Training and Certification: Frequently Asked Questions

Q.	What does approval of training organisations entail?
A.	Approval of training organisations entails applying to the SACAA for the approval of your training organisation by submitting your application; MOP, Quality Control system; instructor qualifications and payment of the relevant stipulated fee. The SACAA will then conduct a site visit to verify all submitted documentation before an approval certificate is granted.
Q.	What are the benefits for the approved training organisations?
A.	Approval of Training organisations is a legislative requirement. Organisations not approved will not be allowed to operate in South Africa. There will also be national and international recognition of SACAA approved aviation security training organisations.
Q.	What is the AVSEC Certification System and its purpose?
A.	The AVSEC certification system is an electronic examination system designed by the Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to assess screeners’ competencies to counter/safeguard civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference.
Q.	What does the certification of the aviation security screeners entail?
A.	Certification entails training of prospective screeners by SACAA approved Training Organisations; competency assessment by SACAA approved training organisations; SACAA examination and certification after successfully passing.
Q.	What are the benefits of implementing the aviation security screener certification system?
A.	The certification system ensures consistency and common standards in the assessment of screeners and supervisors across all the airports. It forms part of the quality assurance spiral in line with the SACAA Quality Management System.
Q.	Who is a screener?
A.	A screener is anybody whose job it is to identify and/or detect weapons, explosives or other dangerous devices, articles or substances which may be used to commit an act of unlawful interference.
Q.	What are the requirements for the certification of the screener?
A.	The screener must not be less than 18 years; have been background checked; be medically fit (proof from the medical practitioner needed); have successfully completed training from a SACAA approved training organisation; have done and completed initial training; and have passed the theoretical knowledge examination and On The Job Training (OJT) and undergone the skills test.
Q.	Who should apply for approval?
A.	All organisations offering aviation security training and those offering aviation security awareness training.
Q.	If I am no longer working, but I want to be certified as a screener, should I apply with CAA?
A.	Only screeners currently employed either by airports or airlines cargo screening companies regulated agents are eligible to apply.
Q.	How often should a screener re-new a CAA certification?
A.	CAA certification will be renewed every 5 years provided the applicant has maintained his certification annually and successfully passed CAA screener exam and paid the prescribed fee.
Q.	Can a Security officer employed by a private company working at an Airport, Airline or regulated agent be allowed to do screening?
A.	Only if he/she has been trained and applied to CAA to be certified screener and has successfully passed CAA screener exam.
Q.	How to apply to be a CAA certified screener?
A.	Complete a relevant application form accompanied by the prescribed fee, 2 certified copies of ID’s and photos and records of initial, and signed on the job training.
Q.	Why must screeners already working at the Airports, Airlines or regulated agents be regulated?
A.	To comply with national and International requirements e.g. -ICAO Annex 17 -ICAO Doc 8973 (security Manual) -NASP
Q.	What proof can I give to potential clients that I am in the process of applying for approval at CAA?
A.	Proof of application like copy and proof of payment can be enough evidence that the ASTO has applied for recognition and approval.
Q.	What will happen to my business if I am found not yet compliant after the specified period?
A.	You will have to stop providing training until you are approved.
Q.	Why is it important to use a CAA approved ASTO?
A.	Using a CAA approved ASTO will ensure quality and standardized training and experience; and will eliminate fly-by-night training organisations.
Q.	What can I do if I need help with my application for accreditation?
A.	The Training & Certification personnel are willing to assist applicants should they need more clarity on the process of application and approval. Also, the Technical Guidance Material can be consulted as it also explains the requirements as well as the criteria for approval.
Q.	What are the requirements for ASTO approval?
A.	Application form with relevant fee, accommodation with adequate training facilities, two Manual of Procedures (MOP), Quality Control System and competent training personnel.
Q.	What is the period of validity for approval?
A.	An aviation security training organisation approval shall be valid for the period determined by the Commissioner, which shall not exceed five years, calculated from the date of issuing or renewal thereof.
Q.	Can the holder of the approval operate in more than one site?
A.	Yes, provided each site or office has complied with all approval requirements as per Part109
Q.	What determines the medical fitness of a screener as a requirement?
A.	Medical examination shall be based on eyesight, colour perception, hearing, sense of smell and chemical dependency. The screener must get this confirmation from a medical practitioner registered in terms of the HPCSA Act.
Q.	What is the period of validity for screener certification?
A.	A screener certification is valid for five (5) years, subject to certification maintenance every 12 months and provided that the holder complies with the requirements and is still employed to perform the functions of a screener.
Q.	What is certification?
A.	A formal evaluation and confirmation by or on behalf of the appropriate authority for aviation security that a person possesses the necessary competencies to perform assigned functions to an acceptable level as defined by the appropriate authority
Q.	Who can apply for certification?
A.	Any person or persons assigned responsibility for the screening (by technical process or by other means) of passengers, staff, cabin baggage, hold baggage, cargo, mail and catering, pedestrian and vehicle access and aircraft access control screening and aircraft search/inspection as well as any person responsible for supervising or managing any person performing screening functions.
Q.	Can I apply to be an approved AVSEC trainer/Instructor without being affiliated to any training organization?
A.	All Trainers/Instructors must be affiliated to a training organization. CAA only approves Aviation Security Training Organizations.
Q.	Does CAA prescribe a minimum payment that ASTO’s must pay their instructors/trainers/practitioners?
A.	No, the industry determines its own rates. CAA does not regulate instructor/trainers’ salaries.
Q.	What is the turnaround period from the time of submitting an application till one gets a final outcome?
A.	The applicants shall be notified within a period of two (2) months about the outcome of their applications.
Q.	Does the same process for application apply if I am the only person running the ASTO i.e. one-man-show?
A.	No, the process applies to organizations not individuals interested in getting approval from CAA.
Q.	If accredited with another regulatory body, is there still a need to apply with CAA?
A.	Yes, CAA has its own requirements which are aligned with the Aviation Act and its accompanying regulations dictated by ICAO.
Q.	Should you fail the examination at first attempt, how much time are you allowed before you can re write screener examination?
A.	Upon submission of proof of refresher Training, the screener will be allowed to sit for examination which period shall not be less than a month.
Q.	Will I be required to undergo training or write the SACAA exam if I have been employed as a screener for 10 years?
A.	Yes, however you will have to be grandfathered which means you will be required to undergo refresher training and write the SACAA examination every year.
Q.	What are the requirements for the approval of a training organisation?
A.	Relevant fee, completed application form, supporting documentation, learning materials, site visit be conducted by SACAA and a report stating approval.
Q.	Can I train for any approved training organisation if I am a qualified instructor/trainer?
A.	You can train for any organisation for as long as you are on their list of instructors/training staff which is submitted with their application for approval. If you are not on their list and wish to train for the specific organisation, then they must apply for amendment.
Q.	Are we allowed to offer the complete AVSEC training programme if we are already approved for awareness training?
A.	The category of an awareness training organisation is different from the organisation offering complete screener training. You will then have to apply for amendment and become a training organisation.
Q.	Which category of employees should be certified by CAA?
A.	All screeners; supervisors and security managers.
Q.	If I am already trained as a screener by a CAA approved Training organisation, can I automatically be a supervisor and/or Manager?
A.	Each category of employee has a prescribed curriculum framework developed by CAA according to which Training organisations will train.
Q.	How does aviation security differ from awareness training?
A.	Security training is for security staff, whereas awareness training is for all non-security staff.