NCAA Air Traffic Controller Licence exam-day guide
NCAA Air Traffic Controller Licence · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo ID
Bring the original government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your application. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a second form is required.
Admission or appointment confirmation
Carry the printed or digital confirmation showing your test date, time, and location, or the joining instructions for a remote session. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory.
Licence, medical, and training records
If the provider asks for proof of eligibility (medical certificate, training completion, logbook), bring originals or certified copies as instructed. Confirm the exact document list with the provider before travelling.
Knowledge-test results or prerequisites
Some practical assessments require prior written or theoretical passes. Verify with the provider which prerequisite results must be presented and in what form.
Arrival timing plan
Plan to arrive well before the scheduled start to allow for security, registration, and settling in. Confirm the provider's recommended arrival window rather than assuming one.
Route and backup transport
Rehearse the route to the assessment centre or remote-testing location and identify a backup option. For remote sessions, test your internet connection and power backup in advance.
Rest and fitness to perform
Protect sleep in the days before the test and avoid anything that impairs alertness. If you are unwell, confirm with the provider how illness or deferral is handled before the day.
Refresh key procedures and phraseology
Review standard radiotelephony phraseology, separation minima, and emergency procedures you will be expected to apply. Use your own training material and confirm the applicable standard with the provider.
Practice under realistic conditions
Run timed simulations or mock scenarios that mirror the assessment format. Confirm with the provider what the practical format includes so your practice matches it.
Personal essentials
Bring water, a light snack if permitted, and any medication you need. Confirm with the provider what is allowed into the assessment room.
Remote-session equipment check
For online assessments, verify camera, microphone, and screen-sharing work and that your room meets privacy requirements. Confirm the provider's technical and room requirements in advance.
Contact details for the provider
Save the provider's contact number or email so you can report a delay, illness, or technical failure promptly. Confirm the correct contact channel with the provider.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's candidate instructions and confirm the document list, start time, and location or joining link. Complete any remaining practice scenarios, then taper so you arrive rested. Confirm travel and, for remote sessions, run a full equipment test.
Pack your ID, confirmation, and required records in one place. Recheck the schedule and transport plan. Do a light review of phraseology and emergency procedures only, avoid new material, and prioritise sleep.
Eat a normal meal, arrive with time to spare, and present your documents at registration. For remote sessions, start your equipment early and keep the provider's contact channel open in case of technical problems.
Follow the assessor's instructions exactly, listen fully before responding, and apply standard phraseology. Manage workload by prioritising safety-critical tasks, and if you make an error, acknowledge it and continue calmly rather than dwelling on it.
Rules to check
Present the original photo ID that matches your application; confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and what happens if they do not match.
Follow all instructions from the assessor and invigilator, including any restrictions on notes, devices, or communication during the assessment.
Ask the provider in advance about breaks, timing, and whether any rest periods are permitted; do not assume a break policy.
Understand how the practical assessment is scored before the day; ask the provider for the pass criteria and whether partial credit applies.
Report illness, lateness, or technical failure to the provider immediately and confirm the deferral or rescheduling policy with them.
Do not discuss or share assessment content with other candidates; confirm the provider's confidentiality expectations.
For remote assessments, comply with camera, room, and identity-verification requirements set by the provider.
If any instruction is unclear, ask the assessor before proceeding rather than guessing.