UK CAA Class 3 medical certificate (ATCO)
The medical for air traffic control officers. The first assessment is done at an Aeromedical Centre and is detailed. Here's what to expect.
What is a Class 3 medical?
A UK CAA Class 3 medical certificate shows that an air traffic control officer (ATCO) meets the health standards for their safety-critical role. It's part of ATCO licensing. Because controlling air traffic puts real demands on vision, hearing and concentration, the examination goes into some depth.
Your fitness is judged case by case against UK CAA standards, so nothing here is a promise of the result. This page is general guidance, not individual medical advice.
Who needs a Class 3 medical?
The Class 3 is specific to air traffic control and the licensing behind it.
Air traffic control officers
Qualified ATCOs, who must hold a valid Class 3 to exercise their licence.
Student ATCOs
Anyone starting air traffic control training, who needs the certificate to enter the profession.
Younger applicants
There's no minimum age, so younger applicants can apply; those under 17 may need a paediatric review.
Where the initial Class 3 exam takes place
The CAA sets different rules for the first examination and for later ones:
- Initial issue: carried out by an Aeromedical Examiner (AME) at an Aeromedical Centre (AeMC). It's detailed and can take up to around 4 hours.
- Revalidation and renewal: these don't have to be at an AeMC. Any AME certificated for Class 1 or Class 3 can carry them out.
Need an initial Class 3 assessment?
If you need an initial Class 3 assessment, please contact us and we will confirm how we can help.
Initial, revalidation or renewal: which applies?
Which route applies comes down to whether you already hold a Class 3 and whether it's still in date.
Initial issue
Your first Class 3, at an AeMC. The longest appointment, at up to around 4 hours.
Revalidation
Done while your certificate is still valid, by an AME certificated for Class 1 or Class 3.
Renewal
For a certificate that has lapsed, again with an appropriately certificated AME.
For how revalidation and renewal differ in general, see Renewals & Revalidations.
What happens during the examination
An initial Class 3 is detailed and can run to around 4 hours. What's checked depends on your history and CAA requirements, but it usually covers:
Medical history
A close look at your personal and family medical history.
Vision
Visual acuity, colour perception and an eye examination, central to an ATCO's work.
Hearing
A hearing assessment, including audiometry.
Cardiovascular
Blood pressure and an electrocardiogram (ECG).
General examination
A physical check of the main body systems.
Blood & urine
Blood and urine tests as required for your assessment.
This is general information, not individual medical advice. The exact tests depend on your circumstances and current CAA requirements. See what to expect.
How to prepare for a long first appointment
Because the initial appointment is long, plan your day around it and arrive with everything ready. You'll usually register and apply through the UK CAA's online medical records system, and pay the CAA charge, in advance. Our medical preparation guide has the full steps, and what to expect explains the appointment.
Documents and information to bring
- Photographic identification
- Any current or previous medical certificate
- Details of any medication you take
- Glasses or contact lenses and your prescription, if you use them
- Relevant specialist or hospital reports
- Confirmation of your completed CAA online application
How long is a Class 3 certificate valid?
Validity goes by factors including your age and medical history, and the periods are set by the UK CAA. Rather than quote figures that might change, we point you to the regulator for the current rules.
Validity is set by the CAA
For the current periods, see the UK CAA or ask your examiner. Booking before your certificate expires helps you avoid a gap in your privileges.
What if you're not found fully fit?
There's no guaranteed result. Fitness is judged case by case against CAA standards, and in most cases the outcome is one of these:
- Assessed as fit. A certificate is issued.
- Fit with limitations. A certificate is issued with conditions.
- Deferred. A decision waits on further information, tests or reports.
- Referred. Your case goes to the UK CAA or a specialist for a closer look.
Whatever the result, we'll explain it and set out the next steps. We make no promises about certification.
What does a Class 3 medical cost?
Expect two parts to the cost: the examiner's fee and a separate UK CAA statutory charge set by the regulator. The initial exam costs more than a revalidation because it's longer. The full breakdown is on our prices page.
Prices are available on enquiry
Our Class 3 examination fees for the initial assessment and for revalidation are On enquiry. The CAA charges a separate statutory fee on top of the examiner's fee. It is set by the CAA and can change, so check the current CAA charge. Please see our prices page or contact us for a quote.
Related pages and guides
Class 1 Medical
For professional pilots (CPL/ATPL).
Learn moreRenewals & Revalidations
Keeping your certificate valid.
Learn more GuideCertificate requirements
An overview of UK CAA medical certificate classes.
Read guideWhat to expect
How the appointment runs on the day.
Learn morePrices
Fees and the separate CAA statutory charge.
View pricesBook an appointment
Request your Class 3 assessment.
Book nowClass 3 medical: common questions
Who needs a Class 3 medical?
A Class 3 medical certificate is required by air traffic control officers (ATCOs) as part of their licensing. It confirms you meet the health standards for the safety-critical job of controlling air traffic.
Where does the initial Class 3 take place?
Your initial Class 3 is carried out by an Aeromedical Examiner (AME) at an Aeromedical Centre (AeMC). It's detailed and can take up to around 4 hours. Later revalidations and renewals don't have to be at an AeMC.
Can I revalidate my Class 3 anywhere?
Revalidation and renewal of a Class 3 don't have to take place at an AeMC. Any AME certificated for Class 1 or Class 3 examinations can carry them out.
Is there a minimum age for a Class 3 medical?
No. There's no minimum age for a Class 3 medical. Applicants under 17 may need a paediatric review as part of the assessment.
How should I prepare for a long initial appointment?
Because the first exam can run to around 4 hours, set the time aside, bring everything on the checklist, and finish your CAA online application beforehand. Our preparation guide has the full list.
Primary source: UK CAA. Always check the latest requirements with the regulator.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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