NATS Stage 1 Aptitude Test: What to Expect and How to Pass

The NATS Stage 1 aptitude battery is the first major hurdle in the NATS air traffic controller selection process. It is completed online from your home and takes approximately 75 minutes. This guide explains exactly what to expect.

Overview

Stage 1 consists of nine tests administered through the Aon assessment platform. The tests are timed, multiple-choice (or interactive), and assess the core cognitive skills required for air traffic control work. For a plain-English overview of the whole battery and free practice, see our NATS aptitude test guide.

NATS does not publish the exact pass mark, but candidates who progress report consistently that the bar is high — typically only the top 5–10% of applicants advance.

What the Tests Cover

Spatial Reasoning

Assesses your ability to understand directions, bearings, and the spatial relationships between objects — including aircraft, radar positions, and runway orientations. You may be asked to identify the heading of an aircraft from a compass display, determine which direction a turn will result in, or identify the relative position of aircraft on a plan view.

Numerical Reasoning

Tests your ability to perform calculations quickly and accurately — including speed/distance/time problems, number sequences, percentage calculations, and data interpretation. You will not be permitted a calculator.

Logical Reasoning

Assesses your ability to apply rules, identify patterns, and draw valid conclusions. This includes syllogisms (if A then B, B is true, therefore...), number and letter sequences, and rule-based deduction problems.

Attention and Concentration

Presented with an image containing multiple elements, you must answer questions about it accurately. This tests the kind of rapid, accurate scene-reading required in real ATC operations.

Reaction Speed

A timed test measuring how quickly and accurately you can respond to stimuli — relevant to the fast-paced nature of ATC decision-making.

Tips for Stage 1 Success

Practice under timed conditions. Stage 1 is not just about knowing the right answers — it's about knowing them quickly. Get used to working under time pressure.

Target your weakest test type first. If spatial reasoning or mental arithmetic is not your strongest suit, that's where practice will have the biggest impact.

Don't spend too long on any one question. In Stage 1, leaving a question blank is better than using two minutes on it and rushing everything else.

Practice number sequences daily. Numerical reasoning improvements are among the fastest to achieve with consistent practice — even 10–15 minutes per day of sequence problems makes a difference.

Familiarise yourself with compass bearings. Many spatial reasoning questions involve compass headings, clockwise/anticlockwise turns, and bearing calculations. These are entirely learnable with practice.

What Happens After Stage 1?

If you pass, you are invited to Stage 2 — an online Situational Judgement Test and Listening Comprehension exercise. If you pass Stage 2, you are invited to the NATS Assessment Centre.

Important: NATS limits candidates to three total attempts at the selection process. If you are unsuccessful, you must wait at least one year before reapplying. This makes thorough preparation before each attempt critical.