From CTI grad to first day at facility.

indo Newcomer

Hello everyone,

I've been a member on here for a while now, reading here and there in an attempt to gain some sort of understanding as to what will happen to me after my CTI graduation in May, 2010.

I have this to ask:

Those of you who graduated from a CTI school, what exactly happens after you graduate? I understand that the timing is different for everyone but, in general, what happens? From what I understand, you apply through CTI, then wait until you get a referral notice on the ASAP (what is that?) or something, then wait some more to see if you get a facility and then what? I'm confused to say the least. I have been trying to follow everything that everyone is talking about during the recent referral notices. It's just a bit like trying to drink water from a fire hose.

To be honest, I have a very blurry idea of what happens and I'd appreciate any and all help that you guys have to offer.

Thanks in advance.

mbalunda Epic Member

I'm not as familiar with the CTI process, but I can give you a better idea of what happens.

I believe when you finish school you are given a 'code' from your school that allows you to apply to the CTI postings on the ASAP website. ASAP is just a government application website. I believe several government agencies use it. After you've applied for the CTI announcement and properly filled everything out you'll be able to take the ATSAT. This is the test used to judge the ability of a person to be an air traffic controller. This is a very important step, passing the test is required. If for some reason a person fails they must wait 1 full year before they can retest. If you pass the test you'll eventually receive an email about where you would like to work. You can pick two states. Several weeks after that happens ASAP shows that a referral list has been created, and you've either been selected for X or Y state. However if those states are not hiring you won't make the referral list. The referral list is a list of names of all people who have applied to be air traffic controllers. This list contains your personal information and they basically go through it and select who they want to work for them. Think of it as a fantasy football draft. If you get 'drafted' you'll receive an email saying that and it will tell you how to procede.

After that you there is an interview, medical exams, background check, etc. Then if you pass all those things you wait for a class date.

arg3b Senior Member Murfreesboro, TN

What he said, except you are supposed to take the AT-SAT one year before you graduate, which is sometimes not the case. If you havent taken the AT-SAT yet, you probably will this spring due to your May 2010 graduation date. Dont worry it is all confusing until you graduate and are forced to use the ASAP for all notices.

JosueZQ8 Trusted Member Akron, OH

^+1. I took the AT-SAT as part of my degree 3 months before I graduated.

My CTI process has been; graduated in August, received a job code a few weeks later, applied CTI on ASAP, made referral list for FL on 10/14, now I'm just waiting to hear something. When you're filling out the application, there'll be a section where you pick 2 states you want to work as well.

From what I understand about the process, IF you get selected, you'll get a TOL (tenative offer letter) for a facility (wherever that may be) and you'll interview at the nearest facility to you, go through your medical, security and backround clearances, then wait for a FOL (firm offer letter) and then your class date.

jalvis81 Senior Member

CTI does not get geo preferences email. you just pick 2 states on your asap application.

indo Newcomer

Alright that does clear some things up. I know that I'll have to take the AT-SAT sometime during the Spring semester before graduation. After I graduate, I'll be able to apply through the CTI announcement via the code from my school, picking two states in the process. Then I wait to make the referral list.

So if I graduate the first week of May, but they aren't doing referral selections until October (as was the case this year) I'd be in the same pot as everyone who graduates in the summer and applies then? (such as Josue).

About how many times a year do they make the referral lists? Does anyone know when the lists will be generated for 2010?

arg3b Senior Member Murfreesboro, TN

You will be in the same pot as all of the under age 31 CTI grads who have graduated and applied.

There is a panel that is supposed to meet in August 2010. The referral list are usually generated about a week or 2 before the panels. Your best bet is to check ASAP daily or read this forum every few days to see if anyone starts a thread about referral lists being generated.

The summer graduates will only be elgible if the Aug. 2010 panels are pushed back until a further date, as was the case this year. That is why the 2009 summer graduates were included for the panels last week.

kls1981 Rookie Sandusky, Ohio

Weren't the panels supposed to be in September this year and were pushed back to October?

arg3b Senior Member Murfreesboro, TN

That is correct.

indo Newcomer

So for those who are graduating this December, they'll have to wait until next August to make the referral list? If this is true, then graduating sooner doesn't mean that you'll be working sooner, correct?