Passenger Ground Services (self-study)

Did you know that in the past 5 years, 2670 participants from 59 countries have taken this course with IATA?

45-hour self-study course

Learn what it takes to work at one of the airline’s industry most visible airport position and obtain the skills you need to provide assistance and related passenger services at the check-in, gate and concourse of your airport. The course is designed to complement the training requirements outlined in the IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM), the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) and the IATA Passenger Services Conference Resolutions Manual (PSCRM).

Course code: TALP-51

This course can be purchased at a discount as part of the Passenger Agent Essentials Bundle

Course format

• This is a self-study course, which will take you approximately 45 hours to complete, depending on your previous knowledge and experience.
• The course materials are provided in e-book format.
• You will have 12 months to complete the course and exam (enrollment validity), which starts from the date you purchase the course.
• The recommended level for this course is Entry-level.
• Performance will be based on an examination. Please refer to the Exam Information below for more details.

Please note: Once you have completed the exam you will no longer have access to the course content, and after the 12-month enrollment validity expires you will no longer have access to the course content, nor will you be able to take the exam.

Study with the help of an Instructor

If you would prefer to study this course with the help of a local trainer, enrol at an IATA Authorized Training Center near you.

Registration information

• Please refer to our payment methods and applicable taxes.
• When you click to purchase the course, you will be directed to log in to your Training Profile through our Customer Portal.
• Are you purchasing the course for several people at once? Please find out how on our Payment page.

Upon completing this course you will have the skills to:

• Understand how airlines and airports operate in relation to the provision of passenger services
• Learn about passenger and baggage check-in and boarding procedures, including passengers with special needs
• Interpret the respective regulatory requirements related to passenger and baggage transport
• Understand how computer reservations and departure control systems operate
• Ensure safe and secure passenger and baggage transport
• Provide superior customer service in a demanding customer facing environment
• Learn about the latest technological innovations in passenger services
• Add value to existing and future employers looking to hire and retain knowledgeable and high performing personnel

The key topics that are covered during this course include:

• Introduction to airport and airline operations
• Computer Reservations (CRS) and Departure Control Systems (DCS) functions
• Passenger and Baggage check-in procedures (airport and off-site)
• Conditions of passenger and baggage carriage, boarding procedures and flight close-out messaging
• Dangerous Goods regulations awareness for passenger service agents
• Managing passenger interactions
• Aviation security procedures for passenger and baggage transport
• Enhanced passenger facilitation, latest innovations and career opportunities

This course is recommended for:

• Airline passenger service staff
• Ground Handling Agents’ passenger services staff
• Airport operators’ staff providing passenger services
• Civil Aviation Authorities’ staff providing passenger services
• Anyone wishing to start a career as a Passenger Service Agent

An IATA Certificate of Completion is awarded to participants who successfully pass the final exam.

Exam information

Please read the information about Online Exams with Remote Supervision (OERS), and check the Course Edition List for Exams (pdf) when booking your exam.

• Method: Online exam with remote supervision (OERS)
• Format: 100 multiple-choice questions. Closed course book exam.
• Time Allowance: 3 hours
• Passing Grade: 60% correct answers
• Distinction Grade: 90% correct answers
• Number of exam attempts: 2