TRAINING, WORKSHOPS & COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT · Aero Support Group FZCO · Updated 22 October 2026
Competency-based training in aviation
Competency-based training starts from what a person must be able to do in their role, defines the observable behaviours that show it, and assesses against those behaviours. The main references are:
- ICAO Doc 9868, PANS-TRG, which sets out the CBTA principles and competency frameworks for aviation personnel;
- IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, which require a competency-based approach to dangerous goods training, with training and assessment matched to the functions each person performs;
- IATA AHM 1110, the ground operations training programme referenced by ISAGO and the IATA Operational Portal gap analysis;
- EASA requirements for specific training, such as human factors training for Part-145 personnel and SMS training under the management system rules.
The practical consequence is that a training record must show what competence was assessed and how, not only that a course was attended.
What we train
- Safety management: SMS for accountable managers, safety managers, safety action groups and front-line staff, based on ICAO Annex 19 and Doc 9859; hazard identification and risk assessment workshops; SPI development; investigation and root cause analysis.
- Auditing: internal auditor training based on ISO 19011:2018 and the relevant aviation standard; IOSA and ISAGO auditing techniques; supplier auditing.
- Audit preparation: IOSA and ISAGO standards awareness for managers and staff, including changes in new editions such as ISM Edition 19.
- Regulatory compliance: EASA Part-145, Part-CAMO, Part-TCO, Part-IS and UK CAA requirements; corrective action plans and FAT statements.
- Operations: ground operations to IGOM and AHM, load control, dangerous goods awareness, human factors.
For IOSA specifically, see our IOSA training page.
How we design and assess training
Training needs analysis. We start from roles and tasks, the applicable requirements and the organisation’s findings history, to decide who needs which competencies.
Design. Each course has defined competencies, learning objectives linked to them, and exercises based on the organisation’s own procedures and cases.
Delivery. On site, live online or blended, depending on the audience and the content. Practical topics such as auditing and risk assessment are taught through exercises rather than lectures.
Assessment. Knowledge tests, practical exercises and observation, recorded against the defined competencies.
Records. Certificates and records that show the competencies assessed, ready for the authority or auditor to review.
Evaluation. Feedback from participants and, where agreed, follow-up to see whether the training changed performance on the job.
Where training programmes fall short
- Training records show attendance but not what competence was assessed.
- Course content is generic and does not reflect the organisation’s procedures.
- Recurrent training repeats the initial course and ignores changes and findings.
- Training needs are not reviewed when roles, procedures or regulations change.
- Instructors and assessors have no documented qualification for the subject.
Conclusion
Training that builds and assesses competence gives the organisation evidence it can show an auditor, and staff who can do what the procedures require. ASG designs training around real tasks and the organisation’s own material, and records the competencies it assesses.
Frequently asked questions
Competency-based training and assessment. Training is designed around the competencies a role requires and assessed against observable behaviours. ICAO Doc 9868 (PANS-TRG) sets out the approach.
Yes. The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations require a competency-based approach, with training and assessment matched to the functions each person performs.
Yes. Many courses run live online or in a blended format. Practical assessment may still need observation on site, depending on the competency.
Yes. Participants who complete the assessment receive a certificate and the organisation receives records showing the competencies assessed.
Yes. Most engagements adapt content and exercises to the organisation’s procedures, findings history and upcoming audits.
Key takeaways
- Auditors look for evidence of competence, not just attendance
- CBTA principles come from ICAO Doc 9868 (PANS-TRG)
- Dangerous goods training under the IATA DGR is competency-based
- AHM 1110 is the reference for ground operations training
- Workshops on the organisation's own material produce usable outputs
Planning training for your team?
Tell us the roles, topics and timing. ASG will propose a programme built around your procedures and upcoming audits.