Originally Posted by TonyWilliams

Clearly, gaining X numbers credit of classroom instruction in random things to gain a diploma does not make one an air traffic controller, or a pilot. But, it is a good requirement, particularly for the youngest applicants in their 20's, IMHO. Probably not so important for an experienced 40, 50, or 60 year old.

In my ATC academy class, even former military ATC's failed the program. Heck, I know of one guy who worked over 20 years in Area A at Oakland Center (where I worked at the time), retired for a year, and then came back to be a part time employee. He couldn't check out. Sad. It's a learned and practiced trade, best learned when young, and continously practiced as one ages.

There is a reason for the 31 year old cut off for ATC, although I'm sure it could be much higher than that.