CATEGORY A3 - INITIAL

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

• With X-ray/EDS: 51 hours + 1 hour of cyber security
• Without X-ray/EDS: 14 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 of at least 10 questions, with the certified instructor physically present. For X-ray/EDS staff, a practical image interpretation test on at least 40 images is also required, to be taken after completing the on-the-job training. To pass the course, the error rate must not exceed 20% in each test.

Staff who use X-ray/EDS have access to the ENAC certification procedure, valid for 3 years. Staff authorised only for visual checks and/or hand searches with ETD are not subject to certification.

Certificate: a certificate of attendance is issued.

• Knowledge of previous acts of unlawful interference, terrorist acts and current threats
• Awareness of the main legal obligations and knowledge of the elements that contribute to a resilient security culture (including insider threat and radicalisation)
• Objectives and organisation of aviation security, obligations and responsibilities in the supply chain
• Knowledge of procedures for challenging persons and of the circumstances in which they should be reported
• Reporting procedures
• Ability to identify prohibited articles and respond appropriately
• Knowledge of how prohibited articles can be concealed
• Hand search techniques and screening methods appropriate to the different types of air carrier mail and air carrier materials, in-flight supplies and airport supplies
• Capabilities and limitations of the security equipment used
• Protection requirements for cargo and mail, including exemptions and special procedures
• Transport requirements (where applicable)
• Knowledge of elements of cyber security (point 11.2.8 of Regulation (EU) 2015/1998)

To master screening techniques, including hand search techniques, and to be able to use, where applicable, X-ray equipment and explosive and metal detection equipment, in order to recognise and identify suspicious and prohibited articles and take appropriate action.