Tuesday, March 10, 2015

How to Become an Air Traffic Controller in the Philippines



Lately, I have been receiving emails regarding on how to become an ATC (Air Traffic Controller) in the Philippines. Well, let me tell you something about the nature of the job of an air traffic controller. You see, they are the guiding voices of the sky. They instruct pilots when and where to descend, climb, commence a left or right turn, and other specific instructions. They are responsible for handling air traffic in a safe, orderly, and in an expeditious way.

Here in the Philippines, Air Traffic Controllers work under the Philippine government, specifically at the Air Traffic Service of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines or CAAP.

Here are the steps on how to become one:

Pre-employment:
  1. Get a college degree. It doesn't matter whether you're a graduate of Nursing, Literature, or Applied Physics. I am a BS Biology graduate yet here I am, working as an air traffic controller in the Philippines. And oh, you must not be more than 26 years old before taking the qualifying exam.
  2. Pass the qualifying exam. The exam covers the following subjects: General Knowledge, Logic, Word Problems, and Reading and Comprehension. There are 200 items in this exam (50 items for each subject) and you are only allowed to take it for only two hours. Usually, more than a thousand hopefuls take the ATC qualifying exam but only a hundred make it to the initial cut.
  3. Pass the medical exam and the panel interview. Take note that if the doctor finds out that you're color blind, then you're automatically disqualified. Usually, those who'll interview you are chiefs or supervisors from different air traffic control facilities of the country.
  4. If you pass the interview, then you're qualified for the training.

Training and Employment Phase
  1. The training lasts for almost a year. It is conducted at the Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC) located at Merville Access Road, Pasay City. The training is free but the trainee should shoulder his own expenses in board and lodging, food, and other miscellaneous expenses.
  2. The training is divided into three phases: Phase 1 (Theoretical Part about Air Traffic Service), Phase 2 (Theoretical and dry runs of the three controlled facilities: Aerodrome, Approach, and Area Control/Enroute), and OJT.
  3. After graduation, you're expected to have another round of OJT on different facilities in Manila. You're also required to fill out and sign forms and contracts for your employment, answer loads of exams for your license, and take the English Language Proficiency (ELP) exam.
  4. After obtaining your license, the head of the Air Traffic Service will soon give your facility assignment. 
It takes almost two years to become one. But if you're really into aviation, particularly in air traffic control, then it won't be a problem. The training is really challenging - both mentally and physically. Sleep deprivation is inevitable, but it will really train you on how to handle stress, most especially when handling stressful situations in air traffic.

For more information, please visit CAAP's website.

113 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:24 PM

    Thank you for this well written blog! What about the salary? Can you give us a range? Is it true that there are only few ATCs in the Philippines because others go abroad?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous9:21 AM

      May I ask when will be the next exam of Air Traffic Controller and until when could I pass the application form? I really need to know. And does it need to be a Civil Service Eligibility Passer? Thank you.

      Delete
    2. I just took the CATS 14 exam last May 25, 2019. You will have to wait until next year for it because the application program has ended. Currently they're at the interview phase.

      If this year's schedule is anything to go by, they usually announce the program's start of applications on March, and the deadline is usually the first or second week of May (May 10, in this year's case). You also need to either be a Civil Service Exam passer or a Professional Board Exam passer for application.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous12:31 AM

      Hello nag exam din po ako this CATS14 and awa ng Diyos naka pasa po ako. Nagpasa po ako at first ng cert ko for civil service pero binalik po sa akin ni sir Tom. Ang sabi niya po no need daw. Ang requirement lang po nila is college graduate so diploma at TOR lang po. No need daw po civil service passer or board passer.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous12:13 PM

      And there is a age limit, another discrimination on your own country

      Delete
    5. Anonymous12:13 PM

      And there is annage limit, another discrimination on your own country

      Delete
    6. Anonymous12:51 PM

      meron naman kasi talaga age limit ang atc kahit sa abroad, in the US hanggang 31 yrs old sa kanila kasi considering qualifications kelangan nila dun ng degree holder with 3 yrs professional exp in aviation. sa pilipinas is 26 yrs old lang kasi degree holder lang naman ang major requirements. Its not discrimination, kelangan lang talaga iconsider lahat ng factors, 26 yrs old is the optimal maximum age na tingin ng caap is kakayanin pa ng utak yung training. Mind you, ATC training is intense, hindi siya pucho pucho training lang. Kaya required din ng phycological test in applying kasi matetest talaga dito ang mental and psychological capacity mo. I hope this helps.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous7:30 PM

    Why does it take almost 2 years? 1 year for training and another for OJT? And where do you do and what do you do in your OJT? Is it still related to becoming an air traffic controller? :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous12:58 PM

      1 yr of training + 1-2yrs of OJT. Yes hindi ka talaga magiging certified na ATC after graduating the training. Kelangan mo pa din magtraining ulet kahit makuha mo pa ATC license mo. Yung sinasabi kong training is for your Rating, hindi ka pa talaga pwede tawagin na certified ATC kung wala ka pang rating for both Procedural and Radar. Kaya sinabi din ng iba na aabutin ka pa ng 2-3yrs para maging ATC dahil jan sa mga ratings na yan. Pag may rating kana, full-pledge ATC kana, pwede ka na iwan ikaw na magdedecide kung ano clearances ibibigay mo sa pilot. I hope this helps.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous9:55 PM

      Ahh Kaya pala

      Delete
  3. Starting salary is 32k/month. And yes it's true that there are only at least 500 ATCs in the PH. Some chose to work abroad because the salary is way, way higher than here.

    We do coordination and other things that a controller does on his duty, of course we are supervised by a rated controller of a facility. We had our OJT at Manila Tower, Manila Area Control Center, Plaridel Tower, Manila Radar Approach, and other comms facilities.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What are the med exam procedures for ears, nose, and throat? Thanks

      Delete
    2. Anonymous2:55 PM

      A shocking 32k, yeap.. in the US you could have around 6kUSD which will earn you maybe more than 3M in 1 year. Great thanks for this info

      Delete
    3. What are the different ranks/how does the career progress and their equivalent pay?

      Delete
    4. This is take-home rate, right? Afaik ATMO-I is currently PHP 51k net per the powers that be.

      Delete
    5. I thought dapat citizen ka ng specific country to be an atc there, so why pwede makapag-atc ang mga filipinos abroad?

      Delete
    6. Anonymous9:32 AM

      Is 32k after training and finishing your OJT?

      Delete
  4. Anonymous2:26 PM

    What should we expect from the interview? Hardest question asked?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hey bro, just some questions. You've stated that there will be a second OJT, will it be a paid one or any form of compensation? Roughly how long will the 2nd OJT last?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous11:01 PM

    hi! does the ojt already have salary? and if it does, how much? thanks! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, roughly 11k a month.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous3:00 PM

      Can i apply this month?

      Delete
  7. So can i apply for this year?

    ReplyDelete
  8. I HOPE IM NOT LATE TO APPLY FOR THIS YEAR

    ReplyDelete
  9. Please check CAAP's official website at caap.gov.ph for announcements.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous9:12 PM

    Oh good news. According to this post by infinithinkblog, the government will provide allowance for the new training program.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous1:22 PM

    Only Filipinos are allowed to be ATC? or Foreigners also can apply to be ATC?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous12:31 AM

    kailan kaya ang susunod na exam, meron kaya this year or next year?... I was planning to take the exam last year but the schedule coincides with my board exam.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please visit caap's website. may exam sila this july

      Delete
  13. Anonymous11:54 AM

    is it really required to have a 20/20 vision? or ok lang na may eyeglasses?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous2:15 PM

    Hello po! Kahit po wala civil service pwedi mag apply? pwedi din po ba sa girls? ano po ang qualities na kailangan? im planning to apply po kasi. hope you can help me. Thanks po

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8:04 AM

      Please refer to the CAAP website www.caap.gov.ph under Updates & Announcements

      Delete
    2. Anonymous9:58 PM

      Gusto ko pOH makapag work. Ng ganito hotel management Po course ko vocational

      Delete
  15. Anonymous9:56 PM

    Why is there an age limit when you want to become an Air Traffic Controller? That's age discrimination!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous11:31 AM

    Good morning po! Ano po ang type of exam? :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous7:57 PM

    Good evening everyone, I am a license Electronics Engineer (Oct. 2014) with a bit of disability in my left ear. I mean my left ear doesn't function well but the rest of my senses work well. Will I automatically fail during the medical exam just like the colorblind people? Hoping for an answer from employees of CAAP. Good evening and more power!!! Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Is the exam free? Di ko kasi mahanap sa website ng caap eh :( thanks

    ReplyDelete
  19. What's the scope of the exam?

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous7:31 AM

    hi, could i ask if corrective eyeglasses are allowed?

    ReplyDelete
  21. hello po. pwede mag-ask kung ilang araw po ang bakasyon ng air traffic controller? thanks

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hello, Thanks for the well written explanation of the process. Can you tell me during the course if the trainees are allotted any time off during the weekends or allowed to go out into town during the evening hours? Or is it run like a strict boot camp and the trainees are required to stay in the "barracks" during the nights and not allowed out even during weekends?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nate! During my time (ca 2012-2013) the training was grueling, sans the military type. And also, we are free to go wherever we want during weekends, when there are no exams or dry runs. Today, the ATC training is similar to boot camp where people are trained military style and I've heard they only have limited time to go home. So sad

      Delete
    2. They also have the age limit. They had that before at PAF so I quit during the PFT. I want to be either a pilot or ATC. Age does matter on dreams. Sad

      Delete
  23. That's too bad, Thanks for the update however. Best regards!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous12:41 PM

    Hi, do you also train for IFR air traffic control or area controller position? Also, are there any fees for training period and OJT?

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous4:25 AM

    It would be better to pursue your studies and career in the US in my opinion. The salary here is way, way lower- even lowest in Asia! You would not want that plus you would have plenty of benefits in the states, as here I am unsure of!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous11:36 PM

    All I can say is Wow! Philippine ATC salary is really quite low. Daily pay is equivalent to an hourly pay of a Canadian ATC. ATC's should be paid more in my opinion. They are responsible for air traffic safety and it is stressful (I'm speaking on behalf of my husband).

    ReplyDelete
  27. kindly answer the following if possible
    what about foreigners ....r they allowed to take part of this training..and how about other equivalent degrees in lieu of a college degree.
    meaning to say is that im a CPL holder ..can this serve as an allowed degree to participate in the program ?
    and lastly where else can i take air traffic controller training here in philippines .....thanx a lot for hearing me out

    ReplyDelete
  28. kindly answer these ?s for me..r foreigners allowed to participate in this program ?
    iam a cpl holder by the way , is there any other way to take the air traffic controller training here in philippines ?im not looking for 4 years training .thanks a lot hearing me out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should be a citizen of the Philippines.

      Delete
  29. How is the facility assignment determined? Do successful trainees have the option to choose where to be assigned to? Or maybe those with better grades/performance have the privilege to choose?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Depends on the availability of the facility. Be ready to be assigned anywhere in the Philippines.

      Delete
  30. Hi Mr. Bulseco, do you have any reviewer for the exam? or recommended reference? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  31. What is the passing rate?thank you

    ReplyDelete
  32. Sir pwede po ba ako kahit associate graduate po ako ng aircraft maintenance?..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous1:30 PM

      BS Degree is required.

      Delete
  33. Anonymous10:31 PM

    Hello Sir!

    what about the exam
    what are the commonly asked questions?
    is it a panel interview?
    what should we expect?

    TIA Sir

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anonymous5:23 AM

    A. General Qualifications:

    1. Natural born citizen of the Philippines
    2. single
    3. not more than twenty-six (26) years old as of May 31, 2017,
    4. physically, mentally and psychologically fit,
    5. of good moral character,
    6. with good command of oral and written English
    7. without criminal, civil or administrative case, and
    8. has not been dishonorably separated from Government or private service.

    B. Additional Qualifications: Air Traffic Management Officer (ATMO)

    1. Baccalaureate degree holder of any course, Baccalaureate degree graduating students may apply upon submission of a Certification from the School Registrar that they will graduate by May 29, 2017 (Transcript of Records or Diploma must be submitted by May 29, 2017).
    2. computer literate, and
    3. with 20/20 vision without corrective lenses, and not color blind.

    Secure application forms from the HRM Division of the CAAP in Pasay City, or any CAAP Testing Center

    source: http://caap.gov.ph/index.php/55-civil-aviation-officer-candidate-scholarship-program-batch-03

    ReplyDelete
  35. What if you have high blood pressure are u applicable for the job?

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  36. Are you allowed to speak in filipino when communicating to the pilot?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ofcourse not if you are an aspiring ATC better practice your english skills coz you'll need them in communicating to pilots even if he is a filipino. :)

      Delete
  37. Anonymous9:19 PM

    How much is the salary for air traffic controllers beginners of you become one?thanks

    ReplyDelete
  38. For having a college degree do we still need to pass a board exam or just graduate?

    ReplyDelete
  39. What is the difference between an Air Traffic Control Assistant and an Air Traffic Management Officer I? As I understand ATCAs are entry level positions that are not yet rated and their employment status are not regular (job orders)? So its possible to get stuck as an ATCA and never progress through more senior positions if you're not able to pass the ratings?

    ReplyDelete
  40. Anonymous8:22 PM

    Currently I am 21 years old. But I know certain aviation terminologies like VOR, DME, dead stick and ETC.

    But the main question is, will they consider me despite of my age? Or they strictly allow 26 years old. If so, I guess I need much more to know and learn.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anonymous9:57 PM

    What is the timeline of result to know if you passed the interview? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. no definite timetable. give it three months or less

      Delete
  42. Hi, I passed the qualifying exam last May 2018 for CATS 13, then passed the panel interview. so now, i processed my medical examinations, however my ECG findings was "normal heart rhythm with sinus arrythmia" . Can I still quallify ? although I feel like im fit

    ReplyDelete
  43. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  44. And I think there's a policy like any other countries, you should be a citizen of the philippines before you work as an ATC here in the Philippines

    ReplyDelete
  45. Can you apply for the position as soon as you finish senior high school?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, you need to have a college degree before you can apply this job. I've already stated above the requirements.

      Delete
  46. Hi I am a Highschool student since you have stated that there is no need to study an aviation course for ATC do you think its better if I study at UST and finish my college or study at an Aviation school?

    ReplyDelete
  47. Ano po usually type ng exam? Like scope, is there any reviewer?

    ReplyDelete
  48. Anonymous4:20 AM

    Hi.Good Day! I'm going to take the exam this coming May for ATMO/ATC so I just wanna know if once you pass all the exams and interview and you become a trainee, do we receive salary even though we're still trainees? And if yes, how much? I just wanna know since as stated, during the training we're the ones who will shoulder all of the expenses and it will be pretty hard if we don't have any money during that period.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, training is free but no allowance/salary will be given.

      Delete
  49. Anonymous4:47 PM

    Hello there! It's a relief to see that you still replied to some of the recent comments. Did you save up money for the training period so that you could afford the living and miscellaneous expenses or did you also have a part time job? How did you save up money?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't have a part-time job while I was on my training phase. I'm fortunate to have a supportive dad who'd give me allowance (at least 5k per 2 weeks) to help me with the daily expenses during the training period.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for replying! Do you have fellow trainees who did and are now air traffic controllers themselves? I don't think I'll get the same support as you have if I take the test in the future and manage to pass.

      Delete
    3. welp, I forgot to put that in anon...I appreciate your efforts to reply to our questions! Thanks again!

      Delete
    4. Nope, I don't know any worked while training. I think it's impossible.

      Delete
  50. Anonymous9:49 PM

    Daily po ba ang training? Ilang hours po?

    ReplyDelete
  51. Anonymous11:14 PM

    Ano po pinagkaiba ng training ng ATC sa CNSSO?

    ReplyDelete
  52. Anonymous4:35 PM

    Kuya mangutana lang unta ko ba. Kanang naa ba'y reviewer para sa gusto motake sa exam? or keri lang cya ug walay review2? gusto unta unta ko motake this month. Your reply will be very much appreciated jud kuya. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wala ko nag review, natulog ra jud ko the day before, and nakachamba na top 5 ko out of 1000+ nag take sa among batch 7 yrs ago lol. We were 110 ata na nakapasok sa initial cut.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:25 AM

      Hi kuya @RM Bulseco, so air traffic controller naka ron ya? Sa davao ka na assign? Laina sad ug walay sahod ang training oy

      Delete
  53. sir, ilan sahod ng ojt? at ilan sahod ng full time? ojt parin ba after 6 months?

    ReplyDelete
  54. I already submitted the requirements po. Paano ko po malalaman if qualified ako for their exam? Makakatanggap po ba ako ng email galing sa kanila?

    ReplyDelete
  55. Same day po ba yung exam and panel interview?

    ReplyDelete
  56. Anonymous11:19 AM

    Hello. Sayon ra ba ang entrance exam sa CATS? Same ra sya sa civil service exam or mas sayon pa? Your reply will be very much appreciated jud Sir

    ReplyDelete
  57. Anonymous1:08 AM

    Gaano po ba katagal ang release ng result sa qualifying exam?

    ReplyDelete
  58. Anonymous12:16 PM

    Stay-in ba ang training? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  59. I'm currently a grade 10 student what track should i take in grade 11 and what course? How much is the starting and maximum salary?

    ReplyDelete
  60. Anonymous2:06 AM

    Why there is a age limit?

    ReplyDelete
  61. asa pwede maka take og exam para sa CATS sir? naa ba dire sa Cagayan de Oro or need pako mo adtug davao para mag take og exam sir?

    ReplyDelete
  62. As a trainee may makukuha ka bang allowance o wala po talaga? Salamat po sa sagot

    ReplyDelete
  63. Sir RJ, where are you posted currently, and which of the services (ACC, APP/DEP, TWR) are you assigned to?

    Hope to meet you as a fellow ATC one day, permitting that I pass CATS-14.

    Regards,
    Daryll

    ReplyDelete
  64. Strict ba sila sa medical? Esp if 20/20 ba ang vision?

    ReplyDelete
  65. Anonymous10:16 PM

    Hello, ask ko lang po if same day or days lang po ba pagitan ng interview at medical exam? Kasi I don't have a 20/20 vision, if ever na papalarin sa exam plan ko po magpalasik. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  66. I know it's 2020 and this may be irrelevant, but how was the exam when you took it? What was the scope and how hard was it?? I'll be taking the exam in March 28 and I want to review for it but I don't know where to start. I would appreciate a response. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hello po. Mangutana unta ko unsa kaayo coverage sa exam para sa CATS. Hapit na man ang exam within this month. Any tips unsa kaayo kinahanglan tun-an?

    ReplyDelete
  68. Where can I take the exam and/or inquire more about becoming a government air traffic controller?

    ReplyDelete
  69. Anonymous9:11 PM

    Hi po! Im a Grade 12 ABM student yet Im not good at speaking english. Wala naman pong problema sa reading comprehension ko,hindi ko lang po talaga kayang makipag communicate. I just want to ask some tips po to be fluent in speaking english. I want to pursue this kind of career po kasi eh. Thank you in advance sir!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Is it true na bawal malabo ang mata? kahit may correction glasses/contact lens?

    ReplyDelete
  71. Anonymous10:15 AM

    After nang training may OJT paba? If so how many months and what will be its salary?

    ReplyDelete

Whatchasay?