Seperation... It's not just a case of reading MATS; far from it. There are other subjects and practical and oral exams too, all of which have high pass marks.
Once you have a Licence there are rating exams for the various categories of ATC service. After the college, you have to train at an ATC Unit. This often involves simulator work and then, finally, live training. Validation requires recommendation from training officers plus practical and oral examinations to determine your ability to work solo. It is definitely not a piece of cake and at a busy airfield or centre the lead up to validation may take over a year.