FEAST

First European Air traffic controller Selection Test

FEAST is a battery of tests that helps Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs)
to identify the most suitable candidates for the job of an air traffic controller

Controllers at position
organisation icon

Organisations worldwide use FEAST
candidates icon

Candidates tested

What should I expect as a candidate?

The FEAST test battery comprises: FEAST I, consisting of a set of cognitive ability tests and an English Language test, and FEAST II, with two more complex multi-tasking tests that generally follow the successful completion of FEAST I. In addition, in FEAST III, a personality questionnaire is available and is used by many of the FEAST user organisations.

FEAST TEST BATTERY

COGNITIVE

ABILITY

TESTS

CLASSIC PLUS

KNOWLEDGE

English Language Listening & Comprehension

ELICIT

Multi-Tasking

Work Sample Tests

RADAR

MULTI-PASS

Personality

Personality Questionnaire

FPQ

Test administration

The tests and the accompanying administrative procedures have been designed with a great deal of professional care. They are administered and scored by a computer, thus further adding to the objectivity of the process.

On the day of the testing you will be welcomed by a test administrator who will guide you through the day and explain to you everything you need to know before you actually start the tests. Each test will be preceded by an introduction which explains the principles of the test and which gives example items and solutions. You will be given the opportunity to answer a sample question to make sure that you know what is being asked of you.

Introduction

Practice

Test

Each candidate sits the tests under the same conditions and subject to the same instruction. You may therefore rest assured that all applicants are treated equally and fairly.

FEAST I

The first phase of FEAST is intended to measure your basic skills and abilities in decision-making, planning ability, memory, logical reasoning, visual perception, attention, multi-tasking and spatial orientation. This phase also includes a test on your English language knowledge.

All tests are computer-based, and therefore the use of a keyboard and a mouse will be required.

It will take minimum 2 ½ hours to take the tests. There will be one or several 10 minute breaks during the test session.

Some tests will use a multiple-choice format, i.e. you will receive a number of solutions to choose from. Only one solution will be the correct one. In other tests, you will be required to react as quickly as possible. In general, you should always try to work as quickly and precisely as possible. It is also important to note that you might not be able to answer all items in all tests. This should not discourage you, as it does not necessarily mean that you have failed the test.

FEAST II

Once you have successfully passed the FEAST I tests you may be invited to attend a second round of testing. In this second phase you will take one or two work sample tests:

  • the FEAST RADAR test (RADAR)
  • and possibly the FEAST MULTI-PASS test

These tests are intended to measure your multi-tasking abilities. The tests are more complex and will require you to perform a number of different tasks at the same time as is done by an Air Traffic Controller. However, it is important to note again that pre-knowledge of ATC procedures or other specific knowledge is not required. These tests are designed for beginners with no background in ATC. The test instructions are very detailed and ensure that everything is explained before the tests start.

FEAST III

Many FEAST user organisations will also ask you to complete a questionnaire called the FEAST Personality Questionnaire as part of their selection system.

The questionnaire is different from the other FEAST assessments. There are no wrong or right answers. It does, however, give a picture of you as a person in so far as this will be relevant to the job for which you applied.

The questionnaire asks you to rate yourself in relation to a number of questions on a simple scale from 1-5. The questionnaire is easy to complete but full instructions are given to you on screen before you begin. You should try to answer naturally and instinctively and not to spend a long time on each answer. There is no time limit as such but we would expect you to finish in around 35-40 minutes.

Other tests
Interview

The Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) to whom you have applied may supplement the FEAST tests with other tests. Usually you will attend a job interview at the end of the process. The ANSP will give you further information separately with regard to other tests in addition to FEAST.

Please note that not all FEAST user organisations will always make use of all FEAST tests on offer.

Please note that the FEAST I session can take up to approximately 4 hours depending on how many tests are used by the FEAST user organisation to whom you have applied.

How should I prepare for FEAST tests?

As a candidate, you would like to prepare for the FEAST tests in order to pass them, but preparing for these tests is not the same as how you might have prepared for school examinations.

Who uses FEAST for the selection of ab initio Air Traffic Controllers?

Other career developments in ATM

The EUROCONTROL Aviation Learning Centre (ALC) is EUROCONTROL’s training centre, located in Luxembourg. It is recognised as a centre of excellence for providing advanced air traffic management (ATM) training, comprising both classroom and e-learning courses, as well as training standards, tools and programmes.

Learning Zone displayed in PC, tablet and mobilo phone

Our training portfolio includes classroom and e-learning training courses aimed at different levels ranging from beginners in ATM to experienced ATM experts. Visit the EUROCONTROL Learning Zone. Our online catalogue of courses allows quick and easy access to all the information you require to help you identify your learning needs.

EUROCONTROL Learning Zone

Become an air traffic controller at EUROCONTROL

Frequently Asked Questions

About FEAST

What exactly are FEAST tests?

FEAST stands for “First European Air Traffic Controller Selection Test”. These tests assess the knowledge, skills and abilities which are relevant for the job of air traffic controller. They comprise tests of skills and cognitive abilities, an English language test, a Personality questionnaire and multi-tasking tests.

Does EUROCONTROL provide information about FEAST to candidates apart from on this website?

See information for candidates in the download section.

Where can I take FEAST?

There are many organisations that use FEAST as part of their air traffic controller recruitment and selection process - see USERS section for more details.

How long do FEAST test sessions last?

The FEAST I test battery (basic skills and abilities + English test) takes between 2.5 and 4 hours to complete.

The FEAST II battery may comprise up to 2 tests: RADAR and FEAST MULTI-PASS. Both tests take between 1.5 and 2 hours.

The FEAST Personality Questionnaire takes about 45 minutes.

Do I need to pay a fee to take FEAST?

This depends on the organisation where you take the FEAST tests. More information can be provided by the recruitment team of the organisation where you are applying for an air traffic controller job.

Am I allowed to take FEAST more than once, in the same or in a different organisation?

EUROCONTROL advises candidates to take the FEAST tests only once. The probability of failure during subsequent training for a candidate re-sitting the test after an initial failure may be higher than for candidates who pass first time. Nevertheless, for various reasons, different re-testing policies are applied. For more information on the re-testing policy, please contact the organisation where you would like to apply.

Preparation

How can I prepare for the FEAST tests?

Prior preparation is normally not required for FEAST. Abilities like spatial orientation cannot be learnt. It is true that there are books on test preparation on the market. However, we do not recommend relying on these books as they can give incorrect information about tests or promote inappropriate strategies which may result in negative results in FEAST. For details on how to prepare, please refer to the PREPARE section.

Are there demo tests available to practice before taking the FEAST tests?

Some commercial companies have tried to develop tests to prepare for FEAST, but they are not approved by EUROCONTROL and are no guarantee of success. They may even have a negative effect on your performance.

Do I need an aviation background in order to pass FEAST?

We believe it is important for you to look for information about air traffic control and the job of an air traffic controller. You should familiarise yourself with the challenges and demands of the job. For example, you can use Internet and you can read aviation magazines and books on the subject. The more you understand about the job you are applying for, the better you will feel as an applicant.

Are virtual ATC and/or flight simulators helpful?

Experience with virtual ATC simulators and/or flight simulators is not required for FEAST. In fact, it may even have a negative effect on your performance.

Results

What is the minimum pass mark for FEAST?

Each FEAST User Organisation decides on its cut-off score. In most cases it will be sufficient to obtain an average result in comparison to candidates who have taken the tests in the past.

How can I get my FEAST results?

EUROCONTROL is only the supplier of the FEAST tests. We do not own the results and are therefore not able to share them with candidates.

The organisation where you apply will inform you about their feedback policy. Many organisations offer feedback on your test results. This will include a review of strengths and weaknesses. Please be aware that for legal reasons not all organisations are in a position to give feedback.

Can EUROCONTROL give results to candidates?

No, we are not allowed to do so, as we are not the owners of the candidates’ results. The organisation where candidates took the tests has the authority to give feedback - should their policy allow them to do so.

Can EUROCONTROL deliver certificates for candidates who have taken/passed the tests?

EUROCONTROL cannot deliver such certificates as it is not the owner of the testing process.

If someone fails the FEAST test, under what conditions is he/she allowed to retake the test?

A candidate who has failed the tests should enquire with the organisation where s/he took the tests what their policy is in this matter.

If I pass the FEAST tests, can I directly access ATC training?

Each organisation may supplement the FEAST battery with additional tests. Candidates should also expect an interview. The selection process differs from one organisation to another and may take more or less time.

I have doubts about my FEAST results. Can EUROCONTROL help?

EUROCONTROL is not allowed to take a position in cases where candidates raise doubts about their results. Candidates should refer to the organisation where the FEAST tests were taken.

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