Implementing CBTA (Competency-Based Training and Assessment)

This course is for staff who will design, implement, manage or commission training delivered in accordance with CBTA principles as described in ICAO Doc 9868.

For next CBTA course contact sales@raven.aero.

This course can be organised on demand for a minimum of 4 participants.

Price shown is per participant.

Course Overview

The ICAO Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) concept (ICAO Doc 9868) represents a dynamic integration of traditional instructional system design methodologies with the evaluation of workplace proficiency. It encapsulates a holistic approach to nurturing individuals who are new entrants to a specific domain, guiding them through a structured learning journey, and ultimately facilitating their seamless integration into operational roles where they can contribute effectively and productively.

Implementing CBTA course serves as a gateway to the world of CBTA, exploring its multifaceted dimensions and providing participants with a deep understanding of its core principles and practices. Through a systematic examination of the key stages involved in crafting courses within the CBTA framework, delegates will gain invaluable insights into the intricacies of curriculum development, instructional design, competency assessment methodologies, and performance evaluation techniques.

Moreover, the course aims to empower managers and decision-makers with the requisite knowledge and tools to oversee and facilitate the implementation of CBTA within their organizations. By equipping them with the skills to evaluate training programs against established benchmarks and standards, managers can ensure the efficacy and relevance of training initiatives, thereby fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within their workforce.

Through a blend of theoretical insights, practical exercises, case studies, and interactive discussions, participants will emerge from this course not only with a comprehensive understanding of CBTA but also with the practical skills and confidence to actively engage in the design, development, and implementation of competency-based training programmes.

Learning Experience

Virtual Instructor Led Training: 1 day

Target Audience

Training designers, Managers, Instructors and Industry Professionals in the aviation domain.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

Learners shall be able to:

  • Describe the ADDIE model
  • Differentiate between a Task Analysis and a Training Needs Analysis
  • Differentiate between Training and Operational Performance Standards
  • State the benefits of different training media
  • Identify appropriate methods of testing
  • Describe the 4 Levels of Evaluation
  • State the skills required of an effective training
  • State the 5 principles of adult learning

Skill

Learners shall be able to:

  • Develop effective Training Objectives
  • Develop a competency model
  • Apply appropriate testing methods to course content
  • Develop methods of training evaluation

Competence

Learners shall be able to:

  • Implement a CBTA course
  • Manage a CBTA project

FAQ

What is CBTA in aviation and why is it important?

Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) is a training methodology that focuses on what a learner can actually do in a workplace environment rather than just how many hours they have spent in a classroom. As defined in ICAO Doc 9868 (PANS-TRG), it shifts the focus from “training to fly” to “developing competencies” like communication, leadership, and workload management. This ensures that aviation professionals are prepared for an infinite number of real-world scenarios using a finite set of core competencies.

What is the difference between CBTA and EBT?

While often used together, they serve different purposes.

CBTA is the overarching goal: training and assessing based on specific competencies. It is primarily used for initial training and converting novices into graduates.

EBT (Evidence-Based Training) is the “vehicle” for recurrent training. It uses actual operational data (evidence) from flight recorders and safety reports to create training scenarios that address real-world risks. Simply put: CBTA is the methodology; EBT is the data-driven application of that methodology for experienced crews.

Check out Implementing EBT course on RAVEN: https://raven.aero/courses/implementing-evidence-based-training-ebt/

How does ICAO Doc 9868 relate to this course?

ICAO Doc 9868 (Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Training) is the global standard for CBTA. Our course is specifically designed to help you implement the principles described in this document. We move beyond the theory to address the “gotchas” of Doc 9868, such as how to bridge the gap between a training graduation standard and actual workplace competence.

Who should enroll in the Implementing CBTA course?

This course is designed for:

Training Designers and Course Developers.
Heads of Training and Managers looking to transition their organization from traditional to competency-based models.
Instructors and Examiners who need to understand the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation).
Aviation Professionals involved in Cabin Crew, Ground Handling, or Maintenance training.

What is the ADDIE model in the context of CBTA?

The ADDIE model is the backbone of the CBTA instructional design process. It consists of five phases:

Analysis: Identifying the target population and performing a Task Analysis (TA).
Design: Writing specific training objectives and curriculum development.
Development: Creating the actual training materials.
Implementation: Delivering the training via competent instructors.
Evaluation: Using the 4 levels of evaluation to ensure the training actually works and improves safety.

Can CBTA be applied to training other than for pilots?

Yes. While CBTA was popularized in pilot training, ICAO and EASA now encourage its use across all aviation disciplines, including Cabin Crew, Aircraft Maintenance, and Ground Operations. This course teaches you how to adapt the competency framework to any role, ensuring your training is compliant and effective, regardless of the job function.

ICAO doc 9868

About Instructor

Norman MacLeod

Norman MacLeod served in the Royal Air Force in the Education and Training specialisation, where he was trained in the Instructional Systems Design (ISD) methodology. He undertook a number of major ISD projects, including a redesign of crew training on the C-130 transport aircraft. From 1994 to 2011 he was a consultant, mainly in the field of CRM. One of his projects was the development of behavioural markers for assessment under the FAA AQP requirements. In 2007 he was invited to run a workshop on Implementing ATQP - and now EBT - on behalf of the JAA TO, in Amsterdam. He has written 2 books on course design in aviation and is a frequent speaker at international conferences on aspects of aviation training.

2 Courses

Not Enrolled

Course Includes

  • 13 Lessons
  • Course Certificate