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.