you might find this handy
BeT, I would suggest you ask around probing for some more detail before stating any comments such as "the failure rate is LESS than 50%". A quick trip to IANS followed by a chat with the friendly instructors found on the premises will verify the sombre fact that overall pass rates for complete ATC training (IANS and MUAC) is just 50%. Secondly, the other poster, bmontalto, probably meant a 50% failure rate for the whole ATC training rather than the training done solely at IANS. Furthermore, BeT, close inspection to the more recent abinitio groups will reveal that failure rates of even 75% are common, given the number of students remaining when compared to the original number that had initially embarked on such training. Yes, with groups of just 4 students a 75% failure rate inplies 3 out of 4 did not make it - a FACT if you ask around properly, once again!
Alexisor... FEAST tests are there to seek the few from the many and are also an initial means to determine whether applicants have the aptitude for the job. The word 'aptitude' in itself may be rather vague and open to a variety of somewhat differing interpretations. I will refer to 'aptitude' as being a person's skill and character to focus on a particular task at hand. Such aptitudes may not be easily observed by the FEAST tests alone as the whole task of understanding a person's character and personality is rather complex. They will be even harder to observe if a candidate tries to 'cheat his/her way through' by obtaining information to the FEAST package in order to be successful in selection. (Hint to future and current candidates: this is why you're always told NOT to try preparing yourself for these tests and Lon More rightly says: "if you can't do it with outside assistance maybe the job is not for you"). Do not try to obtain such information as you'll only be cheating your own selves by 'hiding' your real aptitude for the job. Unfortunately enough, while a candidate may be successful in the selection, such aptitude traits may only be seen once training starts and if they don't match what it takes to be an ATCO, the trainee will be dismissed from proceeding with further training. Of course, aptitude alone may not necessarily be the only reason for failure! Constant 'fear' of not being successful, stress, poor teamwork, rude/unhelpful ATCOs at MUAC (yes, this is another FACT), and (unfortunately) luck all come into play to determining whether a trainee is able to finally make it to validation.
Some hints however... While maths and logic may be slightly relevant to the FEAST test, you are not expected to solve complex tasks such as differentiation or integration problems! Just brush up on your basic arithmetic and fractions if you want to feel 'prepared' for the tests. If you manage to pass to the second selection phase, I would suggest some basic reading on the organisation. Do not try to do more than this. Last but not least, your best mental preparation IS (I'm not joking), a good night's rest.
Good luck for your tests/training
AO