DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AVIATION MALAYSIA

AIR TRAFFIC INSPECTORATE DIRECTIVE

(ATID) NO. 3/2009

ATID NO. 3/2009 Date: 31 December 2009

GUIDELINES ON AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL PROFICIENCY

THEORY EXAMINATIONS

1. Introduction

In line with the campaign to enhance Air Traffic Control operations and
management knowledge, a theoretical assessment will be introduced in all
proficiency examinations with effect from 1 January 2010.

2. Purpose

This Air Traffic Inspectorate Directive shall serve as a guideline to Air Traffic
Services Provider in the conduct of the above-mentioned ATC examination.

3. Guidelines For ATC Proficiency Theory Examination

3.1. Syllabus

The required knowledge scope shall encompass the Air Traffic Control
functions that are to be assessed. Reference shall be made to the
Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Volume I & Volume II and the
relevant information published in the Aeronautical Information Publication
(AIP) Malaysia. The ICAO Doc 4444 ATM is also highly recommended
for knowledge enhancement and understanding.

3.2. Format

The theory examination paper shall be divided into two sections as

follows:

a) Part I: General Questions in this part shall comprise of general

knowledge on a particular operational rating with reference to the
MATS Volume I and ICAO Doc 4444. It is suggested that about 40%
of total marks shall be allocated for this section.

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b) Part II: Local Procedures This section shall be focused on the units
special local procedures, with reference to the MATS Volume 2 and
AIP Malaysia. It is suggested that about 60% of total marks shall be
allocated for this section.

3.3. Questions and Answers

a) The questions can be in the form of multiple-choice, subjective, fill-in

the blanks, true/false statements or a combination of the above. The
total numbers of questions shall be deemed suitable for the duration
of 1 hour 30 minutes.

b) At least three (3) sets of questions with answer schemes shall be

prepared by the unit ATC Examiners for each Air Traffic Services
(ATS) Unit. As one (1) set may not cover the whole syllabus, all three
(3) sets of questions in combination shall be able to achieve the
targeted objectives. Any question can be repeated in more than one
(1) set.

c) It is encouraged to formulate questions that require knowledge

application to answer, rather than pure memorisation of data and
facts.

d) All the question sets with answer schemes shall be vetted and
approved by the Air Traffic Inspectorate Division. The question
papers shall be reviewed once every two (2) years.

e) The approved sets of questions (without the answers) can be made

available to all the Air Traffic Controllers. Examination candidates are
recommended to thoroughly read all related documents and discuss
among their peers while researching for the answers.

f) The candidate shall receive one (1) randomly selected unmarked

question set five (5) minutes before the commencement of the
theory examination.

3.4. Date

a) The theory examination can be conducted at any time before the

scheduled practical exam.

b) The examination schedule should be locally notified to the

candidates for each unit in advance. Ideally, the candidates should
make early preparations for the examination, as the sets of questions
can be obtained from the unit ATC Examiners.

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3.5. The Answer Schemes

The answer schemes are strictly for marking purposes and to ensure
fairness and objectivity. The answer schemes shall not be distributed to
the candidates. This is essential to promote and nurture the reading
culture amongst the candidates whilst researching for the appropriate
answers.

3.6. Marking of Answers

The marking of answers shall be carried out by the units designated ATC
Examiners in accordance to the approved answer schemes. The marked
papers shall be submitted to the Air Traffic Inspectorate Division for
review preferably before the practical examination. However, this review
process should not stop the practical examination from being conducted
as scheduled.

3.7. Failure

3.7.1. If a candidate fails the theory examination, the practical

examination shall be postponed to accommodate a repeat theory
examination. The repeat theory examination can be scheduled
one (1) week after the previous attempt.

3.7.2. If a candidate fails the repeat theory examination, the practical

proficiency examination shall not be conducted. The case will be
forwarded to the DGCA for consideration of ATC licence
suspension. Pending decision by the DGCA, the air traffic
controller may continue with operational duties subject to the
discretion of the unit chief.

3.8. Exemptions

Generally no exemptions from the theory examinations are allowed.

However, the DGCA through the Air Traffic Inspectorate Division has the
authority to allow exemptions on a case by case basis.

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4. Conclusion

The requirements contained in this directive shall become applicable with

effect from 1 January 2010. These guidelines will be updated accordingly into
the Air Traffic Inspectorate Manual.

DATO AZHARUDDIN ABDUL RAHMAN

Director General
Department of Civil Aviation
Malaysia

ATID CHECKLIST:

No ATID No. Date Details

1 1/2009 13.11.2009 Criteria For The Appointment of ATC Check

Officers.

2 2/2009 13.11.2009 Criteria For The Appointment of On-The-Job

Training (OJT) Officers.

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