PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - ATC preparation tests and other info
View Single Post
Old 1st Apr 2015, 13:38
  #2 (permalink)  
Cadelle
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Bucharest, Romania
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Smile ATC preparation tests and other info

Hey

I know I'm about 3 months late with this reply to your thread, and you have probably already gathered the information you needed, but nevertheless I think a second opinion is always helpful, on both ends.

I took the FEAST tests in 2013 for the first time, and am now taking them for the second time, since I failed the second phase of the tests. From what I know, at least in Romania and it's probably the same for all the countries, the SDM test is no longer required, nor had it been in 2013. The DRT is indeed really difficult, which is why I failed

In the FEAST 1 screening, you have tests that are very similar to the coordinate system, divided attention, cube folding, learning and applying rules and planning ability tests from Skytest. Personally, I think the hardest is the planning ability test. It came as a surprise for me, because in Skytest I would do a really good job, but it was rather different and apparently that was the one that gave me some trouble, since I asked for feedback on my performance taking it. I have also heard that many people had trouble with the cube folding test, which is also pretty different.

In the FEAST 2, I only took the DRT in 2013 but now I heard that EUROCONTROL introduced a new test, called MULTIPASS, I don't know if your country will use it, I haven't heard much about it either. Also, Romania has a FEAST 3 policy, which took some elements from the interview and integrated them into another phase that takes place prior to the interview, only if you passed FEAST 2. (I don't know if that is the case for you.)

The DRT from Skytest is good practice but is also rather different than the actual screening (also the case for the SDM test, when they still used it). I used to get 50-60% when training, but when I actually took the test, it was one sum from a level 3 type of module that set me apart from passing.

With the medical examination, I wouldn't worry if I were you, I wear glasses (only for reading and watching TV) and I passed, it's nothing to be afraid of. Neither is the drug test, they are only looking for harder, psychoactive substances, such as heroin and opium. No worries on the THC. The psychological exam is a bit tricky though, whereas the medical examination is concerned.

And finally, regarding the training, some say it's pointless, I tend to disagree, it's pretty hard to pass the screening if you're laying eyes on them for the first time. The only valid argument I heard is that they are also looking for a learning curve, but I think that given as how the tests are a bit different than the Skytest, you are bound to make some mistakes until you get used to them. Some also train with the Lumosity games, only to train their brain and not work on actual ATC related exercises. They are pretty good to keep your brain busy, but then again, so are IQ tests and various android apps like Mind Games.

I have my Feast 1 on Tuesday, so I can tell you more then.

Hope that helped.

Cheers
Cadelle is offline