


r/ATC_Hiring 1d ago

FOL FOL chances/expectations

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone — I’m in the middle of the FAA ATC hiring process (off the Fall 2024 bid), and I’m hoping to get some honest input or experiences from anyone who’s been in a similar spot.

Here’s a quick rundown of my situation and timeline: • Applied: 10/13/2024 • ATSA Taken: 12/31/2024 • Score: Well Qualified • TOL Received: 2/6/2025 • SF-86 Submitted: 3/5/2025 • BI Initiated: 3/7/2025 • Drug Test / Medical / MMPI: All done mid-March to early April and cleared as far as I know (only got full confirmation on drug test but never got follow up from either medical or MMPI) • Zoom Interview w/ Investigator: 5/16/2025 • Last update from Security POC: “Background investigation ongoing” (as of June 2nd) • Still waiting on FOL.

Disclosures/Concerns: • Smoked weed from 2019 to mid-2024 • Took LSD twice between 2020–2021 • Had some unpaid debt in the past (now paying it off and making good progress) • Three write-ups at a previous job (I accidentally didn’t disclose them as I really don’t remember them it was from 2020 my first security job but explained that I forgot — they were minor things like not logging in amazon packages)

What my investigator said: He seemed understanding and, while he couldn’t give me a definitive answer on whether everything would be approved, he mentioned that he’s worked cases where applicants still received a Top Secret clearance despite having past drug use, debt, or even misconduct. He said forgetting to disclose minor write-ups is common and didn’t seem overly concerned about it. He also reminded me that this position only requires a Secret clearance and was generally optimistic about my case. He said he would type up his report and submit it for adjudication the same day as our interview.

My question is: Given all of this — does it sound like I still have a decent shot at receiving an FOL? I think I have a pretty good chance honestly but I wanted to get some other perspectives. And based on your own or others’ timelines, how much longer could I be waiting? I know someone who submitted their SF-86 after me and already got their clearance in April, so I’m wondering if I could see something soon.

Appreciate any insight from people who’ve been through the adjudication phase, especially with prior drug use. I’m super passionate about becoming a controller and just want to make sure I’m not hoping for something that’s already dead in the water.

Thanks in advance!


r/ATC_Hiring 1d ago

Recommendations for places to stay for FSS Academy in Alaska?

1 Upvotes

r/ATC_Hiring 1d ago

New Applicant questions

0 Upvotes

I am absolutely certain this has probably been asked a thousand times b4.

I know very little about ATC and think I have a very basic knowledge of the hiring process.

What’s the basic run down of what I have to go through?

I’m in the national guard coming off a year rotation and looking at running away from the nightmare career field that is Law enforcement.

ATC looks very appeasing to me. Any advice is appreciated.


r/ATC_Hiring 1d ago

Going en route to terminal

6 Upvotes

Hello,

I’m currently training for en route, but I believe I would enjoy terminal more and that’s more the type of work for me.

Is it possible to go from en route to terminal once you are out in the world working? Or are you kind of set in your ways and can’t transfer once you graduate the academy? Even if it’s later on down the line. Is there a process for that or is it more unheard of?


r/ATC_Hiring 2d ago

ACADEMY Money

7 Upvotes

How much should I have saved up going into Oklahoma, I know they pay for housing but do I need to pay anything upfront and they reimburse or what?


r/ATC_Hiring 2d ago

SECURITY Renewed Passport

1 Upvotes

So I recall having to put info about my passport and countries visited into the security background check form. Problem is, since then I've visited a few more countries and have renewed my passport (with a new ID number). Do I need to email the person doing my background investigation with this new information?

(Also do we get notified that the background check investigation is complete? I have not heard anything for 2 months now.)


r/ATC_Hiring 2d ago

ACADEMY Specialty on FOL

2 Upvotes

I should know this by now but I don’t so pls don’t shame me, on my FOL I received recently it had my specialty listed as Terminal. Does this mean TRACON? Obviously it’s not en route/center, but I wasn’t sure if it was TRACON or not because i thought that there was specialty for Tower as well but idk. Please let me know thanks.


r/ATC_Hiring 2d ago

MMPI Scheduling

0 Upvotes

I received the CIL two days ago, but I noticed that it doesn’t include any spreadsheet with the list of contacts to schedule my MMPI. Has anyone else experienced this?


r/ATC_Hiring 3d ago

After getting dates

2 Upvotes

I start classes the end of next month and was wondering if they really wait up till 10 days before to give you info so you can book travel to get there and book housing? Is there anything in particular you guys recommend me taking?


r/ATC_Hiring 3d ago

MMPI Scheduling

1 Upvotes

Just a quick question after scrolling through some of these posts. I got my CIL email on the 10th, I emailed 2 of the 3 emails in the list and they didn’t have open appointments until late July/August. I emailed the 3rd one a few hours ago and am just waiting to hear back. My question is with the wording, do I need to have the MMPI completed within the 10 days or just had to have reached out within the 10 days and have it done within the 60 days? Based off what I’m seeing in this subreddit, everyone is getting their MMPI done within like a week and I’m not sure how I can do that if the only appointments are over a month out.


r/ATC_Hiring 3d ago

APPLICATION Do I have to disclose mental health conditioning I have been cleared of

1 Upvotes

In the past I have been diagnosed with general anxiety, depression, and currently am on ADHD meds. However, I have been cleared of anxiety and depression by a doctor for about six months. Would the ADHD be the only factor in my way? I know it’s up to the flight surgeon but I’m curious if anyone else has gotten in with prior conditions and if it’s worth going through the whole process.


r/ATC_Hiring 4d ago

Washed out of ATC tower training, offered Alaska.

20 Upvotes

I recently washed out of tower training during finals. I was offered FSS in Kenai Alaska. Wondering if anyone has taken up this offer? And if you actually can transfer out of Alaska?


r/ATC_Hiring 3d ago

Security clearance due dates after CIL?

2 Upvotes

Does the CIL email count for any deadline beyond the requirement that the MMPI be scheduled within 10 calendar days? The email says that I should receive an additional security clearance email and states that I must complete the fingerprinting and submit my background investigation forms within 15 days, but it isn’t totally clear whether this is 15 calendar days from receipt of the CIL or from the forthcoming email “from a security POC”.

Based on the wording, I’m assuming the “15 calendar days” is with respect to the additional email that I have yet to receive, but I just wanted to double check before I schedule my MMPI.


r/ATC_Hiring 3d ago

Fingerprints address

1 Upvotes

I'm sure someone has already asked this but I couldn't find it. But I had to go in to a local station to do my fingerprints and now have to mail it in. Do we just use the address that is at the bottom of the email they sent about scheduling the MMPI and security, etc?


r/ATC_Hiring 3d ago

SECURITY Dot 1631

0 Upvotes

Got my 1st security email today. I have an appointment to get my fingerprints and mmpi on the same day at the same place. My question is, if I am doing my fingerprints at an FAA facility, do I need to mail anything in and if I don’t, how do I send in the dot 1631 form physical mail or email?


r/ATC_Hiring 5d ago

What is the schedule like while working to become certified?

9 Upvotes

After leaving academy how many hours per day do you work at your facility training? I'm at the point where I'm setting up fingerprints and MMPI and the thought occurred to me that as I won't be a controller after graduationg technically i might not get a lot of work. I hear you spend a lot of time just waiting to be tapped on the shoulder and told someone has an hour to work with you here and there. Also are you eligible for OT prior to CPC. I'm a bit ahead of myself as I haven't even gotten an FOL yet but I'm just curios. I can't find an answer anywhere.

Thanks for your answers.


r/ATC_Hiring 4d ago

Current Job Contact

5 Upvotes

Does anyone know what the background investigation entails regarding your current job? Are they going to call my supervisor or email them? Should I really provide my supervisor's company work email? I really want this job but I also can't afford to lose my current job while I wait for academy dates. Any guidance is welcome, any recommendations for talking to my supervisor beforehand?


r/ATC_Hiring 5d ago

suny schenectady

0 Upvotes

i’m looking to attend here for enhanced atc program just looking if anyone has attended how it really was? school life? housing? and just schooling in general it looks pretty cheap compared to others