Certified Member Program (C.M.)

1. Application and fees

First, if you haven't already, determine your level of membership in AAAE. If needed, use the Certified Member application to apply for membership and the C.M. program. Annual fees for membership are separate from the one-time program fee.

Next, please submit  your application on-line or by mail/fax along with the $225 program fee (and your first year's membership fee, if applicable). The one-time $225 C.M. program fee includes:

• Access to electronic study materials (hard copies can be purchased here for an additional fee)

• One-time access to the Internet based exam

• Enrollment fee is non-refundable and non-transferable

2. Choose your method of study

After receiving electronic access to the Body of Knowledge modules, download and begin studying immediately and take the exam when you are ready, or attend the AAAE/SCAAAE Loretta Scott, A.A.E., Accreditation/Certification Academy

3. Arrange to take the multiple-choice exam

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. Review the exam instructions and guidelines prior to scheduling an exam. Please refer to the FAQ’s for detailed information.

4. Successful completion of the multiple-choice exam

Candidates will receive a Pass/Fail result via email upon completion of the exam. Under usual circumstances, it can take up to ten business days for official results to be sent to the candidate from AAAE.

Successful completion of the multiple-choice exam includes scoring a 70% or above (answering 126 questions out of a possible 180). Additionally, new Certified Members receive the privilege of using the C.M. designation behind their name, a certificate of completion and a lapel pin. Academic Graduate members will receive their C.M. designation, certificate, and lapel pin upon providing proof of graduation from a four-year college.

Affiliate members who receive the C.M. designation, and wish to upgrade to the Accredited Airport Executive program may do so at any time for an additional fee.

C.M. and A.A.E. Program Candidates can download the modules for free by clicking on the Study Materials button on the C.M. or A.A.E. program page. These modules will be updated every few years. Other changes may be made as necessary. Please always check back for the latest editions and any changes to the modules. Click Here to Order hard copies of AAAE's Body of Knowledge modules, for an additional fee. Please allow 7 to 10 business days for shipment of the study materials, once payment for the order has been received. All module sales are final and non-refundable.

Current Modules Were Published August 2022

Module 1 - Finance and Administration

• Objective 1: Describe the historical principles that have guided airport management, and identify the airport stakeholders, their primary functions, and their expectations for the airport.
• Objective 2: Obtain a basic understanding of how flight operations work in the U.S. airspace system.  
• Objective 3: Know the various types of structures for an Airport Sponsor and the fundamental role and challenges of the Airport Executive, and understand the primary federal regulations and other documents that limit or mandate certain airport management and operational practices.
• Objective 4: Understand the definitions and restrictions of airport land use.
• Objective 5: Understand the federal requirements in airport financial management, and the federal policies that influence the setting of airport rates and charges.
• Objective 6: Understand the unique airport uses and concerns related to Other Related Airport Business Operations, key principles in commercial development and airport property management.
• Objective 7: Understand the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) process, how projects are evaluated, prioritized, and partially funded by the FAA, and other sources of capital development monies available to airports.

Module 2 - Planning, Construction & Environmental

• Objective 1: Describe the types of plans and planning processes that affect a public-use airport.
• Objective 2: Describe the purpose of the Airport Master Plan and the steps in the process.
• Objective 3: Describe the basic elements of airfield design, including runway, taxiway and apron design, the design of other landing facilities, airspace protection, and airport construction.
• Objective 4: Describe the various types of airport terminal design considerations, including terminal layouts and design features.
• Objective 5: Describe the environmental requirements and processes associated with operating a public-use airport.
• Objective 6: Describe the airspace classifications, and how the air traffic control and navigational aid systems operate in the U.S.

Module 3 - Airport Operations, Security & Maintenance

• Objective 1: Describe the role of the Airport Executive in ensuring a safe operating environment, particularly as related to Title 14 CFR Part 139.
• Objective 2: Understand the regulatory requirements of maintaining airport pavement, condition and inspection, and other safety standards such as signs, markings, and lighting.
• Objective 3: Understand the regulatory requirements for certain airport safety programs such as the Wildlife Hazard Management Plan, the Snow and Ice Control Plan, and other related programs required by Part 139.
• Objective 4: Understand the regulatory requirements related to the Airport Emergency Plan and the elements of incident command.
• Objective 5: Describe the expectations and desires of passengers, tenants, and other stakeholders related to the operation of the terminal and landside areas; understand the requirements and issues related to unmanned aerial vehicle operations.
• Objective 6: Describe the regulatory requirements for airport operators related to the Transportation Security Regulations and the current threat to airports and aircraft operators.

Module 4 - Communications & Community Relations

• Objective 1: Explain the roles and responsibilities of the Airport Executive within a politically charged environment;
• Objective 2: Understand the airports’ responsibility to the community related to the noise generated by its operation.
• Objective 3: Understand the role of the airport in marketing for its own purposes and for the benefit of the community in which it serves.
• Objective 4: Understand how to effectively transmit information to the public via the mainstream media and social media; how to work with reporters to either generate positive publicity when desired, or handle mitigate the damage of negative publicity or misinformation during the public information responsibilities during a crisis

Important Links:

• 2022 C.M. Body of Knowledge Modules
• C.M. Retake Fee
• Schedule Exam
• Exam Instructions and Guidelines
• A.A.E. Information

Click here for study materials.

AAAE has partnered with Blank Slate Technologies to offer an app-based tool designed to assist members in preparing for the C.M. exam. This interactive app leverages cognitive science and machine learning to prevent knowledge gaps by continuously assessing, reinforcing, and predicting the user’s knowledge level. The system is equipped with practice questions similar to those found on the C.M. exam. By dedicating just a few minutes each week, this innovative technology helps candidates identify and focus on topics that require the most attention. It is intended to guide study efforts by pinpointing knowledge gaps and is NOT meant to replace the modules. This app is most effective when used a few weeks before your exam date. Click here for more information about the app. Click here for more information on how to use the app and the science behind it.
 
C.M. candidates can purchase the C.M. Quiz App for $150 for a 90-day subscription.
(This is in addition to the C.M. program registration of $225.)

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