U.S. Airport Professional (USAP) Program is an e-Learning training curriculum for airport industry professionals accredited by Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA). After completing the Program individuals will be awarded the U.S. Airport Professional (USAP) designation.
The U.S. Airport Professional (USAP) Program covers a full range of current airport management topics such as leadership development, business strategy, commercial management, finance, operations, safety, security, and air service.
Program Overview
✓ Custom designed curriculum that enables individuals to acquire the necessary skills to increase their value and success in the U.S. airport industry.
✓ Focus on developing leadership and strategic management skills for airport industry professionals.
✓ Designed for seasoned airport industry professionals as well as new entrants to the industry.
✓ Provide individuals with a broad and detailed understanding of the U.S. airport industry to build the next generation of industry leaders.
✓ Any employee of an ACI-NA Airport Member or World Business Partner/Associate Member is eligible to enroll in the USAP Program.
e-Learning >>
Invest in your professional development and advance your career. The USAP Program delivers best-in-class training in an e-Learning environment for U.S. airport industry professionals with insightful materials and structured content.
Leadership >>
The USAP Program will help you advance your career by better understanding key elements of the airport business, strategy, and how airports play a vital role in the U.S. and broader global air transportation system.
Accreditation >>
Accredited by Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA). The Program provides an accreditation recognized in the airport industry.
USAP Designation >>
Once completed the Program, you will be awarded the U.S. Airport Professional (USAP) designation after your name.
Professional Network >>
Enhances your airport professional credibility and demonstrates professional commitment. Become part of the USAP community and build a professional network.
Flexibility >>
You have 18 months to complete 7 online courses from the date of enrollment. The USAP Program will take you approximately 75 hours to complete. The courses are on-demand and self-paced. This means that the courses are available 24/7 and can be completed at your desired learning pace.
The US. Airport Professional (USAP) Program covers a full range of current airport management topics such as leadership development, business strategy, commercial management, finance, operations, safety, security, and air service. The USAP Program is comprised of 7 e-Learning courses.
Course 1: Introduction to the U.S. Airport Industry
- 3 Hours
- International Aviation Regulatory Framework
- United States Aviation Regulatory Framework
- United States Airport Framework
- Role of Airports Council International – North America
Course 2: Airport Planning, Environment, Operations, and Safety
- 16 Hours
- Airport Operating Management Structures
- Airport Planning and Development
- Airport Environmental Planning and Management
- Airside Operations
- Terminal and Landside Operations
- Safety
- Airline and Airport Flight Operations
- Emergency Response
Course 3: Airport Security and Facilitation
- 11 Hours
- Airport Security
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Crisis Response
- Cybersecurity
Course 4: Airport Business Management – Part I
- 13 Hours
- Airport Financial Management
- Airport Financing/Funding
- Aeronautical Revenue
- Non-aeronautical Revenue
- Ground Transportation Management
- Airport Concessions
Course 5: Airport Business Management – Part II
- 15 Hours
- Airport Stakeholder Relationships
- Air Service
- Marketing & Communications
- Customer Experience
- Procurement and Contracting
- DBE and ACDBE
- Sustainability
- Innovation & Future Trends
Course 6: Leadership Development and Strategy
- 15 Hours
- Strategy Overview
- Organizational Development and Capacity
- Change Management
- Leadership Development
- Talent Management
- Airport Board Management and Engagement
- Workforce of the Future
- Latest Leadership Challenges
Course 7: Global Travel Trends
- 2 Hours – On-demand webinar
- ACI Regional Director Perspectives
- Global Megatrends 2025
- Changing Travel Industry Strategy
- Traveler Loyalty and Customer Engagement
- Drivers of Customer Expectations
- Business Travel and the Future of Work
Download the full USAP Program Course Content. Download here >>
USAP Program Objectives
On completion of the USAP Program, individuals will be able to understand and apply, as appropriate:
- Regulatory framework in which U.S. airports operate
- Strategy and leadership development supporting the airport business
- Fundamentals of airport governance
- Financial and commercial management practices of an airport
- Key areas of airport operations
- Importance of safety and security as airport operational imperatives
- Trends affecting the U.S. and global airport industry
The USAP Program is developed in partnership with ACI World Global Training Department.
Program Structure
USAP students must complete 7 online courses within 18 months from the date of enrollment. The 7 online courses cover a full range of current airport management topics such as leadership development, business strategy, commercial management, finance, operations, safety, security, and air service. At the completion of each module, you must complete an online assessment (multiple-choice questions) that will test your knowledge of the material.
The USAP Program will take you approximately 75 hours to complete. The courses are on-demand and self-paced. This means that the courses are available 24/7 and can be completed at your desired learning pace.
Requirements
Any employee of an ACI-NA Airport Member or World Business Partner/Associate Member is eligible to enroll in the USAP Program. The USAP Program is designed for seasoned airport industry professionals as well as new entrants to the industry. It is recommended that individuals have a minimum of 6 months in the aviation industry before taking the program. Individuals who complete the program will be awarded the U.S. Airport Professional (USAP) designation after their name.
Any employee of an ACI-NA Airport Member or World Business Partner/Associate Member is eligible to enroll in the USAP Program at any time.
Enrollment: $3,500
Your enrollment fee includes all e-Learning courses, individual assignment details, and a graduation package. There are no additional fees required to enroll in the USAP Program.
Download the Justification Letter template here to quickly customize your request to enroll in the USAP Program.
Enroll online – Please log into your ACI-NA account with your existing login details. If you don’t know your login details, please email memberservices@airportscouncil.org.
Once logged into your ACI-NA account, add the USAP Training Program to your Shopping Cart (you are only permitted to purchase the USAP Program for yourself). You will be prompted with two options:
- Pay by Credit Card; or
- Request an Invoice
Credit Card Payment: If you pay by credit card, you will receive a confirmation email that the payment has been successfully received. Within 48 hours of enrolling in the USAP Program, you will receive another email containing your e-Learning username and password to access the online USAP Program.
Request an Invoice: If you request an invoice when enrolling, you will receive an email invoice. Please follow the instructions and remit payment within 30 days. Within 48 hours of receiving the invoice, you will receive another email containing your e-Learning username and password to access the online USAP Program. Once payment is received you will receive an email receipt. If payment is not received within 30 days of enrollment your e-Learning username and password will become inactive.
System Requirements
The USAP Program online courses are published using HTML5. All you need to run the courses is a computer, laptop, or tablet with an internet connection and the latest version of a browser. Additional details can be found in the USAP FAQ section.
Cancellation Policy
The USAP Program enrollment fee is non-transferable. You may cancel your enrollment within 48 hours of registering at no charge and your e-Learning login details will be void. Notice of cancellation must be submitted in writing to training@airportscouncil.org.
USAP enhances your airport professional credibility and demonstrates professional commitment.
Benefits for USAP Designation
- USAP designation after your name
- Graduation Package (USAP award, USAP lapel pin, paper certificate, and e-certificate)
- Recognition on ACI-NA’s website and at ACI-NA Conferences
- Recognition in ACI-NA publications (Centerlines Today and Centerlines), press releases, and social media
- USAP Designation counts for 2 Global ACI-ICAO Airport Management Professional Accreditation Programme (AMPAP) / (IAP) elective courses (worth $3,500)
- Exclusive Networking Events at ACI-NA Conferences
- Exclusive Airport CEO Roundtable Discussions at ACI-NA Conferences
- Network with the USAP Community online
- Continued access to the USAP Global Trends Course – updated every 12 months
Benefits of e-Learning
- e-Learning is transforming the way airport industry professionals around the world are advancing their careers
- Course delivery is online, on-demand and fully self-paced – no external course material or exams
- Study anywhere, anytime
- Unlimited course access for 18 months from date of enrollment
- Cost-effective
Reaccreditation
The USAP Program will have a reaccreditation process following a three-year term from the date of your graduation. You will be asked to complete a short online form providing a verification of 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that you have earned during the three years. Earning CEUs can be as easy as participating in ACI-NA Steering Groups, Committees, attending ACI-NA and industry conferences or meetings, or speaking at industry events. The reaccreditation criteria will be made available in 2022. All USAP graduates will continue to receive the USAP designation program benefits after graduating, including access to the USAP Global Trends Course that will be updated every 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enrollment
How do I register for the USAP Program?
Register online – select the USAP Program, add the item to your cart and pay by credit card or request an invoice.
What payment methods are available?
When enrolling in the USAP Program you have two options for payment – credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express) or request an invoice. These payment methods are available when you register online. If you request an invoice, you can pay by check or bank transfer.
When is my enrollment activated?
Enrollments are activated within 48 hours upon receipt of credit card payment or when you receive an invoice. If you request an invoice when registering, we will send your e-Learning username and password. You can begin the USAP Program before we receive payment. However, if payment is not received within 30 days of enrollment, your e-Learning username and password will become inactive.
How do I access my course?
Go to www.olc.aero click on the ‘e-Learning Login’ button on the top right-hand corner of the website and log in with your e-Learning username and password.
How do I obtain my USAP Program username and password?
Within 48 hours of registering for the USAP Program you will receive an enrollment email containing your e-Learning username and password. Please note – this is a different login than your ACI-NA account.
Can I pay in installments?
No – unfortunately we don’t offer installments plans at this time, because the USAP e-Learning courses are all integrated online.
Can my organization receive a discount for multiple enrollments?
Please contact us at training@airportscouncil.org.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
The USAP Program enrollment fee is non-transferable. You may cancel your enrollment within 48 hours of registering at no charge and your e-Learning login will be void. Notice of cancellation must be submitted in writing to training@airportscouncil.org.
Requirements
Who is eligible and what are the requirements to enroll for the USAP Program?
Any employee of an ACI-NA Airport Member or World Business Partner/Associate Member is eligible to enroll in the USAP Program. The USAP Program is designed for seasoned airport industry professionals as well as new entrants to the industry. It is recommended that individuals have a minimum of 6 months in the aviation industry before taking the program.
I have not participated in ACI-NA Committees or Conferences before but my organization is an ACI-NA member, can I still enroll for the USAP Program?
Yes – Completing the USAP Program will further your knowledge of the U.S. airport industry. The USAP Program will help you acquire the necessary skills to increase your value and success in the airport industry.
I’m not a manager in my organization, can I still enroll for the USAP Program?
Yes – The USAP Program is designed for seasoned airport industry professionals as well as new entrants to the industry. The USAP Program will help to build the next generation of industry leaders.
What if I move to a different organization within the industry before I complete the course?
You can continue to take the USAP Program, as long as your new organization is an ACI-NA member.
Is travel required to complete the USAP Program?
No travel is required for you to complete the USAP Program. You don’t need to attend in-person classroom courses, exams, oral presentations, or a final interview.
Are there any additional costs or fees associated with the USAP Program?
There are no additional fees to complete the USAP Program, such as course materials, application fees, exam fees, or administrative fees. There is a one-time enrollment fee for the initial designation. There is a reaccreditation requirement three years after you graduate and the USAP reaccreditation criteria will be made available in 2022.
Do I need to purchase any special hardware or software to access my course?
The USAP Program online courses are published using HTML5. All you need to run the courses is a computer, laptop, or tablet with an internet connection and the latest version of a browser. We recommend that you use Google Chrome, but the courses will also run on the latest versions of Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Mozilla Firefox.
USAP Program
Do U.S. airports recognize the USAP Program?
Yes – The USAP Program is accredited by Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), the Voice of Airports.
How long will it take to complete the USAP Program?
The USAP Program will take you approximately 75 hours to complete, however you may find that you complete the course in a shorter period.
Can I take the courses in any order?
You are able to take the courses in any order, however, we recommend completing them in sequence for the best learning experience. In particular, it is recommended that you complete Course 1 – Introduction to the U.S. Airport Industry before taking the remaining courses. This course discusses, among other topics, the regulatory framework in which airports operate and provides key context to the remaining content covered in the USAP Program.
Are there any external exams?
No – The USAP Program is all online and fully self-paced with no external course materials or external exams. All online courses include an online assessment (multiple-choice questions) at the end of each module.
Is there an online assessment after each module?
Yes – The USAP Program has an integrated online assessment (multiple-choice questions) at the end of each module that will test your knowledge of the material. You must successfully complete all the assessment questions to receive your USAP designation. All assessment questions are based on materials from the module. If you don’t pass the assessment questions the first time around, you will be prompted to retake different assessment questions.
Is the USAP Program focused on technical skills?
No – The USAP Program focuses on a broad range of airport management topics. The USAP Program is designed to develop your leadership and strategic management skills with a detailed understanding of the U.S. airport industry.
What if I need more than 18 months to complete the USAP Program?
Please contact us at training@airportscouncil.org.
When can I take my course?
All courses are on-demand and self-paced. This means that your course is available 24/7 and can be completed at your desired learning pace. There are no time limits and you may access the course as many times as you like for 18 months from the date of enrollment.
I already have my IAP or another industry accreditation, can I still apply for the USAP Program?
Yes – The IAP designation provides a global perspective on airport management, whereas the USAP Program is specific to the U.S. airport environment.
What is the difference between the USAP Program and other industry accreditations?
The USAP Program is a custom-designed curriculum specifically for U.S. airport industry professionals, with a key emphasis on leadership and strategy development built into each online course.
Is there a reaccreditation requirement?
Yes – the USAP Program will have a reaccreditation requirement following a three-year term from the date of your graduation. You will be asked to complete a short online form providing a verification of 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that you have earned during the three years.
Earning CEUs can be as easy as participating in ACI-NA Steering Groups, Committees, attending industry conferences or meetings, or speaking at industry events. The reaccreditation criteria will be made available in 2022.
Can I take only one USAP course/module?
No – unfortunately, we don’t offer an option to pay for individual courses because the USAP e-Learning courses/modules are all integrated online.
Graduation
What do I receive after completing the Program?
After completing the 7 online USAP courses and the individual assignment, you will be sent a graduation package that will include – USAP award, USAP lapel pin, paper certificate, and e-certificate.
Is there a graduation ceremony?
At this time, we don’t plan to have a graduation ceremony.
When can I use the U.S. Airport Professional (USAP) designation after my name?
After you complete the 7 online USAP courses and the individual assignment you can use the USAP designation after your name.
Please contact us at training@airportscouncil.org if you have any additional questions.
