The instructor certification process, essential for upholding high aviation security standards, was burdened by manual, paper-based procedures. This created inefficiencies, delays, and restricted access to real-time data, making it increasingly challenging to maintain oversight and ensure instructors consistently met ICAO certification standards. Acknowledging the need for improvement, the UK CAA sought a solution to modernise the system while enhancing efficiency, data accessibility, and regulatory compliance. This led to their partnership with Aspeq to develop an innovative, fully digital certification platform.
Case Study
UK Civil Aviation Authority
Transforming Aviation Security Instructor Certification in the UK
2,950
individual assessments sat since Oct 2022
25
increase of certificated instructors
100
of visible results, enabling performance tracking and the identification of higher-risk areas.
By transitioning to a digital certification platform, the UK CAA has strengthened its oversight of aviation security instructors, ensuring continuous compliance with international regulations. This system serves as a model for other authorities facing similar challenges, proving that with the right tools, it is possible to enhance both efficiency and regulatory compliance in the ever-evolving field of aviation security.
A Call for Change: Modernising UK Instructor Certification
Outdated Systems, Growing Risks
Manual processes created bottlenecks, limited data access, and lacked the agility needed to maintain high levels of oversight. The outdated process was placing a strain on CAA resources, which could have been better utilised. Instructors were at risk of not meeting ICAO standards due to these outdated systems. Faced with a growing need for a more efficient, streamlined process, the UK CAA partnered with Aspeq to develop an innovative, digital solution to overhaul the certification process.
Taking a Digital Leap Forward
Together, the UK CAA and Aspeq introduced a cutting-edge, fully integrated online instructor certification system. This new digital approach transformed the certification landscape, moving away from paper-based exams to a highly efficient, electronic regulatory system. The system was designed not only to meet national and international regulatory requirements but also to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the UK’s oversight programme.
Driving Efficiency and Enhanced Oversight in Aviation Security Instructor Certification
As of October 2024, the UK has 975 certified security instructors, representing a 25% increase since December 2022. Each instructor is assigned a unique Certificate Instructor Number (CIN) and must maintain affiliation with an RTP.
Applications are now processed efficiently by the UK CAA AVSEC training team, comprising just a handful of staff members, highlighting the system’s scalability amid rising demand. Account creation and document submission are verified within 10 days, after which instructors have 30 days to complete an online theoretical knowledge assessment. Results are provided instantly, enabling robust performance tracking and oversight.
This enhanced data transparency and analysis improve the ability to identify high-risk areas, demonstrating the system’s reliability and readiness to meet future challenges.
Our Partnership with Aspeq
CAAi’s partnership with Aspeq plays a crucial role in the success of our Instructor Certification online system. Aspeq will provide the secure, flexible platform used to deliver and manage the instructor certification assessments. This ensures that aviation security instructors are assessed accurately, securely, and in a way that meets international standards.
Since 2012, CAAi and Aspeq have worked together to modernise aviation assessments, moving from outdated paper-based exams to easy-to-use digital platforms. For the instructor certification online system, Aspeq’s platform offers various exam delivery options, tailored to meet the needs of National Aviation Authorities worldwide.
”The digital outcome-based assessment marked a key milestone in the UK CAA's aviation security modernisation, updating and professionalising Instructor Certification. This strengthened the UK's oversight of instructors, aligned with ICAO’s Aspirational Goal under the Global Aviation Security Plan, and contributed to Global Priority Areas
Sophie HibbinSenior Technical Advisor - Aviation Security at CAA International, Leader of the Instructor Recertification Project in the UK
The Importance of Instructor Certification
Instructors play a key role in aviation security, ensuring that new and existing personnel are trained to uphold safety and security standards. They influence industry practices by promoting positive security behaviours and maintaining high performance across the sector. Ensuring that instructors retain key competencies through regular evaluations is critical to this process.
Our digital, outcome-focused instructor certification tool, based on the UK CAA’s own platform, offers a modern, easy-to-adopt solution. It helps States upgrade their systems and ensure that instructors meet international standards. This streamlined approach enhances security, maximises resources, and strengthens global compliance while being adaptable to current and future needs.
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