Hiring Bid FAA-ATO-19-ALLSRCE-61676

I re-used my Best Qualified score from last bid and got Referred, Pool 2, but I'm definitely feeling relieved. I went into this year assuming it was going to be like last year where everyone who "passed" the ATSA would be referred and move on to the next step. I didn't know they were going to be turning down people who passed.

Wow, they are 2 weeks early on releasing referrals.

When I went through last year's thread to estimate a possible timeline for this year, I came up with last week of October/first week of November. Not sure why people keep saying they're early this year.
 
When I went through last year's thread to estimate a possible timeline for this year, I came up with last week of October/first week of November. Not sure why people keep saying they're early this year.
I think we all just get excited when it’s before the last day possible. Congrats on your referral! Here’s hoping we make it to the academy.
 
5th attempt and first time not getting referred. I might have missed it the past times but, did the last 3 bids also have BQ and WQ in the description? Anyone from pool 2 BQ and not referred? And last one, I’m seeing people saying they rolled over their scores, how’s that possible?
 
did the last 3 bids also have BQ and WQ in the description?
No, this was the first time. Last year you could call and find out, so once word got out, they probably got tired of those calls.
Anyone from pool 2 BQ and not referred?
A few people have said that.
And last one, I’m seeing people saying they rolled over their scores, how’s that possible?
Scores are good for 3 years. You just have to not take the test again and they'll use your previous score.
 
Is it reccomended to retake the test if you scored well qualified but not best qualified ? I got a referral last year but did not receive one this year after scoring well qualified.
 
Is it reccomended to retake the test if you scored well qualified but not best qualified ? I got a referral last year but did not receive one this year after scoring well qualified.
So far, no one from Pool 2 with WQ has gotten referred. Even some BQ didn’t. I’d take it next time and try for BQ.
 
No, this was the first time. Last year you could call and find out, so once word got out, they probably got tired of those calls.

A few people have said that.

Scores are good for 3 years. You just have to not take the test again and they'll use your previous score.

Thank you! I wish I would have known all of this. Now I know, I can’t believe I could have rolled over the scores ??‍♂️.
 
Thank you! I wish I would have known all of this. Now I know, I can’t believe I could have rolled over the scores ??‍♂️.

There's another school of thought that says if your score wasn't good enough to get you a TOL, you should re-take anyway. Theoretically you get better results on the ATSA with more experience.

It's really up to you though.
 
When I went through last year's thread to estimate a possible timeline for this year, I came up with last week of October/first week of November. Not sure why people keep saying they're early this year.
Referrals didn't go out until December 7th or 9th then TOLS were december 21st you guys are earlier. I took my atsa last year in november sometime I think it was the 12th
 
Applied in 2018, took the ATSA and didn't feel very confident about my performance. Got referred but no TOL.

Applied this year, didn't call HR to check my score, retook the ATSA. My app status on USAJobs now says Pool 2, Best Qualified, Referred.

Anyone have any guesses about what further information may be considered in determining who gets a TOL?
 
Finish your ratings!

I'm an instrument rated pilot (going for commercial checkride in a few weeks). This is my 3rd time applying. First time, didn't pass the BQ. Second time I was best qualified, referred, and no TOL. This year I'm best qualified and referred. Expanding your flight knowledge and experience will definitely give you a better understanding of the job. Especially after your instrument training. The hiring process for ATC is not quick. You will have time to knock out a couple of ratings. My recommendation is become a CFI and instruct while you wait on the FAA. You will get both flight hours and gain experience. I regret not finishing my commerical and CFI ratings sooner.

Assuming my medical actually goes through (apparently it moved up a step last week and is close to a decision according to the Federal Air Surgeon himself) like all the FAA-recommended doctors I've worked with say it will, that is absolutely the plan. Kinda wish I could use the AT-SA score to supplement by CogScreen/Neuropsych Battery/MMPI-2, it's more proof off an FAA test beyond what is required for my medical that I'm absolutely not cognitively impaired given I got BQ and am cognitively competitive to be a controller (but no referral).

Sorry about the confusion regarding TOLs btw, I'm not always right 😉.
 
Pool 1 referred, best qualified. I was Pool 2 best qualified last year, got referred but no TOL so I decided to retest this year just in case it was going to come down to a few points. Felt like I did about the same as last year on the first part of the ATSA but better on the second part.
 
Pool 2 Referred, best qualified. This was my second time taking the test.

If any of you guys took the test in Raleigh on Oct 5th, hope you did well
 
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Last year I was Pool 2, best qualified but didn't make the cut. I chose to retake the test figuring I couldn't do worse since it's my last shot due to age, and just got "not referred - qualified." Guess I should have called to get my score before I took the test and rolled it over.

Good luck to all of you in your journeys and future careers.
 
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