GCAA ATC Licence exam-day guide
GCAA ATC Licence · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo ID
Bring the ID accepted by the GCAA/provider for candidate verification. needs_review - confirm accepted ID types and whether a second form of ID is required.
Exam appointment confirmation
Bring printed or electronic confirmation showing date, time, venue and candidate reference.
Licence and medical certificate
needs_review - confirm with the provider whether originals, copies, or neither are required on the practical exam day.
Training records or logbook
needs_review - confirm whether the assessor requires your training file, logbook or competency records.
Headset or earpiece
needs_review - confirm whether a personal aviation headset is permitted or whether equipment is provided. Do not assume.
Pen and small notebook
Useful for notes if permitted. Confirm the provider’s scratch-paper and note-taking policy.
Simple watch
A basic analog or digital watch is useful for timing. Smartwatches may be restricted; confirm with the provider.
Professional attire
Wear clean, comfortable, professional clothing. Avoid loose items that interfere with a headset or simulator controls.
Travel and arrival plan
Know the venue and allow extra time for security, registration and waiting. Confirm the recommended arrival time with the provider.
Phone off or silenced
Plan to switch off or silence your phone before entering the assessment area. Confirm the provider’s storage policy.
Water and light snack
Confirm whether food and drink are allowed in the waiting area only.
Plan the day
Confirm appointment time, venue, ID requirements, document requirements, headset policy, exam format and scoring process with the provider. Review weak competency areas without starting new topics. Protect sleep.
Pack ID, appointment confirmation, required documents, pen, watch and approved headset. Plan travel and check traffic or weather. Avoid late cramming; rest.
Eat a light meal, arrive early enough to complete registration, present your ID, silence or switch off your phone, and use the restroom before the assessment begins. Confirm the recommended arrival time with the provider.
Listen carefully to the briefing, ask clarifying questions if allowed, use standard phraseology, prioritise safety and manage workload. If unsure of an instruction, request clarification according to the provider’s rules. Stay calm and professional.
Rules to check
Present valid photo ID when requested. Entry may be refused without acceptable ID; confirm accepted ID types with the provider.
Follow the examiner’s or assessor’s briefing and instructions. Ask for clarification if an instruction is unclear, subject to the provider’s rules.
Keep phones and smart devices off or silenced and stored as directed. Do not make unauthorised recordings.
Bring only approved materials. Confirm with the provider whether notes, logbooks, personal headsets or other equipment are allowed.
Confirm the provider’s break policy before the exam. Practical assessments may run without scheduled breaks, so prepare accordingly.
Scoring is typically pass/fail against defined competency standards. Confirm the exact criteria, retake policy and appeal process with the provider.
Maintain professional conduct throughout the assessment. Confirm the provider’s confidentiality rules before discussing exam content.
If you feel unwell before starting, notify the examiner immediately and confirm the provider’s rescheduling policy.