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


The IAAE Canada Accreditation Programs are comparable to a 4th year university academic level and challenges candidates to prove their knowledge and skills in three distinct ways: Passing an exam, completing the written requirement and excelling at the Board of Examiners panel interview. Candidates have 3 years to complete the program.

IAAE Canada holds a week-long  Accreditation Academy each year for Candidates.

A.A.E Annual Membership Fee: $460

Prerequisites:


Prospective accreditation candidates must be:

  • 21 years of age

  • A current Airport Member of IAAE Canada; click here to join if you are not an Airport Member

  • 1 year of airport management experience with at least 6 months of that time at a Canadian Airport.

  • Possess a university degree, college diploma, or 8 years' Canadian airport experience

  • Enrollment in the AAE program

 

The Process:

Once you have determined you meet the program pre-requisites, please submit your latest resume and a signed copy of the Code of Ethics. (download) asap after you register to michelle@iaaecanada.org.

 

The Three Phases:


Stage 1. EXAM


The written exam is a 150 multiple-choice questionnaire developed by the IAAEC Accreditation Committee & the IAAEC Board of Examiners, with input from aviation and education experts. The exam is based on the IAAEC body of knowledge that includes; Airport Development, Management and Operations in Canada by E.R. Syme; IAAE Canada Accreditation Program Study Guide and Canadian Aviation Regulations. Candidates will receive these materials once the application is accepted.

IAAE Canada offers an annual Accreditation Academy. During this week-long program, candidates will review the text book and study guide materials with a facilitator and take the exam. A $200 exam fee applies for all self-study candidates which is due prior to writing the exam. Eligible proctors include; an active A.A.E., a high school principal, a college professor, the administrator of a testing center.

The exam is composed of 5 segments: Administration & Finance; Planning, Construction & Environment; Operations & Maintenance; Communications & Marketing; and Safety & Security.
A passing grade requires a minimum 60% in each of the five segments. The exam has a 3 hour time limit.

In the event that a candidate fails to reach the 60% minimum in one or more segments, they can re-take the exam. Candidates must wait 30 days before making a second attempt and are only required to re-write the segment(s) where the minimum score was not attained. IAAEC will coordinate all examination rewrites. A $75 fee will apply.

Completion of this phase awards the Certified Member (C.M) designation.

A mentor will be provided upon request to assist you with the next stages.

Stage 2. Writing Requirement Phase


Effective January 1st, 2017 candidates have the following options to complete the Written Requirement Phase. Each option requires topic approval by the Board of Examiners and will be graded by three Accredited Members.

Select one of the five options:

 

  • Management Research Paper - Write a management research paper of 20-30 pages on a topic that is broadly applicable to airport management proposing a set of guidelines to manage a problem or set forth an argument for implementing a project or using a methodology.

  • Case Study - Prepare a case study of 20-30 pages to recount/analyze the steps or measures taken by a specific airport or airport system in implementing a project or managing a problem.

  • Presentation – prepare and present a topic at FOAM or another recognized industry conference. The 20-30 minute presentation package must include handouts, outline and PowerPoint slides.

  • Proctored Essay - Respond to two industry-related questions within a four-hour time limit via an on-line proctored essay system. A bank of approved questions for you to choose from will be provided.

  • Master's Transcript or Above - Submit an official transcript of record from an accredited university or college to IAAEC to verify that you have earned an advanced degree. This will complete your Written Requirement Phase.

The Written Requirement applies to both the AAE and AAP programs.

 

Stage 3. INTERVIEW


All candidates are required to complete an oral interview by a panel of at least three members of the Board of Examiners. The format for the Final Interview is similar to that of a high-level job interview and will determine the candidate's overall knowledge of airport management. The average length of the final interview is two hours.

Preparation for this phase can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to complete. All candidates will be evaluated by their mentor to determine their readiness to complete the final interview phase. Once ready, the mentor will arrange the time and location for the interview. Guidelines for the candidates are in the IAAE Canada ‘Candidates Guide to the Final Interview'. Contact IAAEC to receive a copy.

Please Note: All Panel Interviews must be coordinated through the IAAE Canada office to be valid

Upon completion of all 3 phases of the Accreditation Program the Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E) designation is awarded. Membership with IAAE Canada must be in good standing to keep your AAE or AAP designation.