rogue

Passing this test indicates you're eligible for a $140,000 job... but only 3% succeed.

So we’re not saying that you should up and quit your current job, but we’ve just been made aware that being an air traffic controller is actually a very well-paid gig.

With reason of course. You would be overseeing the lives of thousands of people each shift, but it’s financially rewarding nonetheless.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald graduate roles start at $99,898 a year, with the median annual wage for air transport professionals reaching $141,795. Website Assessment Training also states that senior staff can receive up to $200,000 a year.

However, to get into the program it is a bit of a process… the catch being that only three in 100 people pass.

According to Assessment Training, the test is composed of five different parts and you can actually try a mock test from the same website that provides the actual exams – SHL-CEB.

The test assesses your ability in error checking, reading comprehension, numerical reasoning, mental arithmetic and spatial reasoning. We had a go at the practice inductive reasoning test, which tests your spatial ability to manipulate patterns and shapes, and we’re already struggling.

Here’s a snippet of a practice test…

Air traffic controller exam
How did you go? Image: SHL.
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We've included the answers below.

The trick with the test is to try and figure out the pattern of the shapes. For example, in question two you'll notice that the solid square gets rotated one step clock-wise around the shapes while the half-square and semi-circle line switch positions.

Question three is similar. The circle moves one corner anti-clockwise with each step, while the solid triangle alternates corners. Unfortunately the questions in the real test are a bit trickier, but you can give it a try over here.

Air traffic controller exam
Image: SHL
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However, even if you pass the test, you'll have to undergo a 15-20 minute interview based on your "motivation and understanding of the role," and then there's further psychometric testing, simulation and group exercises and interviews to do as well. In 2017, out of the 1180 people who applied for the Airservices Australia training program, only 30 were accepted.

As Victorian-based air traffic controller Charles Robinson told the Sydney Morning Herald, "Statistically that’s less than three per cent of those who apply for the role."

So maybe we'll stick to our day jobs, then?