TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Types of IATA Certifications
- Applying for IATA Accreditation
- Prepare for Your Certification With Hazmat School Training
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) handles all regulations related to safe, engaging and economical air transportation. For businesses that work with airlines, IATA certification and accreditation are the golden standard of industry excellence.
Types of IATA Certifications
The IATA offers a number of certifications for airline-adjacent businesses to ensure they’re up to standard and understand the best shipping practices. Some of their top certifications include:
- The Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) for excellence in pharmaceuticals, live animals and perishables
- Safety Certifications with specialties in lithium batteries, security management systems, smart facilities, baggage tracking and ground handling
- Environment & Sustainability Certification
- Training & Development Certification
Applying for IATA Accreditation
It’s important to note that IATA certification and IATA accreditation are two different awards. While certifications are for packagers, shippers and freight forwarders participating in dangerous goods transportation, accreditation is for travel agents and agencies working with airline transportation.
Still, the application process for both are the same. You will have to:
- Download and complete the initial application: The application is available for print on online submission on the IATA website, but you will first have to create a new profile.
- Collect documentation: The IATA will also require some essential documentation from you. Start collecting information as soon as possible, including information about your business, staff qualifications and financial assets from at least the last year. Certain documents may require notarization.
- Submit application and documents: Your application and supplementary paperwork should be submitted to the IATA simultaneously. You can send your information by mail or online.
- Pay fees and submit additional information: Once the IATA processes your application, they’ll contact you and inform you if your request has been accepted. This process can take a few weeks, so stay calm if they take a while to respond. They may ask you to send more information before they approve you. After that, you can pay your accreditation fee and wait for your certification documents to arrive.
- Strengthen and resubmit application: If your application is denied, the IATA will provide you with detailed information regarding the reasons for rejection. You can use these actionable suggestions to strengthen your application and request another review within 30 days.
From there, your responsibilities include following IATA guidelines, keeping up with your certification or accreditation and informing the IATA of any organizational changes, such as staff and address adjustments.
Prepare for Your Certification With Hazmat School Training
Partnering with the IATA is a smart business decision that instills confidence in your staff and clients. With their stamp of approval, you can take on more challenging operations and ensure you understand and are meeting all transportation requirements. Learn more about certification and find courses that can help you prepare in Hazmat School’s course catalog.
Manages Hazmat School’s E-Learning courses and blog. Kirstie has extensive experience in the online training and education industry. Kirstie has worked with courses that offer a variety of safety and environmental certifications that satisfy OSHA, EPA and DOT requirements.
