Do you need PPL to become an ATC
 

So people were telling me, for both Hong Kong and Australia these days to become eligible for an air traffic controller you need to pass all PPL tests/acquire a ppl?
If that's what I have to do to pursue things I won't stop there but just wondering if it's an actually legitimate that you need PPL

No.

But it doesn't hurt.

After passing the initial testing and evaluation stage, it would enhance your chances of selection if you had a demonstrated interest e.g. a PPL or pass in their subjects. FWIW the ATC course includes subjects equivalent to CPL standard.

This forum is for Airline and RPT matters, so it would be best to continue posting in your thread enquiring about ATC recruitment on the GA & Questions forum.

As a retired Air Traffic Controller, who has worked in Australia (18 years) and Hong Kong (27 years), I can confirm that a PPL is not a requirement. Also having been an instructor in both places, I can also confirm that it definitely doesn't hurt to have the knowledge that comes from having a PPL. In addition, Hong Kong is one of the only places in the world that gives you the opportunity to do flying training as part of your ATC course.

Why?..............

what is the pass rate? I heard it was down to 20-30%?

How often have you sat in at an ATC console?

Sorry to disappoint, but in years gone by, quite often.
And Qantas mandated it as part of training of new recruits, and encouraged pilots to visit such as the Center in Honolulu, Singapore and (as it was then) the New York IFR Common Room -- to learn about really serious movement rates.
And I remember the days when DCA paid for up to a PPL for ATC recruits who didn't have a PPL, for some reason, in those days, ATC knowing something about practical aircraft operation was regarded as a "good thing".
Tootle pip!!.

Maybe the question should be reworded. How many times since lets say, 2001 have you sat, plugged in and monitoring, at an ATC position?

I agree it would be great if someone paid all ATCs to get a PPL. Sadly I can't see that happening. I'd settle just for an AFR :)

I was asking IsDon01.