NATS interview process

Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: South Shields
Hi folks, just been invited to Stage 4 of the recruitment process involving the practical exercise. Am I right in saying that only the results from Stage 4 will be considered when deciding to offer potential candidates a position? And how many people typically reach this stage roughly?
As for the practical exercise itself, what were your experiences with this and do you have any advice?
As for the practical exercise itself, what were your experiences with this and do you have any advice?
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 299
Likes: 183
From: newbury
Hi folks, just been invited to Stage 4 of the recruitment process involving the practical exercise. Am I right in saying that only the results from Stage 4 will be considered when deciding to offer potential candidates a position? And how many people typically reach this stage roughly?
As for the practical exercise itself, what were your experiences with this and do you have any advice?
As for the practical exercise itself, what were your experiences with this and do you have any advice?
similar position . Not much info on the current stage 4
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Uk
If you are successful in the stage 4 practical, you will be given a conditional offer subject to getting a class 3 medical and obtaining government clearance.
As for the practical, it’s a new process that has been introduced. The content of it cannot be disclosed… Remind yourself of what the responsibility of an ATCO is and focus.
As for the practical, it’s a new process that has been introduced. The content of it cannot be disclosed… Remind yourself of what the responsibility of an ATCO is and focus.
Joined: Feb 2026
Aviation Qualifications: ATCO
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: norfolk
Hi folks, just been invited to Stage 4 of the recruitment process involving the practical exercise. Am I right in saying that only the results from Stage 4 will be considered when deciding to offer potential candidates a position? And how many people typically reach this stage roughly?
As for the practical exercise itself, what were your experiences with this and do you have any advice?
As for the practical exercise itself, what were your experiences with this and do you have any advice?
Joined: Feb 2026
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: UK
I also recently did this and I was part of the group with three people in it. Anyways, that was on the 11th and got an email saying I passed on the 17th. My stage 4 is on the 27th (tomorrow) and if I pass, I will ask for whiteley and cross my fingers. I would prefer to do area/en-route.
Joined: Mar 2026
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Uk
I also recently did this and I was part of the group with three people in it. Anyways, that was on the 11th and got an email saying I passed on the 17th. My stage 4 is on the 27th (tomorrow) and if I pass, I will ask for whiteley and cross my fingers. I would prefer to do area/en-route.
Hi Clonetrooper,
Have you recieved any news, concerning you’re stage 4 yet ?
Joined: Mar 2026
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Uk
Joined: Feb 2026
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: UK
Replying to be able to read private messages: I am still very hopeful even though it's been nearly two weeks. As a backup, I have also applied to HIAL, but that only does tower control. I would prefer are so I'm still crossing my fingers for NATS.
Correct me if I'm wrong for the following: HIAL does not have their own version of the stage 4 exam. I believe NATS only recently began using it last year to test applicants. So HIALs entire recruitment process is similar to NATS up until stage 3. If I fail to get into NATS then it means I failed at stage 4.
Correct me if I'm wrong for the following: HIAL does not have their own version of the stage 4 exam. I believe NATS only recently began using it last year to test applicants. So HIALs entire recruitment process is similar to NATS up until stage 3. If I fail to get into NATS then it means I failed at stage 4.
Joined: Mar 2026
Aviation Qualifications: ATCO
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: london
hi, im just posting for the access to dms, but is there any advice anyone would give for preparing for stage 4 as it's new and NATS haven't had any exams which they keep a secret as, hasnt given info about. pls i would appreciate any advice as im fairly terrified about this. thank you in advance.
Joined: Feb 2026
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: UK
That's interesting. I got an email yesterday (16th) apologising for the wait and saying they're still going through the test scores. Congratulations
Joined: Feb 2026
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 2
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From: UK
Joined: Mar 2026
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Uk
[QUOTE=Clonetrooper568;12054078]That's interesting. I got an email yesterday (16th) apologising for the wait and saying they're still going through the test scores.
Any news yet ?
Any news yet ?
Last edited by DaeNova; 21st March 2026 at 08:06.



