This online course introduces participants to the key aspects of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and helps them to understand its significance within global civil aviation. 

Course Description

The course is organized into 16 essential topics that progress in complexity, from a general overview of ICAO and its organizational structure, to more specific mechanisms such as the development of Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and ICAO audit and oversight processes. Each topic builds on the previous one, deepening your understanding of ICAO’s mandate, functions and global impact.

Each topic is designed to take 8-10 minutes to complete, giving participants the flexibility to learn at their own pace and from any location. The entire course is designed to take approximately 3 hours to complete.

Upon completion of the course, the participants will be able to:

• Clearly describe the purpose and structure of ICAO.
• Explain ICAO’s historical context and its foundational principles.
• Identify ICAO's organizational bodies and explain their respective functions.
• Outline the process by which ICAO develops Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), including the roles of Panels and Article 38 of the Convention.
• Understand ICAO’s role in oversight and compliance, including audit programmes and implementation support activities.
• Explain ICAO’s strategic role in global aviation sustainability and economic development, including environmental initiatives such as LTAG and CORSIA, and policies supporting fair and efficient international air transport.

Course Structure

• Course Introduction
• Section 1: Understanding ICAO

     - 1. What is ICAO?

     - 2. What is the history of ICAO and the Chicago Convention?

     - 3. What are ICAO's Mission, Vision and Strategic Goals?

• Section 2: ICAO’s Organizational Structure

     - 4. What is the Assembly?

     - 5. What is the Council?

     - 6. What is the Air Navigation Commission?

     - 7. What is the Secretariat?

     - 8. What are the roles of Regional Offices?

• Section 3: Standard-Making Process

     - 9. What is the standards-making process?

     - 10. What is the role of Panels in this process?

     - 11. What is Article 38?

     - 12. What is Implementation Support?

• Section 4: Standard-Making Process

     - 13. What are ICAO audits?

     - 14. What are USOAP-CMA and USAP-CMA?

• Section 5: Standard-Making Process

     - 15. What is ICAO’s Role in Environmental Sustainability?

     - 16. What is ICAO’s Role in the Economic Development of Air Transport?

• Addendum

     - ICAO Training

     - ICAO Museum Virtual Tour

• Final Exam

Key Components

• Overview: Read a list of the learning points covered in this topic.
• Quick Look: View a short, engaging instructional video that presents the topic and its learning points.
• Do you Know: Discover interesting facts and insights related to the topic, designed to spark your curiosity and deepen your knowledge.
• Zoom-In: Explore additional information that takes a closer look at one specific part of the topic.
• Check Up: Complete a short interactive review with built-in feedback to reinforce your understanding.  
• Looking Back: Review the learning points to reflect on your progress.

Primary target audience: 

• Civil aviation authorities (CAAs) and aviation professionals, government regulators, air traffic controllers, and airline managers who require a foundational understanding of the ICAO's role, organizational structure, and the development of global aviation standards.

Secondary target audience: 

• Early-career professionals in the aviation sector, including those pursuing careers in aviation management, law, or policy, who seek to gain insights into the functions and impact of ICAO on global aviation. 
• Anyone who wants to know about ICAO

Certificate

The Final Exam consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. You require a grade of 80% to pass, and you are allowed 3 attempts. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive ICAO’s e-Certificate.