Selection of Applicants for the Air Traffic Controller Occupation,

This report covers personnel research efforts during the past nine years directed toward improving the selection of applicants to work in the Air Traffic Control occupation. The report summarizes the various research efforts and makes specific recommendations for changes in present OPM tests through which applicants qualify for employment consideration in the ATC occupation, and the rating and ranking procedures used to establish a register of eligible applicants for appointment to the occupation. New tests developed for inclusion in a revised ATC test battery include the Multiplex Controller Aptitude Test MCAT and an Occupational Knowledge Test OKT. Both tests are paper-pencil, machine scorable, multiple choice type tests. The MCAT presents simulations of air traffic flow in each item. The applicant must solve air traffic problems or a related cognitive skill problem in completing each item. The OKT measures important aspects of knowledge associated with prior experience that are related to successful performance as an air traffic control specialist. The revised test battery recommended to OPM includes the Multiplex Controller Aptitude Test and the present OPM test, Abstract Reasoning and Letter Sequence. The Occupational Knowledge Test is used for granting additional earned credit in place of the present OPM Rating Guide. This new test battery meets all professional requirements for an effective test including fairness. Author