Competency-Based Approach to Dangerous Goods Training and Assessment

Competency Based Training (CBT) assessments will be required from the 1st of January 2023 by the ICAO. This applies to those shipping by Air.

In September 2019, the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel (DGP) undertook the development of new proposed provisions and guidance material under a competency-based approach for dangerous goods training.

The objective of competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) is to use the necessary tools to clearly establish the training needs for a specific job function and then ensure that employees acquire the level of knowledge and demonstrate the right skills to perform that job.

The employer must ensure that personnel are competent to perform any tasks for which they are responsible prior to performing any of these functions. This must be achieved through training and assessment appropriate to the role for which they are responsible.

What is an employer’s responsibility for competency-based training and assessment for the air transport of dangerous goods?

The goal of competency-based training and assessment is to produce a competent workforce by providing focused training. This aim is to move away from the traditional principles of training based on job title and with a wide range of knowledge. The CBTA principles are based on job function, with tailored content and measurements and continuous assessment.

It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the transition of skills from the exam to the workplace. They must do this by implementing competency-based assessment plans. Employers must gather valid and reliable evidence at different stages during training, and retain a record of training and assessment to show proof that staff can do the job. Training certificates and competency-based evidence should be kept in a dangerous goods process file.

This evidence can be done by either the employer or a third party such as Logicom Hub can be that assessor if they have no one who can do this within the company.

The main benefit of a competency-based approach to training and assessment is its potential to encourage and enable personnel to reach their highest level of capability while ensuring a basic level of competence as a minimum standard.

If you have any questions about these upcoming changes and how you can implement such a program within your organisation, contact us at [email protected]