What training/education is required to become an Air Traffic Controller (ATC)?

I understand there is a high demand righ now and, once trained, it's easy to get in - does anyone know if this it true? How competitive is it?What training/education is required to become an Air Traffic Controller (ATC)?
First off 3 options to get in. Do it in the military, get a degree in it or apply to their public postings. Its all pretty straight forward. Join the military and do it and apply when you get out, get the degree and you'll be in the system or find the website to start applying. The military and college (CTI program) routes are pretty much guarentees at this point provided you meet all the requirements. They tend to get picked up before the public hires. As a public hire you will probably need a good entrance score on the at sat. You'll also need 3 years full time work experience or 3 years full time college or a combo of both.





I'm confused about the once trained its easy to get in part. Like I said ex military and CTI, its pretty much a lock, but passing the academy and not getting fired for poor performance at your facility isn't an easy deal. I'd personally suggest either going military or if you have the money going for the degree while applying to public postings.





Word of advice, do your own research and don't go in blind. Don't start out at the busiest places and know what to expect.