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Your Growth is Our Mission

We are committed to supporting you throughout your career. That’s why we offer a comprehensive suite of resources, including engaging webinars, dynamic networking events, and hands-on skill-building workshops—all carefully crafted to provide you with the insights, tools, and connections needed to propel your career forward. Whether you’re looking to expand your expertise, stay ahead of industry trends, or connect with like-minded professionals, our programs are designed to empower you.

Additionally, our industry-recognized certifications serve as a testament to your skills and dedication, enhancing your credibility, opening doors to new career opportunities, and helping you stand out in the competitive aviation sector.

Certifications

We strive to enhance the continued learning experience for airport leadership and personnel. Our certification programs are designed to set the standard for industry knowledge and training. Each program is crafted to meet the needs and objectives of airports, including governmental requirements and promoting the advancement of the individual.


Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) Program

Becoming an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) is a great way to command respect in the airport industry. Since 1954, AAAE has been committed to the advancement of aviation professionals by granting the A.A.E. designation to those who have demonstrated their ability to handle the responsibilities of airport management.

Candidates in the A.A.E. program will obtain the designation by completing a three-step process:

  • A 180-question, multiple choice examination

  • A management research paper, case study, proctored essay examination, or proof of an advanced degree

  • A final interview with a panel of A.A.E.s

Learn more


Certified Member Program (C.M.)

Earning your C.M. is a great way to show your dedication to your airport career. This designation signifies that you have a diverse knowledge of the primary functions of how an airport operates and can provide the opportunity to progress up the ranks in a close knit community. The program is open to Affiliate, Associate, Participating, Corporate, Military and Academic Graduate members of AAAE. Certified Member is a useful credential when seeking employment within the airport management profession and for students and corporate members who interact with airport professionals.

TECHNOLOGY TO HELP YOU EARN YOUR C.M.
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.

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 $250.)

Learn more


Airport Certified Employee (ACE) Programs

 

Airport Certified Employee (ACE) - Airfield Lighting Maintenance

This program is designed to provide detailed electrical theory and proven maintenance techniques, while educating and challenging airport personnel with airfield lighting maintenance responsibilities, to improve the reliability of airport lighting and visual aid systems that are vital to aircraft safety on the airport surfaces. Offered as Self-Study and Live Classroom Training.

Airport Certified Employee (ACE) - Airfield Operations

The Operations program is a Part 139-based curriculum designed to educate and challenge airport personnel with airfield operations responsibilities or anyone interested in a related career. Offered as Self-Study, Live Virtual Training, On Demand and Live Classroom Training.

Airport Certified Employee (ACE) - Airport Finance

ACE Finance is the first comprehensive program designed for airport personnel responsible for the financial operations at commercial service and general aviation airports. Airport Finance professionals will gain a better grasp on the airport system, the intricacies of airport management and operations and the relationship to the fiscal environment to help them strategically plan, budget and allocate funds. Offered as Self-Study and Live Classroom Training.

Airport Certified Employee (ACE) - Airport Security

This is an extensive curriculum based on 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) – 1500 series: TSA Regulations and ICAO Annex 17. The program not only meets TSA 1542.3 requirements for Airport Security Coordinators (ASC) and alternate ASC’s, but also builds upon the existing working security knowledge of aviation professionals. Offered as Self-Study, Live Virtual Training, On Demand and Live Classroom Training.

Airport Certified Employee (ACE) - Communications Center Operations

An all-encompassing curriculum is tailored to address the unique operational techniques, challenges and responsibilities of the airport communication center dispatcher. It is based on a variety of techniques and recommendations from U.S. government agencies and leading industry communication organizations. Offered as Self-Study, Live Virtual Training, On Demand and Live Classroom Training.

Airport Certified Employee (ACE) - Law Enforcement Officer (LEO)

ACE LEO 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. Offered as Self-Study and Live Classroom Training.

Airport Certified Employee (ACE) - Safety Management Systems (SMS)

This program is specifically designed for airport leadership and safety management personnel that work at the airport to improve airport safety and is based on upcoming FAA regulations regarding Safety Management. Offered as Self-Study, Live Virtual Training, On Demand and Live Classroom Training.

Airport Certified Employee (ACE) - Trusted Agent

Designed to establish a general knowledge base for airport professionals working in the airport Credentialing Office, this program focuses on understanding the complexities that are continuously added to the requirements for vetting, issuing, tracking and auditing airport credentials and is based on Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations – 1542 series, and TSA Directives. Offered as Self-Study and Live Classroom Training.

Airport Certified Employee (ACE) Planning & Environmental

This program is designed especially for aviation professionals responsible for planning and environmental compliance at commercial service and general aviation airports. The certification is based on fundamental federal regulations and policies, research from aviation organizations and generally accepted planning and environmental practices. It explores the diverse components that make-up the airport, including airside and landside facilities, stakeholder participation, master planning, airport layout plan development, and environmental considerations.


ARFF Professional Designation Programs

AAAE and the Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Working Group (ARFFWG), collectively known as the ARFF Training Alliance, offer a two-level ARFF Professional Designation Program designed to enhance the knowledge and career ambitions of Aircraft Rescue Fighters regardless of rank.

Airport Fire Officer (A.F.O.)

The A.F.O. professional designation program is designed for existing and aspiring leaders in the ARFF profession. The program prerequisites ensure that a candidate has obtained and mastered the necessary baseline as an Airport Master Firefighter.

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Airport Master Firefighter (A.M.F.)

The purpose of the A.M.F., the first level of the ARFF Professional Designation Program, is to document that the Master candidate understands, to an acceptable degree, the ARFF Body of Knowledge essential to carry out the responsibilities to manage an airport fire department and also has a basic understanding of airport administration and management.


Airport Security Coordinator (A.S.C.)

Title 49 CFR Part 1542 requires that an Airport Security Coordinator and a designated alternate attend ASC training (TSR 1542.3). By taking the Airport Security Coordinator Online Certification, an ASC will learn the latest information available from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in addition to tools that can make an airport function safely and efficiently. Join us for a unique opportunity to get trained as an ASC in as little as 2 hours! This is an on-demand course, so just pay and get started! You have 30 days from the date of enrollment to complete the course and mini-exam.

Topics to be Covered:

  • Roles and Regulations

  • Airport Security Program (ASC, ASP requirements and changes)

  • Access Control and Credentialing

  • Credentialing, LEO, Contingency and Incident Management requirements

Learn more


The International Aerodrome Certified Employee (IACE)

The International Aerodrome Certified Employee (IACE) course, developed by the International Association of Airport Executive (IAAE) with support from Quiport, operator of Quito International Airport, prepares you with the latest information available from Annex 14 and related documents, and provides resources that help you ensure your airport functions at the highest levels of safety and efficiency.

Take advantage of this online training to earn your IACE in as little as 7.5 hours. Pay, log in, complete the course and you’re done.

Benefits

  • A thorough education designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in the aerodrome arena.

  • Increased promotion and career opportunities in the aviation field.

  • A prestigious international designation acknowledging you as part of an elite group of aviation professionals.

  • Course developers who are internationally recognized aviation professionals with extensive experience and knowledge.

  • Airport professionals outside North America also receive a free one-year membership in IAAE.

Learn more

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Melinda Montgomery, A.A.E, MBA, IACE Airport ManagerTrenton-Mercer Airport

“There is SO much that AAAE provides/makes available to our industry. I always say, ‘AAAE provides me with the opportunity to show my competencies through tangible means’. Without the certification programs and achievements available through AAAE, those that really want to stand out – wouldn’t be able to. Thank you so much for all that the AAAE staff does for our industry."

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Russell R. Sonn, C.M., ACEAirport Maintenance & Operations SupervisorMesa-Falcon Field Airport
"I am thrilled to share that I was selected for an AAAE Professional Development Grant, which provided me with the incredible opportunity to attend the 96th Annual AAAE Conference & Exposition. This experience opened my eyes to the wide range of resources and programs AAAE offers. Inspired by what I learned, I dedicated myself to pursuing these professional development goals."
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Jay DykstraBoarding Operations SpecialistGreater Rockford Airport Authority
“Receiving the AAAE Professional Development Grant for the 2024 Airport Operations and Technology Symposium provided me with a valuable opportunity to network with airport operations professionals from across the country. The connections I made and the knowledge I gained have established a solid foundation for my ongoing career in the airport industry.”
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