National Certificate in Airside Operations now partnered with iCQ

UK Aerodrome operators are required to ensure that all personnel involved in the airfield operation, rescue and firefighting, maintenance and management of the aerodrome are trained and competent. In 2018 and in response to this requirement aviation employers looked for clearer, more robust ways to demonstrate competence through proficiency checks. As a result the National Certificate in Airside Operations (NCAO) was developed and launched by the Aviation Industry Skills Board in partnership with People 1st International.

The NCAO delivers a recognised, accredited and portable certification for all those working in airfield operations throughout the UK aerodromes, which evidences compliance with EU Commission Regulation 139/2014 and the UK CAA.

AISB’s ongoing objective is to strengthen, modernise and sustain the National Certificate in Airside Operations by bringing together platform management and awarding body certification. As part of this work, from Spring 2026 the NCAO will be managed by iCQ Awards – sister organisation of People 1st International.

Leading qualifications and assessments organisation – about iCQ Awards

iCQ are an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual (England), Qualifications in Wales (QiW), Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessments (CCEA – Northern Ireland) to deliver a range of over 300 qualifications, and an End-Point Assessment organisation for over 40 apprenticeship standards.

Why this is great news for airside operations:

• iCQ are the largest provider of apprenticeship assessments to the travel sector, working with several airlines and training providers for the Cabin Crew standard.
• In 2026 iCQ Awards are working on expanding to support the Airside Operations and Baggage Handling apprenticeships.
• They also offer a wider range of qualifications and apprenticeship assessment that support airport operations, including facilities, cleaning, retail, hospitality and transport.
• Further support for training and delivery is available through a variety of teaching, training and assessment qualifications.

iCQ joined People 1st International as part of The Workforce Development Trust in 2025. The group incorporates iCQ Awards, SFJ Awards, Skills for Health, Skills for Justice, and People 1st International.

The group works across public and private services such as Border Force, fire and rescue services (including airport rescue and firefighting services), police forces, counter terrorism policing, and other government and public safety services.

What the future holds for the NCAO

iCQ are supporting the Aviation Industry Skills Board to move the NCAO to the innovative iLearner system, which enables end-to-end management of the entire certification journey on one platform for all users.

The transition is due to take place by 1 April 2026.

As well as moving the NCAO to iCQ, the AISB and People 1st International are looking at making alterations to the assessment methods to help support in the delivery of the certificate within their settings.