Category 2 Medical Certificate — Complete Guide

Who Needs a Category 2 Medical?

A Category 2 (Cat 2) medical certificate is required exclusively for Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) licensed under Canadian aviation regulations. It is not a pilot medical category.

Specifically, a Cat 2 is required for:

• Student Air Traffic Controllers in training
• Licensed Air Traffic Controllers exercising their licence privileges
• Flight Service Specialists in certain operational roles (check with your employer and Transport Canada)

If you are a pilot — not an ATC — you do not need a Cat 2. Pilots require Cat 1 or Cat 3 depending on their licence type.

Some ATCs who also hold pilot licences maintain both a Cat 1 (for their pilot privileges) and a Cat 2 (for ATC duties), though in practice a valid Cat 1 medical satisfies the requirements of Cat 2 — a Cat 1 holder does not need a separate Cat 2 examination.

Reference: CARs 404.05; CARs 422.04

What Does a Cat 2 Medical Involve?

The Cat 2 medical examines many of the same systems as a Cat 1 but with some differences in standards, reflecting the nature of ATC work versus piloting.

Vision

• Distant visual acuity: 6/12 or better in each eye separately (corrected or uncorrected), and 6/9 or better with both eyes together
• Near visual acuity: N5 or better at 30-50 cm with both eyes
• Normal colour vision required — colour identification is critical for ATC work (radar displays, light gun signals, sectional charts)
• Normal visual fields
• Corrective lenses permitted

Vision standards for Cat 2 are slightly less restrictive than Cat 1 for distant acuity, reflecting that ATCs are not responsible for direct aircraft control requiring the same visual acuity as pilots.

Hearing

• Able to hear a conversational voice in a quiet room at 2 metres with back turned, in each ear separately
• Audiometric testing may be required
• Good hearing is critical for radio communications — standards are strictly applied

Cardiovascular

• ECG required at initial examination and periodically thereafter
• Blood pressure must not exceed 160/100 mmHg
• Cardiovascular standards are similar to Cat 1 given the high-stress operational environment of ATC

Neurological

• No epilepsy or history of epileptic seizure
• No significant disturbance of consciousness
• Conditions affecting alertness or cognitive function are carefully assessed

Psychiatric / Mental Health

• ATC work is high-stress and demands sustained concentration and decision-making
• Mental health conditions are assessed on their potential to impair ATC duties
• Substance dependence is disqualifying
• Treated mental health conditions are assessed case-by-case

Speech

• Normal speech required — clear radio communication is a core ATC function
• Significant stutter or speech impediment may require specialist assessment

Reference: CARs 404.05; TP 13312

ECG Requirements for Cat 2

Like Cat 1, Cat 2 requires periodic ECG testing per TP 13312 standards:

Your CAME determines exact frequency based on TP 13312 and your individual risk profile. NAV CANADA may have stricter employer requirements that exceed these minimums. Always ask your CAME whether ECG is available in their clinic or whether a referral is needed. TP 13312.

How Much Does a Cat 2 Medical Cost?

Cat 2 medicals are less common than Cat 1 or Cat 3 — not all CAMEs perform them. Pricing is typically similar to Cat 1 given the similar scope of examination.

Typical range (2025-2026):
– Examination fee: $200 — $400
– ECG (if not included): $50 — $150 additional

Our directory shows which CAMEs perform Cat 2 examinations. Use the Cat 2 filter to find a CAME near you who performs ATC medicals.

How Long Is a Cat 2 Medical Valid?

Validity periods for Cat 2 are the same as Cat 1. ATCs who are 40 years of age or older must renew every 6 months.

Reference: CARs 404.05(2)

Cat 1 vs Cat 2 — Key Differences

A valid Category 1 medical certificate satisfies Category 2 requirements for its validity period (per TP 13312). ATCs who are also pilots often maintain a single Cat 1 rather than seeking a separate Cat 2 examination.

Finding a CAME for a Cat 2 Medical

Not every CAME performs Cat 2 examinations. When searching for a CAME, use the Cat 2 filter in our directory to show only those who conduct ATC medicals. Always call ahead to confirm they perform Cat 2 examinations and to ask about ECG availability.

Find a CAME who performs Cat 2 medicals →

What Happens If You Are Found Unfit?

The same review process as Cat 1 applies. If your CAME finds you do not meet Cat 2 standards, you may:

1. Request a review by Transport Canada Civil Aviation Medicine (TCAM)
2. Provide specialist documentation supporting fitness
3. Apply for accommodation where regulations permit

NAV CANADA and other ATC employers may have additional medical standards or processes — check with your employer’s occupational health team as well.

Contact: Transport Canada Civil Aviation Medicine — 1-800-305-2059

Transport Canada Civil Aviation Medicine (TCAM)
– Phone: 1-800-305-2059
– Email: tc.aviationmedicine-medecineaeronautique.tc@tc.gc.ca
– Web: tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/licensing-pilots-crew-members/medical-fitness