A.A.E. & A.A.P. PROGRAMS
Pathways to Accreditation
The A.A.E. and A.A.P. programs provide two accreditation pathways for professionals across Canada's airport industry. The A.A.E. designation is designed for professionals actively employed by an airport or airport authority, while the A.A.P. designation is designed for professionals working with organizations that serve the airport industry.
Comparable to a fourth-year university academic level, both programs challenge candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in three distinct ways: successfully completing the Certified Member (C.M.) examination, fulfilling a written requirement, and completing a final interview with the IAAE Canada Board of Examiners.
Candidates are supported by experienced mentors throughout the program and have up to three years from the date of enrolment to complete all three phases. The information on this page outlines the accreditation journey, from selecting the appropriate designation and learning path to earning your A.A.E. or A.A.P. designation.
Download a PDF of this flow chart here.
PROGRAM SPECIFICS
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Before enrolling in the IAAE Canada Accreditation Program, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for the designation they wish to pursue.
Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.)
Candidates pursuing the A.A.E. designation must:
Be at least 21 years of age.
Be a current Airport Member of IAAE Canada.
Pay the Accreditation Joining Fee or the Accreditation Bundle Fee.
Meet one of the following education and experience requirements:
Have at least one year of airport management experience, including a minimum of six months at a Canadian airport, or
Possess a university degree, college diploma, or eight years of Canadian airport experience.
Accredited Airport Professional (A.A.P.) Program
Candidates pursuing the A.A.P. designation must:
Be at least 21 years of age.
Be a current Industry Member of IAAE Canada.
Pay the Accreditation Joining Fee or the Accreditation Bundle Fee.
Meet one of the following education and experience requirements:
Have at least one year of airport industry management experience, including a minimum of six months within the Canadian airport industry, or
Possess a university degree, college diploma, or five years of Canadian airport industry experience.
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The first phase of the Accreditation Program is the Certified Member (C.M.) examination. Candidates may complete this phase through independent self-study or by attending the IAAE Canada Accreditation Academy.
The examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions based on the IAAE Canada Body of Knowledge, including Airport Development, Management and Operations in Canada, the IAAE Canada Accreditation Study Guide and relevant Canadian Aviation Regulations. Study materials are provided once your application has been accepted.
The examination is divided into five subject areas:
Administration & Finance
Planning, Construction & Environment
Operations & Maintenance
Communications & Marketing
Safety & Security
Candidates have three hours to complete the examination and must achieve a minimum score of 60% in each of the five subject areas to pass.
Self-study candidates arrange their examination through an approved proctor. A $200 examination fee applies. If a candidate does not achieve the minimum score in one or more subject areas, only those sections must be rewritten after a minimum 30-day waiting period. A $75 rewrite fee applies.
Successful completion of this phase awards the Certified Member (C.M.) credential.
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After earning the Certified Member (C.M.) credential, candidates are assigned an experienced mentor who will guide them through the written component of the Accreditation Program.
Candidates must complete one of the following options:
Management Research Paper — A 20–30 page research paper addressing an airport management issue and proposing practical recommendations. See guidelines here.
Case Study — A 20–30 page analysis of a real airport project, initiative or operational challenge. See guidelines here.
Industry Presentation — Deliver a 20–30 minute presentation at FOAM or another recognized industry conference, including supporting presentation materials. See guidelines here.
Graduate Degree Exemption — Candidates holding a qualifying master's degree or higher may satisfy this requirement by submitting an official transcript.
Regardless of the option selected, all candidates must:
Work with an assigned mentor throughout Phase Two.
Obtain approval of their project outline before beginning work.
Submit a draft for feedback prior to final submission.
Successfully complete an evaluation by a panel of at least three members of the IAAE Canada Board of Examiners.
Demonstrate originality while contributing practical value to Canada's airport industry.
The written requirement applies equally to both the A.A.E. and A.A.P. programs.
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The final phase of the Accreditation Program is a professional interview conducted by a panel of at least three members of the IAAE Canada Board of Examiners.
Working with a Phase Three mentor, candidates typically spend three to six months preparing for the interview. The mentor will determine when the candidate is ready before coordinating the interview through the IAAE Canada office.
The interview is similar in format to a senior executive job interview and evaluates the candidate's knowledge and understanding of the complete Accreditation Body of Knowledge. Most interviews take approximately two hours to complete.
Upon successful completion of the interview, candidates are awarded the Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) or Accredited Airport Professional (A.A.P.) designation.
To maintain the designation, members must remain in good standing with IAAE Canada. Information about continuing education requirements will be announced separately.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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The Accreditation Program is based on the IAAE Canada Accreditation Body of Knowledge, which reflects the broad range of knowledge and competencies expected of today's airport professionals. Candidates are assessed across five core areas:
Administration & Finance
Planning, Construction & Environment
Operations & Maintenance
Communications & Marketing
Safety & Security
Whether you choose the self-study pathway or the Accreditation Academy, you'll be expected to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of these subject areas throughout the program.
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The Accreditation Program Joining Fee covers your enrolment in the program, administration of your candidacy, access to mentorship throughout the accreditation journey, and the study materials required to prepare for the Certified Member (C.M.) examination, including the Accreditation Body of Knowledge and supporting resources.
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Absolutely. Many candidates begin with self-study and later decide they'd benefit from the instructor-led Accreditation Academy.
Simply register for a future Academy by paying the Accreditation Academy Registration Fee. Your previous enrolment in the Accreditation Program remains valid.
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Graduate-level credentials are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Please provide IAAE Canada with information about your graduate program and an official transcript. We'll work with the Chair of the Accreditation Committee to determine whether your credentials satisfy the Phase Two written requirement.
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Possibly.
We recognize that every candidate's career path is unique. If you're a student, transitioning into the airport industry or don't currently meet the published prerequisites, we'd encourage you to contact us to discuss your circumstances.
Please email headquarters@iaaecanada.org, and we'll review your situation with the Chair of the Accreditation Committee to determine whether an exception may be appropriate.
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IAAE Canada is currently developing a Continuing Education Program to support ongoing professional development after accreditation.
Details, including continuing education requirements and renewal information, will be announced in the future.
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To maintain your A.A.E. or A.A.P. designation, you must remain an active IAAE Canada member in good standing.
In addition, IAAE Canada is developing continuing education requirements that will become part of maintaining your designation. More information will be announced as the Continuing Education Program is finalized.
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Candidates have up to three years from the date of enrolment to complete all three phases of the Accreditation Program.
Most candidates progress through the program while working full-time, allowing them to complete each phase at a pace that fits their professional and personal commitments.
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Earning your A.A.E. or A.A.P. designation is just the beginning. Accredited members play an important role in supporting and strengthening the Accreditation Program by sharing their knowledge and experience with future candidates.
If you'd like to get involved, we'd be pleased to hear from you. Opportunities include serving as a mentor, joining the Board of Examiners or, when vacancies arise, volunteering on the Accreditation Committee.
Please contact headquarters@iaaecanada.org to express your interest, and we'll be happy to discuss how you can contribute to the next generation of accredited airport professionals.
READY TO REGISTER?
Once you have determined you meet the program pre-requisites, please submit your latest résumé and a signed copy of the Code of Ethics when you register to headquarters@iaaecanada.org.
MEET SOME NEWLY ACCREDITED MEMBERS
