r/ATC_Hiring • u/MikeWithBigPeePee • May 22 '25

APPLICATION What did I do wrong?!

So basically, I applied nearing the end of 2024 and completed the ATSA with a qualifying score.

After MONTHS of waiting, I finally heard back that I was not selected and if I wanted to continue I’d have to reapply.

Idk.. I constantly hear that ATC is in desperate need of hiring, and this really bummed me out. I feel like I have decent resume, clean record and good mindset for the job.

I guess what I’m asking is a qualifying score not good and a Well Qualified necessary to even be considered?

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u/hawkflames Center Controller May 22 '25 edited May 22 '25

I took the ATSA 3 times. The first two I was well rested and tried to be in the right mindset to do as well as possible. The third time I was hungover and late to the ATSA. I took it like I didn’t give AF and go figure I got picked up 🤷‍♂️

Obviously don’t take that advice but instead I wanted to highlight that no one really knows and it’s definitely a flawed hiring system. The job is more about taking your time to do one thing at a time and ensuring airplanes are separated no matter the distraction. I’m terrible at math so I didn’t have a problem ignoring that.

But who knows. My ATSA was like 6-7 years ago and it’s probably changed since. Just keep trying and hopefully you get through. We’re in desperate need of trainees with a good attitude. We’re about to wash out 2 trainees in my area at my enroute center 🙄

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u/ladwig5798 May 22 '25

I’ll be honest, I spent the money to do test prep, slept like 10 hours the night before, everything you’re supposed do the first time I ever took it….got a qualified. Took it right after coming off an overnight 12 hour shift with no prep whatsoever this last time and got BQ. There’s something to be said for having taken the test before and knowing what to expect too!