Can You Reapply to NATS After Failing? Waiting Periods and How to Pass Next Time

Being rejected by NATS is disheartening — selection is brutally competitive, and most applicants do not get through. But a rejection is not necessarily the end of the road. This guide explains the reapplication rules, and, more importantly, how to make a second attempt count.

Can You Reapply?

Yes — failing a stage of NATS selection does not bar you for life. However, there are restrictions on how soon and how often you can try again. The commonly cited policy is that after failing any stage you must wait around 12 months before reapplying, and that you are limited to a small total number of attempts (often quoted as three).

Because these rules can change and are applied at NATS's discretion, always confirm the current waiting period and attempt limit on the official NATS careers site before you reapply — treat the figures here as a general guide, not a guarantee.

Why Most People Fail

Understanding why candidates are rejected is the key to passing next time. The selection process is designed to filter hard, and most people come unstuck on the aptitude tests rather than the interview. The usual culprits are running out of time, weak spatial reasoning or multitasking under pressure, and simply not knowing the format well enough to work quickly. We cover this in depth in how hard it is to become a controller.

The good news: these are all trainable. Aptitude is not fixed — familiarity and deliberate practice produce real improvements in speed and accuracy, which is exactly what the tests measure.

Use the Waiting Period

A 12-month wait is not dead time — it is your single biggest advantage on the next attempt. Candidates who reapply having done nothing tend to get the same result. Those who treat the year as structured preparation often pass.

Consider FEAST and European ANSPs

NATS is not the only route into air traffic control. Many European air navigation service providers recruit using the EUROCONTROL FEAST test, and applying to them can be a parallel path while you wait to reapply to NATS — and excellent additional practice. Our guide to becoming a controller in Europe covers the options.

Reframe the Rejection

A NATS rejection is common, not a verdict on your potential. Plenty of working controllers were turned down on a first attempt. Treat it as information: it tells you the standard, and the waiting period gives you the time to reach it. Come back faster, sharper, and better prepared — and start practicing now rather than the month before you reapply.