Journalist looking for info about the ATC exam
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2015
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From: Melbourne
Journalist looking for info about the ATC exam
Hello, I'm researching the ATC exam for an article I am writing about the world's most difficult exams for an Australian-based, internationally read magazine.
I'm not looking for information on the current testing that happens, which I understand in highly confidential. But I am looking for any information people who have sat it can provide as to what applicants are expected to be able to do while sitting it.
Can anyone provide me with an outline, and info about what makes it so difficult? Also, if anyone could provide any example questions from OLD tests (not the current ones – I don't want to cause any trouble), that would be extremely helpful.
If you would prefer to answer anonymously, I'm happy to do this via email. Otherwise, any answers on this thread would be very helpful.
Thanks in advance,
Chris Harrigan
I'm not looking for information on the current testing that happens, which I understand in highly confidential. But I am looking for any information people who have sat it can provide as to what applicants are expected to be able to do while sitting it.
Can anyone provide me with an outline, and info about what makes it so difficult? Also, if anyone could provide any example questions from OLD tests (not the current ones – I don't want to cause any trouble), that would be extremely helpful.
If you would prefer to answer anonymously, I'm happy to do this via email. Otherwise, any answers on this thread would be very helpful.
Thanks in advance,
Chris Harrigan
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 774
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne
There isn't any single exam. There is a selection process. Your best option is to contact the recruitment section at head office in Canberra and see how training is managed from application through to field training and rating.
You could also go on line and try some of the sample tests.
You could also go on line and try some of the sample tests.
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 276
Likes: 1
From: T.C.
Think we are being a bit harsh here. The "exam" in question could be the validation board. Now I remember a very difficult "exam" on Heathrow which was done on Runway 23. So let's climb down from our high horses and consider any difficult exam scenarios and questions shall we!!!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 15
From: Wellington,NZ
During my initial training - which was "old school" and lasted about three years, I would have sat probably 20 exams/tests, both written and oral.
It's an ongoing learning process throughout - and after* - the training.
The final test is made up of a practical, actually doing the job while an examiner watches, and a lengthy and comprehensive oral test.
By the time a candidate is put forward for the final "test", the trainers and management at the unit hosting the candidate should have a very good idea that the candidate will pass.
*every time there is a significant change in procedure, or operating system or similar, there is usually a training course with a test at the culmination. Sometimes this takes the form of computer based training (or, death by powerpoint), and sometimes a proper course that may include simulator training and instruction. Every year there is a cyclical training session lasting two days designed to cover rarely used procedures or upcoming or past changes to tech, law, procedures etc.
It's an ongoing learning process throughout - and after* - the training.
The final test is made up of a practical, actually doing the job while an examiner watches, and a lengthy and comprehensive oral test.
By the time a candidate is put forward for the final "test", the trainers and management at the unit hosting the candidate should have a very good idea that the candidate will pass.
*every time there is a significant change in procedure, or operating system or similar, there is usually a training course with a test at the culmination. Sometimes this takes the form of computer based training (or, death by powerpoint), and sometimes a proper course that may include simulator training and instruction. Every year there is a cyclical training session lasting two days designed to cover rarely used procedures or upcoming or past changes to tech, law, procedures etc.
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,184
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From: USA
The guy has asked a question.
Let's be charitable.
Does the OP mean the process to get the job in the first place? Or does he mean the validation process? Or does he mean the continuing competency process?
Try again ChrisHarrigan .
2Sheds
At least he has ASKED and on a (largely) professional forum. He could have gone all "10 Things you never knew you never knew" bolleaux like certain red top types in UK .
Let's be charitable.
Does the OP mean the process to get the job in the first place? Or does he mean the validation process? Or does he mean the continuing competency process?
Try again ChrisHarrigan .
2Sheds
At least he has ASKED and on a (largely) professional forum. He could have gone all "10 Things you never knew you never knew" bolleaux like certain red top types in UK .
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 54
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From: Australia
Hi Chris
Forgive some of the narky responses you have received to a seemingly genuine question. The fourth post in this thread gives an excellent description of the test used in Australia in the mid 2000's for off the street applicants.
http://www.pprune.org/atc-issues/311...c-testing.html
TD80
Forgive some of the narky responses you have received to a seemingly genuine question. The fourth post in this thread gives an excellent description of the test used in Australia in the mid 2000's for off the street applicants.
http://www.pprune.org/atc-issues/311...c-testing.html
TD80
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 5
From: South of England
My point was that I consider it totally over the top to class ATC assessments as among "the world's most difficult exams" - no disrespect to the OP or anything that he might write when viewed in isolation. Sorry for expressing an opinion!
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