Self-Paced Training, Exam Fees: Payment covers the exam only. Complimentary exam guide and practice questions will be provided to assist you.
Purchase and Pay
Foundation Certification in Air Cargo Operations and Aviation Logistics
Foundation Professional Certification in Air Cargo Operations, Aviation Logistics, Freight Forwarding, Airport Cargo Handling, Documentation, Safety, Security, and Digital Air Transportation
The American Certified Air Cargo Associate (AC-ACA)® is a foundation-level professional certification designed for individuals seeking to begin or strengthen a career in air cargo operations, aviation logistics, freight forwarding, airport warehousing, customs documentation, transportation, and international supply chain management.
Air cargo plays a vital role in the global economy by enabling the rapid transportation of high-value, time-sensitive, temperature-controlled, perishable, and mission-critical goods. Pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, electronics, automotive parts, fresh produce, emergency relief materials, industrial components, and e-commerce shipments depend on reliable air transportation systems to reach global markets safely and efficiently.
Course Description
Air cargo is a critical component of the global logistics and transportation industry. It supports international trade, e-commerce fulfillment, humanitarian assistance, healthcare and pharmaceutical distribution, high-value manufacturing, perishables, express courier services, and time-sensitive supply chains. These operations require trained personnel who understand documentation, cargo handling, shipment coordination, safety, security, customer service, and regulatory compliance.
Participants gain practical knowledge of the complete air cargo lifecycle, beginning with shipment planning and cargo acceptance and continuing through documentation, packaging, labeling, cargo handling, warehouse storage, security screening, transportation, and final delivery.
The program also introduces participants to international aviation standards, dangerous goods awareness, operational performance measurement, customer service, sustainability, digital cargo systems, Artificial Intelligence, and automation.
The curriculum combines industry best practices, real-world operational scenarios, practical exercises, and globally relevant logistics concepts. Upon successful completion, participants will possess the foundational knowledge and professional confidence required to contribute to safe, secure, efficient, compliant, and customer-focused air cargo operations.
Certification Overview
The AC-ACA® introduces participants to the complete air cargo operating environment, including the roles of airlines, airports, cargo terminal operators, freight forwarders, customs authorities, ground handling agents, express delivery companies, logistics providers, and international regulatory organizations.
Participants develop foundational knowledge of cargo acceptance, documentation, handling, storage, security screening, customs procedures, shipment coordination, warehouse operations, customer service, operational performance, and emerging digital technologies.
The certification provides a strong pathway for students, entry-level professionals, career changers, and logistics personnel seeking internationally relevant competencies in aviation logistics and air cargo operations. The AC-ACA® provides a practical and internationally relevant entry point into one of the most essential, dynamic, and technology-driven areas of global logistics.
Why Get Certified?
The global air cargo and aviation logistics industry is expanding rapidly as organizations respond to the growth of e-commerce, international trade, pharmaceutical distribution, humanitarian operations, express delivery, advanced manufacturing, and time-sensitive supply chains. Employers increasingly need professionals who understand how cargo moves safely, securely, efficiently, and compliantly through airports, airlines, freight forwarding networks, customs systems, and global distribution channels.
The American Certified Air Cargo Associate (AC-ACA)® provides participants with recognized foundational competencies that strengthen employability, professional credibility, operational readiness, and long-term career advancement within the global aviation and logistics sector.
Through This Certification, Participants Will
Certification Objectives
On completion of the AC-ACA®, participants will be able to:
Course Learning Outcomes
LO1. Explain Air Cargo and Aviation Logistics Operations
- Describe the structure, terminology, stakeholders, functions, and operational processes of international air cargo and aviation logistics systems.
LO2. Apply Cargo Acceptance and Handling Procedures
- Explain the requirements for cargo acceptance, inspection, weighing, packaging, marking, labeling, storage, shipment preparation, loading support, unloading, and movement through airport cargo facilities.
LO3. Interpret Air Cargo and Customs Documentation
- Interpret air waybills, cargo manifests, shipping instructions, commercial invoices, packing lists, customs documents, labels, and other records used in international air transportation.
LO4. Apply Aviation Safety, Security, and Dangerous Goods Principles
- Recognize workplace safety procedures, aviation security requirements, cargo screening processes, chain-of-custody controls, dangerous goods classifications, hazard labels, and regulatory responsibilities.
LO5. Support Airport Cargo Terminal and Warehouse Operations
- Explain cargo receiving, storage, inventory control, shipment staging, consolidation, unit load device preparation, cargo build-up, breakdown, transfer, and release procedures.
LO6. Support Freight Forwarding and Multimodal Transportation
- Describe freight forwarding responsibilities, carrier coordination, route selection, shipment consolidation, customs support, multimodal transportation, and end-to-end cargo movement.
LO7. Coordinate Air Cargo Shipments and Customer Service
- Support cargo booking, scheduling, routing, tracking, communication, documentation, delivery coordination, customer service, complaint resolution, and stakeholder engagement.
LO8. Evaluate Air Cargo Performance and Operational Efficiency
- Interpret key performance indicators related to cargo throughput, shipment accuracy, warehouse productivity, turnaround time, delays, damage, service quality, and customer satisfaction.
LO9. Utilize Digital Air Cargo Technologies
- Recognize and appropriately use cargo management systems, electronic air waybills, shipment tracking platforms, warehouse technologies, Artificial Intelligence, automation, RFID, IoT, predictive analytics, and digital reporting tools.
LO10. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Conduct
- Apply integrity, accountability, confidentiality, regulatory compliance, effective communication, teamwork, environmental responsibility, workplace safety, customer focus, and continuous improvement principles.
Testing Outcomes — Skills and Competencies Tested
Successful candidates will demonstrate competency in the following areas.
TO1. Air Cargo Fundamentals and Industry Structure
- Demonstrate knowledge of air cargo terminology, industry stakeholders, operating environments, cargo types, global aviation networks, and the role of air transportation within international supply chains.
TO2. Cargo Acceptance, Handling, and Storage
- Apply foundational procedures for shipment acceptance, inspection, weighing, packaging, marking, labeling, handling, storage, cargo movement, loading support, unloading, and damage prevention.
TO3. Air Cargo Documentation and Customs Compliance
- Interpret air waybills, cargo manifests, shipping instructions, invoices, packing lists, customs records, cargo labels, and other documentation required for compliant international shipment processing.
TO4. Airport Cargo Terminal and Warehouse Operations
- Demonstrate understanding of cargo receiving, warehouse safety, inventory control, shipment staging, cargo consolidation, build-up, breakdown, transfer, storage conditions, and shipment release.
TO5. Aviation Safety, Security, and Dangerous Goods Awareness
- Recognize aviation safety requirements, cargo screening procedures, access controls, chain-of-custody responsibilities, dangerous goods classifications, hazard labels, handling restrictions, and escalation protocols.
TO6. Freight Forwarding and Multimodal Logistics
- Demonstrate knowledge of freight forwarding responsibilities, carrier selection, shipment booking, routing, consolidation, customs coordination, road connections, transfer points, and end-to-end transportation planning.
TO7. Shipment Coordination and Customer Service
- Apply effective practices for cargo scheduling, tracking, communication, documentation control, delivery coordination, customer support, complaint handling, and stakeholder collaboration.
TO8. Operational Planning and Performance Monitoring
- Interpret basic operational plans and key performance indicators related to cargo throughput, capacity, productivity, shipment accuracy, delays, turnaround time, damage, service reliability, and customer satisfaction.
TO9. Digital Cargo Systems and Emerging Technologies
- Demonstrate awareness of cargo management platforms, electronic air waybills, warehouse management systems, digital tracking, RFID, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, automation, predictive analytics, and business intelligence tools used in air cargo operations.
TO10. Professional Practice and Operational Improvement
- Demonstrate ethical conduct, integrity, accountability, confidentiality, regulatory compliance, teamwork, communication, customer focus, environmental responsibility, safety awareness, and the ability to identify and recommend practical operational improvements.
Target Audience
The AC-ACA® is designed for those entering or building a career in aviation logistics:
Current university and college students
Recent graduates
Entry-level aviation professionals
Air cargo assistants
Airport operations personnel
Cargo handling personnel
Warehouse assistants
Freight forwarding assistants
Logistics coordinators
Transportation assistants
Import and export assistants
Customs documentation assistants
Express delivery personnel
Courier operations staff
Supply chain assistants
Procurement and inventory personnel
Customer service personnel
Military logistics personnel
Career changers entering aviation or logistics
Professionals seeking foundational air cargo knowledge
Entry Requirements
Applicants should satisfy one of the following eligibility pathways.
Pathway 1 – High School Education
- Possess a High School Diploma, General Educational Development certificate, or equivalent secondary school qualification.
Pathway 2 – Associate Degree
- Hold an Associate Degree or equivalent post-secondary qualification from a recognized institution.
Pathway 3 – Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
- Hold a Bachelor’s Degree or higher academic qualification in any discipline.
Pathway 4 – Current University or College Student
- Be currently enrolled in an accredited university, college, or recognized post-secondary institution.
Pathway 5 – Professional Experience
- Possess at least one year of experience in aviation, air cargo, airport operations, freight forwarding, logistics, transportation, warehousing, customs, import and export operations, procurement, inventory management, express delivery, supply chain management, third-party logistics, or related operational disciplines.
Recommended Background
No previous air cargo certification is required. The AC-ACA® is designed as a foundation-level certification suitable for students, entry-level employees, career changers, and professionals seeking introductory aviation logistics competencies.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Relevant academic study, military logistics experience, industry training, professional development, or work experience may be considered under AAPSCM® Recognition of Prior Learning principles, subject to applicable certification requirements.
Career Opportunities
The AC-ACA® prepares participants for entry-level and early-career positions such as:
Air Cargo Associate
Air Freight Operations Assistant
Airport Cargo Operations Assistant
Cargo Handling Agent
Cargo Terminal Assistant
Air Freight Coordinator
Aviation Logistics Assistant
Freight Forwarding Assistant
Warehouse Operations Assistant
Cargo Documentation Assistant
Customs Documentation Assistant
Shipment Coordination Assistant
Import and Export Assistant
Cargo Customer Service Representative
Express Delivery Operations Assistant
Logistics Coordinator
Distribution Assistant
Supply Chain Operations Assistant
Cargo Tracking Assistant
Airport Warehouse Assistant
Employment Outlook
The global air cargo and aviation logistics industry continues to be one of the fastest-evolving sectors of international commerce, driven by rapid growth in cross-border e-commerce, pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics, advanced manufacturing, humanitarian relief operations, express delivery services, and increasingly complex global supply chains. As organizations demand faster, safer, and more resilient transportation networks, qualified air cargo professionals remain essential to ensuring the efficient movement of high-value and time-critical shipments worldwide.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for Logisticians — one of the primary occupational categories supporting air cargo, transportation, and supply chain operations — is projected to grow 17% between 2024 and 2034, significantly faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. Approximately 26,400 job openings are projected annually during this period due to industry growth, retirements, and workforce transitions.
The transportation and warehousing sector also remains one of the largest employers in the United States, supporting more than 6.6 million employees, while transportation-related industries collectively employ over 16 million workers, representing approximately 10% of the U.S. workforce.
Globally, the outlook for air cargo remains positive. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects continued growth in air cargo demand as global trade, AI-enabled manufacturing, semiconductor production, pharmaceutical logistics, and cross-border e-commerce expand. Air cargo traffic is forecast to continue growing, supported by increasing demand for high-value, time-sensitive shipments and continued investment in digital logistics technologies.
Salary Expectations
Compensation varies according to education, professional certification, years of experience, job function, geographic location, employer size, and leadership responsibilities.
| Position | Estimated Annual Salary (USD)* |
|---|---|
| Air Cargo Associate | $40,000–$60,000 |
| Cargo Handling Agent | $42,000–$65,000 |
| Air Freight Coordinator | $50,000–$75,000 |
| Logistics Coordinator | $55,000–$80,000 |
| Freight Forwarding Specialist | $55,000–$85,000 |
| Airport Cargo Operations Specialist | $60,000–$90,000 |
| Air Cargo Supervisor | $70,000–$100,000 |
| Air Cargo Operations Manager | $90,000–$140,000 |
| Aviation Logistics Manager | $100,000–$160,000 |
| Director of Air Cargo or Aviation Logistics | $140,000–$220,000+ |
*Salary ranges are based on industry compensation surveys, labor market trends, and comparable U.S. logistics and aviation positions. Actual compensation varies by employer, location, qualifications, certifications, and professional experience. For comparison, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Logisticians earned a median annual salary of approximately $80,880 in 2024.
Employment Sectors
International airports and airport authorities
Commercial passenger and cargo airlines
Airline cargo divisions
Airport cargo terminals and ground handling organizations
Air freight forwarding companies
Express delivery and courier organizations (e.g., FedEx, UPS, DHL)
Third-Party Logistics (3PL) providers
Fourth-Party Logistics (4PL) providers
Customs brokerage firms
Government aviation agencies
Civil aviation authorities
Customs and border protection agencies
Pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors
Healthcare and medical logistics organizations
Cold chain logistics providers
Manufacturing and industrial organizations
Retail and e-commerce enterprises
International transportation and logistics companies
Import and export organizations
Defense and aerospace logistics organizations
Humanitarian relief and disaster response agencies
Career Progression
The AC-ACA® provides a strong foundation for growth into supervisory, managerial, and executive positions. As individuals gain experience and additional qualifications, they may advance into roles such as Cargo Operations Supervisor, Freight Forwarding Manager, Airport Cargo Operations Manager, Aviation Logistics Manager, Air Cargo Director, or Vice President of Cargo Operations.
With additional experience and professional development, certificants may progress into supervisory, professional, managerial, and executive aviation logistics roles. AAPSCM® also offers a structured professional certification pathway that supports progressive career development:
- American Certified Air Cargo & Aviation Logistics Professional (AC-ACALP)®
- American Certified Air Cargo Operations Manager (AC-ACOM)®
- American Certified Aviation Logistics Executive (AC-ALE)®
These advanced credentials build upon the foundational competencies developed in the AC-ACA® program and prepare professionals for leadership roles in global air cargo operations, aviation logistics management, and strategic transportation.
Industry Applications
The American Certified Air Cargo Associate (AC-ACA)® equips participants with foundational knowledge and practical competencies that are applicable across diverse sectors of the aviation, transportation, logistics, and global supply chain industries. The certification prepares professionals to support safe, secure, efficient, and compliant air cargo operations in both domestic and international environments.
1. Commercial Airline Cargo Operations
- Support cargo reservation and booking, shipment acceptance, documentation, cargo handling, aircraft loading coordination, shipment tracking, customer service, and day-to-day airline cargo operations.
2. Airport Cargo Terminals and Ground Handling
- Assist with airport warehouse operations, cargo receiving and storage, shipment staging, Unit Load Device (ULD) build-up and breakdown, cargo screening, inventory management, and terminal workflow coordination.
3. Air Freight Forwarding and Logistics Services
- Support freight forwarding activities through shipment planning, carrier coordination, cargo consolidation, documentation preparation, customs liaison, shipment tracking, and customer communication.
4. Express Delivery and Courier Operations
- Contribute to time-critical shipment processing, parcel sorting, express air logistics, shipment visibility, distribution coordination, and customer service for international courier and express delivery organizations.
5. Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Logistics
- Support the transportation of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biologics, medical devices, laboratory specimens, and other healthcare products requiring secure, compliant, and temperature-controlled air transportation.
6. Cold Chain and Perishable Cargo Logistics
- Assist in managing temperature-sensitive supply chains involving fresh produce, seafood, flowers, food products, pharmaceuticals, and other perishable commodities requiring specialized handling and cold chain integrity.
7. E-Commerce and Retail Logistics
- Support international e-commerce fulfillment by coordinating air transportation, parcel processing, customs documentation, shipment tracking, distribution activities, and last-mile logistics operations.
8. Customs, Trade, and Regulatory Compliance
- Assist with import and export documentation, customs declarations, cargo inspections, regulatory compliance, trade facilitation, and coordination with customs and border authorities.
9. Manufacturing and Industrial Supply Chains
- Support the transportation of high-value industrial equipment, automotive components, aerospace parts, electronics, machinery, production materials, and just-in-time manufacturing shipments.
10. Humanitarian Relief and Disaster Response Logistics
- Contribute to the rapid movement of emergency food supplies, medical equipment, rescue materials, shelter resources, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief cargo during crisis and emergency response operations.
11. Defense and Aerospace Logistics
- Support secure, regulated, and mission-critical transportation operations involving defense equipment, aerospace components, government cargo, and sensitive materials requiring specialized handling and security.
12. Multimodal Transportation and Global Supply Chains
- Facilitate the integration of air transportation with road, rail, maritime, warehousing, distribution, and international supply chain networks to ensure efficient end-to-end cargo movement.
Program Structure
The AC-ACA® curriculum consists of eight modules, each containing three submodules.
Module 1 – Foundations of Air Cargo and Aviation Logistics
1.1 Introduction to Air Cargo
- History and development of air cargo
- Importance of air freight
- Air cargo terminology
- Cargo types
- Air cargo stakeholders
- Global aviation logistics networks
1.2 Air Cargo Industry Participants
- Airlines
- Airports
- Freight forwarders
- Ground handling agents
- Customs authorities
- Logistics service providers
1.3 Air Cargo Supply Chain
- Origin operations
- Transportation planning
- Airport processing
- Air transportation
- Destination operations
- Final delivery
Module 2 – Cargo Acceptance, Packaging and Handling
2.1 Cargo Acceptance Procedures
- Booking verification
- Shipment inspection
- Weight and dimensions
- Documentation checks
- Cargo acceptance criteria
- Acceptance records
2.2 Packaging, Marking and Labeling
- Packaging requirements
- Cargo protection
- Handling labels
- Shipment markings
- Special cargo labels
- Packaging compliance
2.3 Cargo Handling Procedures
- Loading and unloading
- Cargo movement
- Material handling equipment
- Damage prevention
- Manual handling safety
- Cargo integrity
Module 3 – Air Cargo Documentation and Customs
3.1 Air Waybills and Shipping Documents
- Air waybill purpose
- Master air waybill
- House air waybill
- Shipper instructions
- Cargo manifests
- Supporting documents
3.2 Customs Procedures
- Import procedures
- Export procedures
- Customs declarations
- Cargo inspection
- Duties and taxes
- Shipment release
3.3 Trade and Regulatory Documentation
- Commercial invoices
- Packing lists
- Certificates of origin
- Permits and licenses
- Incoterms awareness
- Record retention
Module 4 – Airport Warehouse and Cargo Terminal Operations
4.1 Airport Warehouse Operations
- Cargo receiving
- Storage systems
- Inventory control
- Cargo location
- Shipment staging
- Warehouse safety
4.2 Cargo Build-Up and Breakdown
- Unit load devices
- Pallet preparation
- Container use
- Weight distribution
- Cargo breakdown
- Shipment segregation
4.3 Terminal Workflow and Coordination
- Inbound cargo
- Outbound cargo
- Transfer cargo
- Terminal communication
- Resource coordination
- Operational handovers
Module 5 – Aviation Safety, Security and Special Cargo
5.1 Aviation Safety
- Workplace safety
- Operational hazards
- Equipment safety
- Personal protective equipment
- Incident reporting
- Emergency procedures
5.2 Aviation Security
- Cargo screening
- Chain of custody
- Access control
- Secure cargo areas
- Security documentation
- Threat awareness
5.3 Dangerous Goods and Special Cargo Awareness
- Dangerous goods classifications
- Hazard labels
- Handling restrictions
- Live animals
- Perishable cargo
- Valuable and vulnerable cargo
Module 6 – Freight Forwarding and Multimodal Logistics
6.1 Freight Forwarding Operations
- Forwarder responsibilities
- Shipment booking
- Carrier coordination
- Cargo consolidation
- Customer communication
- Shipment tracking
6.2 Transportation Planning
- Route selection
- Transit time
- Capacity planning
- Cost considerations
- Service requirements
- Schedule coordination
6.3 Multimodal Transportation
- Air-road integration
- Air-sea connections
- Intermodal coordination
- Transfer points
- Delivery planning
- End-to-end visibility
Module 7 – Cargo Performance, Customer Service and Compliance
7.1 Operational Performance
- Cargo throughput
- Shipment accuracy
- Turnaround time
- Warehouse productivity
- Damage and loss rates
- Service reliability
7.2 Customer Service
- Customer communication
- Shipment updates
- Complaint handling
- Service recovery
- Stakeholder expectations
- Customer satisfaction
7.3 Quality and Compliance
- Standard operating procedures
- Regulatory compliance
- Quality assurance
- Internal controls
- Audit readiness
- Continuous improvement
Module 8 – Digital Air Cargo and Future Technologies
8.1 Cargo Management Systems
- Digital booking
- Cargo tracking
- Warehouse systems
- Electronic records
- Data accuracy
- System integration
8.2 Artificial Intelligence and Automation
- AI cargo forecasting
- Automated warehouses
- Intelligent routing
- Predictive analytics
- Generative AI support
- Decision assistance
8.3 Future Air Cargo Operations
- Electronic air waybills
- RFID
- Internet of Things
- Blockchain
- Drones
- Sustainable aviation logistics
Applications, Software and AI Tools
Participants gain awareness and practical exposure to technologies supporting modern air cargo operations.
Cargo and Airline Systems
Warehouse and Logistics Systems
Analytics and Reporting
Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
The program provides technology awareness and applied understanding and does not represent vendor-specific software certification.
Industry Framework Alignment
The AC-ACA® is developed in alignment with internationally recognized aviation, logistics, customs, security, quality, and sustainability principles.
Aviation Standards
Trade, Customs and Freight Forwarding
Quality, Security and Management Systems
Sustainability and Digital Transformation
Alignment indicates that the curriculum reflects relevant concepts and practices. It does not constitute separate certification or endorsement by the listed organizations.
Competency Proficiency Levels
| Level | Competency | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Foundational Knowledge | Demonstrates understanding of air cargo terminology, stakeholders, processes, documentation, safety, security, and aviation logistics fundamentals. |
| Level 2 | Operational Awareness | Explains cargo acceptance, warehouse activities, handling procedures, freight forwarding, customs requirements, aviation security, and regulatory responsibilities. |
| Level 3 | Applied Practice | Applies foundational knowledge to support documentation, shipment coordination, cargo handling, warehouse operations, tracking, and customer service under appropriate supervision. |
| Level 4 | Professional Competence | Performs assigned operational responsibilities with professionalism, regulatory awareness, digital capability, effective communication, ethical conduct, and commitment to safety, security, service quality, and continuous improvement. |
Certification Benefits
- Internationally relevant professional certification
- Authorization to use the AC-ACA® designation
- Verifiable digital certificate and credential
- Foundational competency in air cargo operations
- Increased awareness of aviation logistics and international transportation
- Improved understanding of cargo documentation and customs processes
- Knowledge of airport warehouse and terminal operations
- Awareness of aviation safety, security, and dangerous goods requirements
- Exposure to digital cargo systems and emerging technologies
- Enhanced employability within aviation and logistics
- Professional development and career progression opportunities
- Eligibility for AAPSCM® Professional Membership
- Progression toward advanced air cargo and aviation logistics certifications
Training Options
Self-Paced Professional Certification
The self-paced pathway allows candidates to study according to their own schedules. Participants may receive:
- Digital course materials
- Certification syllabus
- Presentation materials
- Knowledge checks
- Practice activities
- Case studies
- Examination preparation resources
- Online certification assessment access
Four-Day Virtual Instructor-Led Training
The live virtual training pathway typically includes:
- Four days of instructor-led training
- Approximately two instructional hours per day
- Interactive lectures
- Air cargo case studies
- Operational scenarios
- Documentation exercises
- Group discussions
- Examination preparation
- Optional Capstone Project pathway
Corporate and Institutional Training
Customized programs may be delivered for:
- Airlines
- Airports
- Cargo terminal operators
- Freight forwarders
- Logistics providers
- Express delivery companies
- Government agencies
- Customs organizations
- Universities
- Training institutions
- Humanitarian organizations
- Pharmaceutical logistics providers
- Manufacturing organizations
Programs may be customized to reflect organizational operations, workforce development needs, regulatory environments, and cargo service priorities.
Assessment Options
Candidates are required to successfully complete one of the following assessment options.
Option 1 – Air Cargo Operations Improvement Capstone Project
The Capstone Project is an optional and recommended assessment pathway for participants enrolled in the Instructor-Led Virtual Training program. It enables participants to apply knowledge and practical skills by evaluating a real-world or simulated air cargo operation and proposing improvements in efficiency, safety, security, customer service, quality, and regulatory compliance.
Participants may examine an:
- Airport cargo terminal
- Airline cargo division
- Freight forwarding company
- Express delivery operation
- Warehouse facility
- Pharmaceutical air logistics operation
- Humanitarian logistics operation
- Air transportation service provider
The project should address:
- Organizational or operational overview
- Air cargo workflow and process mapping
- Cargo acceptance procedures
- Cargo handling and storage
- Air cargo documentation
- Customs compliance
- Warehouse and terminal operations
- Aviation safety and security
- Dangerous goods awareness
- Freight forwarding
- Multimodal coordination
- Key Performance Indicators
- Customer service
- Digital technologies
- Operational risks
- Improvement recommendations
- Implementation priorities
Participants selecting this pathway are typically provided 30 days after completing the Virtual Instructor-Led Training to submit the project for evaluation.
Option 2 – Online Certification Examination
Candidates may instead complete the AC-ACA® Online Certification Examination.
Examination Format
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- 90-minute duration
- 70% passing score
- Secure online delivery
- Questions covering all AC-ACA® knowledge domains
- Foundational, application-based, and operational scenario questions
Candidates who do not achieve the passing score may be eligible for one retake after a minimum waiting period of three months, subject to applicable certification policies.
Successful completion of either the Capstone Project or the Online Certification Examination qualifies the candidate for the AC-ACA® credential.
Certification Designation
Successful candidates may use the professional designation Name, AC-ACA®. The designation may be used on:
Business cards
Email signatures
Résumés
Curriculum Vitae
LinkedIn profiles
Professional biographies
Reports
Presentations
Publications
Employment applications
Consulting profiles
The AC-ACA® designation signifies foundational professional competency in air cargo operations, aviation logistics, freight forwarding, documentation, safety, security, customer service, and international transportation.
Certification Renewal and CPD
The AC-ACA® credential is valid for three years from the date of certification. To maintain active certification status, certificants are required to:
- Complete 30 Continuing Professional Development hours during each three-year cycle.
- Submit the applicable renewal application.
- Maintain compliance with the AAPSCM® Professional Code of Ethics.
- Remain professionally engaged in aviation, air cargo, logistics, transportation, customs, warehousing, supply chain, or a related field.
Renewal helps certificants remain current with evolving aviation regulations, digital technologies, security requirements, operational practices, and global logistics trends.
Qualifying CPD Activities
Professional courses
Industry training
Conferences
Research
Webinars
Publications
Teaching
Mentoring
Professional presentations
Committee participation
Workplace improvement projects
Additional certifications
Approved continuing education
Professional Code of Ethics
All individuals awarded the American Certified Air Cargo Associate (AC-ACA)® credential are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional integrity, ethical conduct, and operational excellence. Certificants shall comply with the American Association of Procurement, Supply Chain & Tourism Management (AAPSCM®) Professional Code of Ethics and conduct themselves in a manner that promotes public trust, organizational accountability, aviation safety, cargo security, regulatory compliance, and responsible global logistics practices.
AC-ACA® certificants are expected to:
- Act with Integrity and Honesty by conducting all professional activities ethically, truthfully, fairly, and transparently.
- Maintain Professional Competence by continuously improving their knowledge, skills, and professional capabilities through lifelong learning and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Comply with Laws, Regulations, and Industry Standards by adhering to applicable aviation regulations, customs requirements, organizational policies, international trade requirements, and professional standards governing air cargo operations.
- Promote Aviation Safety and Cargo Security by supporting safe working practices, security procedures, risk awareness, cargo protection, and compliance with aviation safety and security requirements.
- Protect Confidential Information by safeguarding organizational, customer, shipment, commercial, and operational information while respecting privacy and confidentiality obligations.
- Demonstrate Accountability and Responsibility by accepting responsibility for professional actions, exercising sound judgment, maintaining accurate records, and reporting concerns through appropriate organizational channels.
- Maintain Accurate Documentation by ensuring that shipment records, cargo documentation, customs declarations, operational reports, and related information are complete, accurate, timely, and compliant with applicable requirements.
- Deliver Excellent Customer Service by treating customers, colleagues, business partners, and stakeholders with professionalism, courtesy, fairness, and respect while supporting quality service delivery.
- Respect Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by fostering an inclusive work environment that values diversity, equal opportunity, mutual respect, cultural awareness, and non-discriminatory professional conduct.
- Support Environmental Sustainability and Responsible Operations by promoting environmentally responsible practices, efficient resource utilization, waste reduction, and sustainable logistics principles whenever practical.
- Use Digital Technologies Responsibly by applying information systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital platforms, and operational technologies ethically, securely, responsibly, and in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
- Promote Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement by contributing to safe, secure, efficient, compliant, customer-focused, and continuously improving air cargo and aviation logistics operations.
By adhering to this Professional Code of Ethics, AC-ACA® certificants demonstrate their commitment to professionalism, ethical leadership, regulatory compliance, operational integrity, and excellence in supporting the global air cargo and aviation logistics industry.
Professional Membership
Graduates are eligible to apply for Professional Membership with AAPSCM®. Professional Membership supports lifelong learning, professional visibility, networking, and career advancement, and provides:
- Access to international and regional chapters
- Professional networking
- Conferences and industry forums
- Webinars and workshops
- Professional publications
- Continuing Professional Development
- Career development resources
- Leadership opportunities
- Committee participation
- Mentoring
- Global aviation and logistics communities
- Recognition within the procurement, logistics, transportation, and supply chain profession
Global Recognition and Accreditation Alignment
The American Certified Air Cargo Associate (AC-ACA)® is awarded by the American Association of Procurement, Supply Chain & Tourism Management (AAPSCM®) and is developed using competency-based certification principles and internationally relevant aviation logistics practices.
The certification framework is designed with reference to the principles of ISO/IEC 17024, which addresses general requirements for organizations operating personnel certification programs. The program also reflects credentialing and certification-quality practices commonly promoted within the professional certification sector, including those associated with ANAB, NCCA, and I.C.E.
The AC-ACA® Body of Knowledge incorporates competencies supporting:
The credential supports professional recognition and career development across:
References to ISO/IEC 17024, ANAB, NCCA, I.C.E., ICAO, IATA, WCO, WTO, FIATA, and other frameworks indicate curriculum alignment or professional relevance. They should not be interpreted as formal accreditation, approval, endorsement, or partnership unless such recognition has been officially awarded and publicly confirmed.
Enroll Today
Launch your career in global air cargo and aviation logistics. Air cargo connects businesses, communities, healthcare systems, manufacturers, governments, and consumers across the world. Organizations need trained professionals who can support safe, secure, efficient, compliant, and technology-enabled cargo operations. The AC-ACA® opens the door to careers across:
- Air cargo operations
- Airport logistics
- Freight forwarding
- Cargo terminals
- Express delivery
- Customs documentation
- Warehouse operations
- International transportation
- Aviation customer service
- Global supply chain management
Build Practical Skills. Earn Professional Recognition. Advance Your Career.
Enroll in the American Certified Air Cargo Associate (AC-ACA)® and take the next step toward a rewarding career within the global aviation and logistics industry.
Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT): Enroll in a 4-day program with 2 hours of live instruction daily, led by industry experts, for $1,200.
Purchase and Pay