The FEAST test battery comprises: FEAST I, consisting of a set of cognitive ability tests and an English Language test, and FEAST II, with two more complex multi-tasking tests that generally follow the successful completion of FEAST I. In addition, in FEAST III, a personality questionnaire is available and is used by many of the FEAST user organisations.
COGNITIVE
ABILITY
TESTS
CLASSIC PLUS
KNOWLEDGE
English Language Listening & Comprehension
ELICIT
Multi-Tasking
Work Sample Tests
RADAR
MULTI-PASS
Personality
Personality Questionnaire
FPQ
The tests and the accompanying administrative procedures have been designed with a great deal of professional care. They are administered and scored by a computer, thus further adding to the objectivity of the process.
On the day of the testing you will be welcomed by a test administrator who will guide you through the day and explain to you everything you need to know before you actually start the tests. Each test will be preceded by an introduction which explains the principles of the test and which gives example items and solutions. You will be given the opportunity to answer a sample question to make sure that you know what is being asked of you.
Introduction
Practice
Test
Each candidate sits the tests under the same conditions and subject to the same instruction. You may therefore rest assured that all applicants are treated equally and fairly.
The first phase of FEAST is intended to measure your basic skills and abilities in decision-making, planning ability, memory, logical reasoning, visual perception, attention, multi-tasking and spatial orientation. This phase also includes a test on your English language knowledge.
All tests are computer-based, and therefore the use of a keyboard and a mouse will be required.
It will take minimum 2 ½ hours to take the tests. There will be one or several 10 minute breaks during the test session.
Some tests will use a multiple-choice format, i.e. you will receive a number of solutions to choose from. Only one solution will be the correct one. In other tests, you will be required to react as quickly as possible. In general, you should always try to work as quickly and precisely as possible. It is also important to note that you might not be able to answer all items in all tests. This should not discourage you, as it does not necessarily mean that you have failed the test.
Once you have successfully passed the FEAST I tests you may be invited to attend a second round of testing. In this second phase you will take one or two work sample tests:
These tests are intended to measure your multi-tasking abilities. The tests are more complex and will require you to perform a number of different tasks at the same time as is done by an Air Traffic Controller. However, it is important to note again that pre-knowledge of ATC procedures or other specific knowledge is not required. These tests are designed for beginners with no background in ATC. The test instructions are very detailed and ensure that everything is explained before the tests start.
Many FEAST user organisations will also ask you to complete a questionnaire called the FEAST Personality Questionnaire as part of their selection system.
The questionnaire is different from the other FEAST assessments. There are no wrong or right answers. It does, however, give a picture of you as a person in so far as this will be relevant to the job for which you applied.
The questionnaire asks you to rate yourself in relation to a number of questions on a simple scale from 1-5. The questionnaire is easy to complete but full instructions are given to you on screen before you begin. You should try to answer naturally and instinctively and not to spend a long time on each answer. There is no time limit as such but we would expect you to finish in around 35-40 minutes.
The Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) to whom you have applied may supplement the FEAST tests with other tests. Usually you will attend a job interview at the end of the process. The ANSP will give you further information separately with regard to other tests in addition to FEAST.
Please note that not all FEAST user organisations will always make use of all FEAST tests on offer.
Please note that the FEAST I session can take up to approximately 4 hours depending on how many tests are used by the FEAST user organisation to whom you have applied.
As a candidate, you want to prepare for the FEAST tests as much as possible. To help you prepare, EUROCONTROL has developed a training platform for applicants. The training platform is free of charge and can be found at https://feast-training.eurocontrol.int/.
The EUROCONTROL Aviation Learning Centre (ALC) is EUROCONTROL’s training centre, located in Luxembourg. It is recognised as a centre of excellence for providing advanced air traffic management (ATM) training, comprising both classroom and e-learning courses, as well as training standards, tools and programmes.
Our training portfolio includes classroom and e-learning training courses aimed at different levels ranging from beginners in ATM to experienced ATM experts. Visit the EUROCONTROL Learning Zone. Our online catalogue of courses allows quick and easy access to all the information you require to help you identify your learning needs.
About FEAST
What exactly are FEAST tests?
FEAST stands for “First European Air Traffic Controller Selection Test”. These tests assess the knowledge, skills and abilities which are relevant for the job of air traffic controller. They comprise tests of skills and cognitive abilities, an English language test, a Personality questionnaire and multi-tasking tests.
Does EUROCONTROL provide information about FEAST to candidates apart from on this website?
See information for candidates in the download section.
Where can I take FEAST?
There are many organisations that use FEAST as part of their air traffic controller recruitment and selection process - see USERS section for more details.
How long do FEAST test sessions last?
The FEAST I test battery (basic skills and abilities + English test) takes between 2.5 and 4 hours to complete.
The FEAST II battery may comprise up to 2 tests: RADAR and FEAST MULTI-PASS. Both tests take between 1.5 and 2 hours.
The FEAST Personality Questionnaire takes about 45 minutes.
Do I need to pay a fee to take FEAST?
This depends on the organisation where you take the FEAST tests. More information can be provided by the recruitment team of the organisation where you are applying for an air traffic controller job.
Am I allowed to take FEAST more than once, in the same or in a different organisation?
EUROCONTROL advises candidates to take the FEAST tests only once. The probability of failure during subsequent training for a candidate re-sitting the test after an initial failure may be higher than for candidates who pass first time. Nevertheless, for various reasons, different re-testing policies are applied. For more information on the re-testing policy, please contact the organisation where you would like to apply.
Preparation
How can I prepare for the FEAST tests?
To prepare for a FEAST test session, EUROCONTROL has developed a training platform for applicants. The tests on the platform are not identical to the tests used in a real test session; nevertheless, they enable applicants to familiarise themselves with the general principles and tasks to be performed in a FEAST test session.
Are there demo tests available to practice before taking the FEAST tests?
You can find demo tests for FEAST on our training platform for applicants. We advise against using other test preparation software as those products have been developed without the involvement or authorisation of EUROCONTROL.
Do I need an aviation background in order to pass FEAST?
You do not need an aviation background to pass FEAST. Everything you need to know to complete a test is explained in the test instructions. For other phases of the selection process, though, it is important to have knowledge about air traffic control and the job of an air traffic controller. You can find relevant information on the internet or in aviation magazines and books.
Are virtual ATC and/or flight simulators helpful?
Experience with virtual ATC simulators and/or flight simulators is not required for FEAST.
Results
What is the minimum pass mark for FEAST?
Each FEAST User Organisation decides on its cut-off score. In most cases it will be sufficient to obtain an average result in comparison to candidates who have taken the tests in the past.
How can I get my FEAST results?
EUROCONTROL is only the supplier of the FEAST tests. We do not own the results and are therefore not able to share them with candidates.
The organisation where you apply will inform you about their feedback policy. Many organisations offer feedback on your test results. This will include a review of strengths and weaknesses. Please be aware that for legal reasons not all organisations are in a position to give feedback.
Can EUROCONTROL give results to candidates?
No, we are not allowed to do so, as we are not the owners of the candidates’ results. The organisation where candidates took the tests has the authority to give feedback - should their policy allow them to do so.
Can EUROCONTROL deliver certificates for candidates who have taken/passed the tests?
EUROCONTROL cannot deliver such certificates as it is not the owner of the testing process.
If someone fails the FEAST test, under what conditions is he/she allowed to retake the test?
A candidate who has failed the tests should enquire with the organisation where s/he took the tests what their policy is in this matter.
If I pass the FEAST tests, can I directly access ATC training?
Each organisation may supplement the FEAST battery with additional tests. Candidates should also expect an interview. The selection process differs from one organisation to another and may take more or less time.
I have doubts about my FEAST results. Can EUROCONTROL help?
EUROCONTROL is not allowed to take a position in cases where candidates raise doubts about their results. Candidates should refer to the organisation where the FEAST tests were taken.
