Safety Management Systems (SMS) –
Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA)

Delivery Mode

Instructor-Led
Aviation Professional Training

Duration

5 Days
40 Hours

Delegate Fees

USD 700
Excl. VAT.

Registration

View Timetable
Contact Training Team

Course Overview & Strategic Objectives

The Safety Management Systems (SMS) – Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) course equips aviation professionals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to effectively implement, maintain, and improve Safety Management Systems in accordance with ICAO Annex 19, the ICAO Safety Management Manual (Doc 9859), and applicable civil aviation authority requirements.

The course adopts a competency-based approach, ensuring participants not only understand SMS principles but can also apply them in real operational environments. Participants will develop practical competence in hazard identification, risk assessment, safety reporting, safety assurance, safety promotion, and safety performance monitoring across aviation organizations such as airlines, Approved Training Organizations (ATOs), airports, maintenance organizations, and air navigation service providers.

  • 5 Days (SMS CBTA for Managers and Executives) – USD 700 Subject to VAT – Total Training Hours: 40 Hours
  • 2 Days (SMS CBTA for other job functions) – USD 200 Subject to VAT

Detailed Course Curriculum

8 Competency / Learning Outcome Areas

  • Explain the ICAO framework for Safety Management Systems.
  • Apply the four components and twelve elements of an effective SMS.
  • Identify hazards using proactive and reactive safety reporting methods.
  • Conduct safety risk assessments and implement appropriate risk controls.
  • Develop and monitor Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs) and Safety Performance Targets (SPTs).
  • Participate effectively in internal safety investigations and safety assurance activities.
  • Promote a positive safety culture within their organization.
  • Demonstrate competence in applying SMS principles through practical workplace scenarios.

Course Objectives

Instructional Methods

Target Group

Teaching Methodology

Tailored Across Aviation Sectors

Course content and competency development are mapped to the operational roles identified in the approved course write-up.

Safety Leadership & Airport Operations

Safety Managers, Safety Officers, and Airport Operations Staff.

Flight Operations & Quality Assurance

Flight Operations Personnel and Quality Assurance (QA) Personnel.

Flight Dispatch & Operational Management

Flight Dispatchers (Flight Operations Officers) and Aviation Supervisors/Managers

Flight Crew & Training Oversight

Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Personnel involved in SMS Implementation or Oversight.

Maintenance & Engineering Operations

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs), Technicians, and Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) Personnel.

Air Traffic Services & Navigation

Air Traffic Services (ATS) Personnel, Air Traffic Controllers, and Air Navigation Support Staff.

Assessment & Official Credential

Assessment & Official Credential

Participants who successfully demonstrate the required competencies will receive a Certificate of Completion in Safety Management Systems (SMS) – Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA), recognizing their competence in applying SMS principles within aviation operations.

Regulatory Alignment

ICAO Annex 19, ICAO Safety Management Manual (Doc 9859), and applicable civil aviation authority requirements.

Practical Application

The course follows the Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) methodology, combining theoretical instruction with practical application to develop measurable workplace competencies.

Learning Outcomes

Explain the ICAO framework for Safety Management Systems.

Training Outcome

Participants who successfully demonstrate the required competencies will receive a Certificate of Completion in Safety Management Systems (SMS) – Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA), recognizing their competence in applying SMS principles within aviation operations.

Practical Learning & Course Resource Vault

Applied learning activities drawn directly from the course teaching methodology.

Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment Workshop

This activity follows the Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) methodology, combining theoretical instruction with practical application to develop measurable workplace competencies. Participants construct real-world hazard registers, evaluate operational risks using standard ICAO matrices, and design targeted mitigation strategies. You will establish measurable safety performance indicators for effective risk management.

Incident Investigation & Safety Assurance Simulation

This practical training includes immersive, scenario-based occurrence investigations and safety assurance audits. Trainees perform root-cause analyses using ICAO and MEDA frameworks, conduct internal compliance gap analyses, and identify organizational vulnerabilities. You will gain hands-on experience formulating enterprise Corrective Action Plans (CAP) complete with clear accountability metrics and implementation timelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Safety Management Systems (SMS) CBTA training is a structured program designed to build specific, measurable workplace competencies in aviation safety management. Following ICAO guidelines, it moves beyond traditional theoretical testing by evaluating how effectively operational personnel apply safety principles, hazard identification, and risk mitigation strategies in real-world workplace scenarios.

This course is designed for aviation professionals across all operational sectors, including Safety Managers, Quality Assurance Auditors, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Flight Dispatchers, Pilots, and Air Traffic Control staff. It tailors learning outcomes to specific operational roles to ensure targeted safety performance and effective hazard reporting within your organization.

Traditional training often focuses on rote memorization and passing written examinations. In contrast, Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) evaluates demonstrated job performance. Trainees engage in practical activities, such as constructing hazard registers and conducting incident investigations, proving they can execute critical safety tasks competently in actual operational environments.

Assessment relies on practical performance criteria rather than simple multiple-choice quizzes. Instructors evaluate participants on hands-on deliverables, including constructing real-world risk matrices, conducting root-cause incident analyses, executing internal safety audits, and drafting enterprise Corrective Action Plans (CAPs). Trainees achieve certification once they consistently demonstrate job-ready, practical workplace competencies.

Yes. The SMS CBTA curriculum fully aligns with ICAO Annex 19, ICAO Doc 9859 Safety Management Manual standards, and regional civil aviation authority regulations. It equips aviation organizations to build robust safety management systems, fulfill mandatory regulatory compliance, and foster a proactive, data-driven safety culture across all operational departments.

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Details to Consider

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