ATC preparation tests and other info
 

Hello fellow members,

I am currently focused on studying for becoming an ATC, although I decided on this 2 weeks ago I already bought the Skytest preparation software for ATCO screenings and the FEAST iPhone app and I am on my way to doing the entire variety of tests.

I am preparing for the next admission period in my country which is due in 2016, seeing that I decided a bit too late to register for the one that is going on at the moment.

My questions are the following:

- Can anyone tell me, from their experience, which tests are the hardest ? so far , I've had some troubles with SDM (strip display management) and DRT (dynamic radar test)
- What does the medical examination entail ? eye testing ? (although I don't have glasses and I see considerably good, might I have troubles here)
- the drug test ? what do they search for ? (I have been living in the Netherlands for the past 2 years... so is THC taken into consideration ??? or are they looking for harder substances?
- what are the two Feast examination parts about ? from what I've read, everyone talks about 2 parts
- also, I would really appreciate if I could get any recommendations for other sites, applications or games that might prepare me more in depth for this endeavour.


thank you for taking your time and reading this :D:D

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 :)