ACE - LEO | Certification Programs

This certification is distinguished by its focus on response protocols and real-world applications, and provides training in a uniformed and concise manner to law enforcement and security personnel to competently and confidently do their jobs as well as meet the requirements of 49 CFR 1542.217.

Benefits

Stand out as you become one of the first to achieve the ACE LEO certification
Increase your promotional and career opportunities in aviation and law enforcement
Educate yourself on all the latest rules and regulations, so you can improve the safety of your airport
Gain extensive knowledge of 49 CFR 1542.217

Download the ACE registration form here

Cross Origins

The tragic events of 9/11 brought aviation security and law enforcement to the forefront to ensure that this global critical infrastructure was not disrupted in the future. With the increase in law enforcement and security personnel assigned to airports coupled with new security regulations, policies, procedures, best practices, and a new security apparatus in the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), AAAE recognized the need for a comprehensive nation-wide training curriculum for personnel responsible for implementing, carrying out, and responding to incidents based on these new directives.

Derived from a training course required by California state law, the AAAE LEO course was developed in 2002 for a nation-wide audience that was new to the aviation security and law enforcement industry and/or had experience in working within or responding to airport operations and law enforcement issues or emergency management at airports.

As with the LEO course, ACE LEO is unique in that it is continually revised to ensure it addresses the most updated information on policy and tactics that are implemented as counter measures to identified threats and to meet the ever changing aviation law enforcement and security environment. LEOs and any aviation personnel with security responsibilities and/or response are encouraged to take this important course, which will prepare them to protect airports and the aviation system in this time of unprecedented security requirements. ACE-LEO has been expanded beyond the standard LEO course to include additional modules including a course review section, and a test that ensures all KSAs and other information imparted has been retained.

For more course offerings and updates, visit the Events Calendar.

Questions? Contact the Training Department at Training@aaae.org.

Process

How can you earn this prestigious and unique designation? Follow these steps:

Choose which ACE Program you'd like to pursue.
Pay the ACE program fee of $510. (Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.)
Indicate whether you would like to complete the self-study program or attend a review course.
After being accepted into the program, you will receive a welcome email with detailed instructions on how to become an ACE. Your course modules will be sent to you electronically when AAAE has received payment. Exceptions may be made for those attending review courses.
Complete the self-study program and pass the online exam. Strategies for Studying and Passing the Exam
Sign-up for a review course, including the final exam. Search Events Calendar for review course dates and locations.

FAQ

Are individuals required to become members of AAAE to enroll in an ACE program?

No. Individuals are not required to become members of AAAE to enroll in the ACE programs.

If I am already enrolled in one ACE program, do I need to pay another ACE program fee for another ACE program?

Yes. Individuals will have to pay a separate program fee of $510 for each ACE program of interest.

Does the ACE program count toward any portion of the AAAE Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) or Certified Member (C.M.) programs?

Although the ACE program may help candidates prepare for particular modules in the other certification programs, ACE is not affiliated with the C.M. and A.A.E. programs.

How is the ACE program different from the AAAE/FAA Airport Safety and Operations Specialist (ASOS) Schools?

The ASOS Schools are designed as an overview to FAR Part 139, as well as a recurrent training tool for airport operations personnel. The ACE - Operations Certification, a lengthier course, is designed to provide comprehensive training and professional designation for those who chose to become certified as airport operations professionals. ACE - Operations will reflect information applicable to all FAR Part 139 airfields and information that is specific to the airfield of an individual student. Unlike an ASOS, ACE candidates will be required to pass an online examination with a passing score of 70% (100 multiple choice, true/false, and fill-in-the blank questions).

How many questions are on the test?

There are 100 multiple choice questions on the exam. Candidates have up to 2 hours to complete the exam.

Are there any supplemental classes that I can take to assist me with the test?

Yes. Though candidates can opt to study and take the exam on their own, AAAE offers several review courses for many of the ACE programs throughout the year. The courses last between 2-4 days with the final exam on the last day of class. Professional and experienced instructors will cover all of the course materials in detail, providing an excellent opportunity for students to ask questions and understand the material better. There is a separate registration fee for the review course that is NOT included in the ACE program fee. For more information on review courses dates and locations, please view Events Calendar.

When and how can I take the AAAE online examination?

The online exam must be taken within 26 months of enrollment date into the program. A minimum of two weeks' notice is required for all exams. Candidates can schedule their exams here. A computer with a webcam, internal microphone and internet connection is required for all exams. You must review the exam instructions and guidelines prior to scheduling an exam. Failure to adhere to these guidelines can result in AAAE invalidating your exam.

Who may proctor the examination?

All exams are now administered through a secure online platform, and a live proctor is no longer needed. All sessions will be recorded to ensure that candidates follow the rules and guidelines set forth for all certification exams.

How long will it take to receive the test results?

Under usual circumstances, candidates will receive an email with a Pass/Fail indication, soon after they complete the exam. Within one week from exam completion, the exam session will be reviewed for any impropriety. Upon finding none, a full results report and exam score will be emailed to the candidate. Those who pass will receive an official exam transcript, certificate and pin in the mail, approximately two weeks after the exam date. Those who fail will receive retake information along with their emailed results report.

If I don't pass, how many times may I retake the examination?

All candidates can take the online examination as many times as it is necessary to successfully complete it. A $75 retake fee is required for all additional exam attempts. Candidates can pay for the exam retake here.

Study Materials

Click here to purchase the ACE LEO Modules.