In an era where aviation security is paramount, GSAT meaning: General Security Awareness Training plays a pivotal role in raising awareness of the threats to aviation. In this blog as we will cover everything you need to know about GSAT.
What is a GSAT check?
General Security Awareness Training (GSAT) is an essential aviation security training that every airport employee must complete to be issued with an Airport Identification Card (AIC) and thus, unescorted access to the Security Restricted Area (SRA) of an airport in the United Kingdom.
Who sets the rules?
The UK’s Department of Transport and CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) based on former EU regulations dictate that staff who require an airside pass, complete a General Security Awareness Training (GSAT) course before applying for their security clearance. The GSAT course must be run by a Department for Transport-approved training provider.
How to conduct a GSAT?
To complete a GSAT (General Security Awareness Training), start by sending a link and login credentials to your candidate. Once logged in, they will navigate through training modules covering security awareness topics. Engage with interactive elements and quizzes.
A GSAT can also be done in a classroom environment by a qualified instructor.
After completing the course, they will receive a certificate, typically available for download or sent via email. As an employer, you must verify completion and keep a copy for records. You can reach out to the EBC Global for assistance if needed.
How does it work?
UK Law adopted EU regulation 2015/1998, the Department for Transport (DfT) states that security training can only be delivered if a background/employment check has been completed. Therefore, as part of the assessment process for the GSAT course, a responsible company representative must confirm that security checks have taken place.
The course is short and easy to use and can take under an hour to complete. At the end of the course, there is a multiple-choice test which must be passed in order to receive the GSAT certificate which is part of an application or re-application for an airport pass.
How long does it take to apply for?
EBC Global streamlines the process into a couple of clicks, just send a link to potential employees, once they have passed their pre-employment checks. The GSAT course link is swiftly sent within seconds, facilitating a quick and seamless experience.
It is then up to the candidate to complete the course.
How long do results take via EBC Global?
The results are issued immediately, as soon as the training and Formal assessment have been completed. Once the Formal Assessment has been completed (score of over 80%), an electronic certificate will be available to download/print immediately.
The GSAT Certificate
The certificate that is produced after completing the exam at the end of the training contains the name of the candidate and the company they have applied for. It states which training modules were delivered and the date of the training alongside the instructor’s details.
What checks are carried out on the GSAT report?
Our GSAT course consists of 5 modules and covers the following:
- The Threat to Aviation
- Security in the Aviation Industry
- The Trainee’s Role
- Access Control and the Screening Point
- Escorting Employees and/or Visitor Pass Holders
Our GSAT certification allows staff to: Understand their role and responsibilities in relation to aviation security. Understand threats to aviation and the type of people who pose a threat. Have the knowledge and skills to understand, comply and enforce security controls and restrictions.
Who can/ needs to complete the check?
The Department for Transport legislation states that all staff who require access to the Security Restricted Area (that is who require an airside staff pass) must first attend General Security Awareness Training (GSAT) run by a DfT-approved training provider.
Main benefits of Employment Check Pro
- CAA and DfT registered trainers
- It can be run on any online devices via secure link
- Send multiple application links
- Certificate comes back into the system immediately
- Get reminders from system when needs re-applying
- Updated to comply with latest EU and DfT legislation
- Advanced technology integration
- Robust security measures
- Dedicated customer support
Compliance and Legal
Our GSAT course comes with 5-year validity and covers a wide range of airport employees – from shop workers and cleaners to contractors it has been designed and developed by accredited DfT trainers, following the strict UK DfT requirements, on the scope and content of GSAT.
It’s an offence to provide false information to access the GSAT material. It’s also an infringement of the regulations if the Responsible Person is found to be falsifying their credentials or doesn’t take the course themselves.
Fines
Ensuring background checks are finalised before enrolling an applicant in GSAT is the employer’s duty. Failure to comply may lead to legal repercussions, including:
- Non-Compliance Fines
- Liability in Case of Incidents
- Legal Actions by Applicants
- Loss of Regulatory Approval or Accreditation
- Reputational Damage
- Breach of Contract Claims
What causes delays?
The training takes around an hour to complete and the candidate has two attempts to complete the formal assessment successfully.
If the candidates fails, both assessments then they need to re-register and start the training again.
EBC accreditations
We’re excited to announce our partnership with Quadtrica, a DfT-approved training provider, for ISO 27001 certification. This collaboration ensures that our information security practices meet industry standards. With Quadtrica’s expertise, we’re committed to elevating our security standards and delivering excellence in information security management.
FAQ’s
-
How many times can I take the final exam?
You are allowed two attempts for the final exam.
-
What does GSAT stand for?
GSAT stands for General Security Awareness Training.
-
What is the pass score for GSAT?
The pass score for GSAT is 80%.
-
How much does General Security Awareness Training cost?
General Security Awareness Training is priced at £7.50.
-
Who is exempt from General Security Awareness Training (GSAT)?
The following personnel are exempt from General Security Awareness Training if they have already received equivalent Directed security training:
- Ground Security Staff and Supervisors
- Aviation Security Managers and Instructors
- Aircrew and Aircrew Instructors
- In-Flight Caterers (who have attended catering security training)
- Cargo Operatives who have received Cargo Aviation Security Principles (CASP) Training
-
How to prepare for General Security Awareness Training (GSAT)?
Preparation for GSAT involves training provided at the beginning of the exam.
Additional Resources
EU transport department – https://commission.europa.eu/topics/transport_en
GSAT | Available On Employment Check Pro Now! – /gsat-available-on-employment-check-pro-now/
GSAT User Guide for Employment Check Pro – /wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GSAT-User-Guide-EBC-Global.pdf
GSAT – How It Works (Summary) – /wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GSAT-How-It-Works-Summary.pdf
Information for candidates – /wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GSAT-Information-for-Candidates.pdf