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Certificates

Control Tower Operator Certificate: Working the Tower

March 16, 2026

A Control Tower Operator (CTO) certificate is an FAA credential required for non-military personnel who serve as air traffic controllers at FAA contract towers (FCTs) — the towers at smaller airports staffed by private contractors rather than FAA employees.

FAA Towers vs. Contract Towers

Most major airports have FAA-staffed towers where controllers are FAA employees. About 250 smaller airports use the FAA Contract Tower program — private companies (like Serco and Midwest Air Traffic Control) staff these towers. Controllers at contract towers must hold FAA CTO certificates.

Requirements

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Pass the FAA CTO knowledge test
  • Pass an English language proficiency assessment
  • Meet medical standards
  • Complete facility-specific training and earn a facility rating

FAA ATCS vs. CTO

FAA employees at large TRACON/ARTCC facilities are Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCS), not CTO certificate holders. The CTO certificate specifically covers contract tower positions.

Browse Tower Operators

Find all FAA-certificated control tower operators in the AviationDepth database.