CATEGORY A1 - INITIAL

The course trains staff responsible for screening persons, cabin baggage, items carried and hold baggage, in accordance with point 11.2.3.1 of Regulation (EU) 2015/1998. The training provides the operational skills needed to work at airport security checkpoints and is the prerequisite for access to the ENAC certification procedure.

Course structure: the duration varies depending on whether X-ray/EDS equipment is used:

• With X-ray/EDS: 78 hours + 1 hour of cyber security
• Without X-ray/EDS: 39 hours + 1 hour of cyber security

Each programme consists of theoretical, practical and on-the-job training.

Exam and certification: at the end there is a theory test and, for X-ray/EDS staff, a practical test on at least 40 X-ray images. To pass the course, the error rate must not exceed 20% in each test.

If the outcome is positive, the instructor issues the initial training certificate, which qualifies the holder for the ENAC certification procedure. The certification is valid for 3 years with X-ray/EDS and 5 years without.

Certificate: a certificate of attendance is issued.

• Knowledge of previous acts of unlawful interference with civil aviation, terrorist acts and current threats
• Knowledge of the aviation security regulatory framework
• Knowledge of the objectives and organisation of aviation security, including the obligations and responsibilities of persons implementing security controls
• Knowledge of access control procedures and of the identification card systems in use at airports
• Knowledge of challenging procedures and of the circumstances in which persons should be challenged or reported
• Knowledge of reporting procedures
• Understanding of the configuration of the screening checkpoint and of the screening process
• Identification of suspicious or prohibited articles and knowledge of how they can be concealed
• Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of security equipment (X-ray/EDS, HHMD, WTMD, ETD)
• Knowledge of hand search techniques
• Knowledge of screening exemptions and special security procedures
• Protection requirements for hold baggage
• Knowledge of elements of cyber security, commensurate with the role and responsibilities (point 11.2.8 of Regulation (EU) 2015/1998)

The main objectives are to master screening techniques, including hand search techniques, and to be able to use X-ray equipment and/or EDS and metal and/or explosive detection equipment, in order to recognise and identify suspicious and prohibited articles and take appropriate action.