Competency based training is a structured approach to learning that focuses on a person’s ability to perform tasks to a defined standard. Rather than measuring progress by time, it evaluates whether learners can apply knowledge effectively in real-world situations.
In aviation, this approach is essential. Professionals must demonstrate practical capability in safety-critical environments, not just theoretical understanding.
For organisations, competency based training ensures:
• Skills are measurable and role-specific
• Learning outcomes align with operational requirements
• Personnel can perform consistently under real conditions
This makes it a core part of modern aviation training strategies.
What Is a Competency Based Training Course?
A competency-based training course is built around clearly defined requirements, including the skills, behaviours, and knowledge needed for a role. The goal is to develop these so individuals can perform effectively in practice.
In aviation, this often includes:
• Scenario-based learning based on real operations
• Practical assessments of decision-making and performance
• Alignment with regulatory requirements
Learners must demonstrate that they can apply competencies effectively, ensuring training leads to real operational competence.
Why Competency Based Training Matters
Aviation is a safety-critical industry where theory and performance go hand in hand. Training must ensure individuals can apply their knowledge appropriately in real situations.
Competency based training helps organisations:
• Reduce human error
• Improve safety and operational consistency
• Strengthen compliance
• Build capable teams
One key challenge in recent years has been a decline in operational competence following the pandemic. Reduced activity and limited hands-on experience have affected performance across some roles, creating what has been described as a “quiet risk” within the industry. As explored in our article on competency decline in aviation since the pandemic, this issue is not always immediately visible, but it can have a direct impact on safety and operational performance. Addressing this requires more than one-off training; it demands a structured approach to maintaining and demonstrating competence over time. This reflects a broader shift across aviation toward continuous competence and performance-based assurance.
Continuous Training and Ongoing Competency
While competency based training develops key skills, continuous training ensures that overall competence is maintained over time.
What Is Continuous Training?
Continuous training is ongoing learning throughout a professional’s career, including refresher training and regulatory updates.
Advantage of Continuous Training
The main advantage of continuous training is sustained competence. It allows organisations to:
• Maintain performance standards
• Adapt to regulatory change
• Reinforce safety behaviours
Combined with competency based training, it ensures competence is both achieved and retained.
Continuing Competency Training in Aviation
Continuing competency training focuses on maintaining the ability to perform effectively over time. This is particularly important in roles linked to safety, compliance, and maintenance.
Regular reassessment and targeted training help ensure that competence remains aligned with operational and regulatory requirements.
Applying Competency Based Training in Practice
In aviation, competency based training is rarely delivered as a generic, standalone course. Instead, it is applied through tailored training aligned with operational needs.
This includes:
• Role-specific competency development
• Scenario-based learning
• Integration with safety and compliance systems
• Ongoing support through continuous training
This ensures training directly supports real-world performance.
Moving Beyond Courses: A Structured Approach to Competence
While a competency based training course provides a strong foundation, many organisations are moving toward more structured approaches to maintaining competence.
These combine:
• Competency based training
• Continuous training
• Continuing competence training
• Ongoing assessment
Through our Assured Competency Programme SMS Aero supports organisations in maintaining and demonstrating competence over time. This approach goes beyond traditional training by providing a structured framework for ongoing development, assessment, and assurance. To learn more about how this can support your organisation, get in touch with the SMS Aero team.