ATC controllers have professional and English refresher courses. They attend courses every three years (once in three years), and take tests and examinations afterwards. The courses are necessary because they help controllers improve knowledge of aviation rules, regulations and documents, maintain and upgrade professional level and English skills.

ATC controllers receive simulator training twice a year, which is practical (real to life) training. During simulator sessions ATC do different exercises and train a lot of procedures and situations including
✈ traffic congestion,
✈ hazardous weather conditions,
✈ emergencies (i.e. decompression, fire on board, technical malfunction, etc).

Simulator training help revise standard and non-standard phraseology for different stages (phases) of flight. Controllers use both English and Russian during simulator training because at work controllers often switch from one language to the other.

Simulator is an effective training instrument for both young and experienced controllers because it helps be ready (be prepared) for all kind of situations: routine and non-routine. Moreover, controllers have to undergo simulator training and pass an examination (exam) if they want to get a new rating (endorsement).

ATC facilities arrange (organize) English refresher courses and English classes (lessons) for air traffic controllers. Controllers go to additional English classes either before or after work, where they learn (study) and practice English with an English language instructor (teacher).

Controllers do a lot of speaking and listening. They listen to radio communications (radio exchanges) between pilots and controllers, speak on different aviation issues (topics). Air traffic controllers spend a lot of time on self-study. They learn new words and phrases, do grammar exercises, watch films in English and read Internet articles on aviation.