Dangerous Goods training in aviation has changed.

Dangerous Goods Training in Aviation: What CBTA Means for Your Organisation

With the removal of IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Table 1.5 categories and the move to Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) under International Civil Aviation Organization Doc 10147, organisations are now expected to take a more structured and role-specific approach to training.

For airlines, MROs, ground handling organisations and aviation service providers, this is not just a regulatory update. It requires a rethink of how training is built, delivered and evidenced across the operation.

So, what has actually changed?

Previously, Dangerous Goods training followed defined categories under the International Air Transport Association DGR Table 1.5. These categories grouped employees by job title, with standardised training assigned accordingly.

That structure no longer exists.

Training must now reflect what individuals actually do in their roles. This means organisations need to clearly understand job functions, tasks and responsibilities, and ensure training is aligned to them.

What does CBTA mean in practice?

CBTA shifts the focus from knowledge-based training to competency.

In simple terms, it is no longer enough for someone to attend a course. Organisations must be able to demonstrate that individuals can apply what they have learned in a real operational context.

This requires:

• Clear definition of job roles and associated tasks
• Identification of the competencies required for each role
• Training that is aligned to those competencies
• Assessment methods that demonstrate capability

It is a more practical and effective approach, but it also introduces more responsibility on the organisation to get it right.

Where many organisations are falling short

A common challenge we see is organisations still working from legacy training structures that were built around job titles.

In many cases:

• Roles and responsibilities are not clearly mapped
• Training does not fully reflect operational tasks
• Procedures and manuals are not aligned with training frameworks
• There is limited evidence of competency-based assessment

These gaps may not always be obvious day to day, but they can quickly surface during audits or regulatory oversight.

Why a gap analysis is the logical first step

Before making changes, organisations need a clear view of where they currently stand.

A Dangerous Goods training gap analysis provides that clarity.

It allows you to:

• Compare your existing training against CBTA requirements
• Identify areas of non-compliance or misalignment
• Review how roles and tasks are defined across your operation
• Ensure procedures, manuals and training are working together

Without this step, it is difficult to implement CBTA in a structured and compliant way.

A compliance-led approach to Dangerous Goods training

At Bostonair, our focus is not just on delivering training. It is on ensuring that training stands up to regulatory scrutiny and works in a live operational environment.

We support organisations by:

• Reviewing existing Dangerous Goods training programmes
• Identifying compliance gaps against CBTA requirements
• Implementing structured, CBTA aligned training solutions
• Delivering basic awareness training online and in person
• Mapping roles and responsibilities in line with operational tasks
• Supporting updates to procedures and manuals to ensure full alignment

Our wider safety and compliance capability means we understand how training fits into the broader regulatory framework, not just as a standalone requirement.

What this means for your organisation

The move to CBTA is about making training more relevant, but it also raises the bar for compliance.

Organisations that take a proactive approach will be better positioned to:

• Demonstrate compliance during audits
• Reduce operational and safety risk
• Ensure training is aligned with real-world tasks
• Build a more robust and defensible training framework

Those that do not may find themselves needing to react under pressure.

Are you aligned with CBTA requirements?

If your Dangerous Goods training has not been reviewed recently, or is still based on legacy category structures, it is worth taking a closer look.

Understanding where you stand now can save significant time and risk later.

Bostonair works with aviation organisations to make this process clear, practical and fully compliant.

Speak to our team to discuss your Dangerous Goods training requirements.

FAQs

What is CBTA in Dangerous Goods training?
CBTA (Competency Based Training and Assessment) requires training to be based on job functions and competencies rather than job titles.

Are IATA DGR categories still used?
No, the Table 1.5 categories have been removed. Training must now be tailored to specific roles and tasks.

Do we need to update our DG training?
Yes. Organisations must ensure their training aligns with CBTA requirements to remain compliant.

What does a DG gap analysis involve?
It reviews your current training, role mapping, competencies and procedures to identify gaps against CBTA requirements.