How to Become an Air Traffic Controller in Canada (federal)
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with Transport Canada to work as an air traffic controller in Canada or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“No person shall act as an air traffic controller or exercise the privileges of an air traffic controller licence unless (a) the person holds an air traffic controller licence endorsed with a rating appropriate to the privileges being exercised and with the appropriate operational location”
From laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-433/page-36.html, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Transport Canada
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Transport Canada
Your roadmap
The steps are not listed yet.
Check the current steps with Transport Canada.
Requirements
Experience
The licence holder must have successfully completed a proficiency check within the preceding 12 months to exercise the privileges of the licence at an air traffic control unit.
Source
“The holder of an air traffic controller licence shall not exercise the privileges of that licence at an air traffic control unit unless the holder has successfully completed a proficiency check within the preceding 12 months.”
laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-433/page-36.html
Other
Applicants must hold an air traffic controller licence endorsed with a rating appropriate to the privileges being exercised and with the appropriate operational location.
Source
“the person holds an air traffic controller licence endorsed with a rating appropriate to the privileges being exercised and with the appropriate operational location”
laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-433/page-36.htmlThe licence must be valid.
The person must hold a valid Category 1 or 2 medical certificate.
Source
“the person holds a valid Category 1 or 2 medical certificate”
laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-433/page-36.html
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The pages do not state how someone licensed in another Canadian province or territory can register. Source
“No person shall act as an air traffic controller or exercise the privileges of an air traffic controller licence unless”
laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-433/page-36.html
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Transport Canada
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Transport Canada
Exams
-
proficiency check
Source
“The holder of an air traffic controller licence shall not exercise the privileges of that licence at an air traffic control unit unless the holder has successfully completed a proficiency check within the preceding 12 months.”
laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-433/page-36.html
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Transport Canada
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Transport Canada
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Transport Canada
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $25.25 | $54.88 | $106.19 | — |
Air traffic controllers in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Not confirmed yet
- Alberta Not confirmed yet
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- Ontario Not confirmed yet
- Quebec Not confirmed yet
- New Brunswick Not confirmed yet
- Nova Scotia Not confirmed yet
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Newfoundland and Labrador Not confirmed yet
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Canadian Aviation Regulations laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-433/page-36.html · fetched October 8, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as an air traffic controller in Canada?
Yes. A licence or certificate from Transport Canada is required to work in Canada.
Which exams are required?
proficiency check.
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