The people who conduct airport security screenings are the world’s frontline defense against terrorists, smugglers, and other criminals. This is why training them properly is so important — because the quality of their training will determine the quality of their work.
Computer-based training (CBT) is an effective combination of quality, convenience, and cost for training airport security screeners. Three key providers of CBT security training are CASRA, e-Lectio, and Renful Premier Technologies.
CASRA
Founded in 2008, CASRA stands for the Center for Adaptive Security Research and Applications. Its roots go back to the Visual Cognition Research Group at the University of Zurich, which was created 25 years ago. “CASRA’s vision is to enable people and technology for a safe and secure world,” said Dr. Diana Hardmeier, CASRA director. “By combining applied research and translating the research findings into software products, we develop a computer-based training and testing solution that continuously reflects current threats and thus trains screeners in a way that is both motivating and efficient.”
e-Lectio
As part of the ICTS Europe group, e-Lectio provides online training solutions to the security sector worldwide. Their CBT programs are delivered to students worldwide using e-Lectio’s Eagle7 Learning Management System. “By using advanced eLearning technologies, our company offers high-quality, regulation-compliant, online training to the aviation and maritime security sectors,” said Dr. Nimrod Matan, e-Lectio’s commercial director.
Renful
Renful Premier Technologies (Renful) has been offering security training solutions to the market for over 30 years. “Our computer-based training systems are the result of decades of research and development, guided by aviation security professionals, and developed in collaboration with a highly skilled team, incorporating valuable customer feedback,” said Agnes Vaspori, Renful’s head of product development. “Renful’s success is demonstrated by our ability to serve a wide range of security domains; including airports, civil aviation authorities, customs and border agencies, and police forces.”
What They Have to Offer
X-Ray Tutor 4 (XRT4) is the name of CASRA’s screening education program. XRT4 is a comprehensive, computer-based pre-employment selection, training and testing solution for training people in the use of 3D, dual-view and single-view X-ray screening across various fields. This software allows operators to select, train, and test screening security professionals in areas such as cabin baggage screening, hold baggage screening, cargo, mail, staff, air supply, maritime, as well as high-energy and baggage screening at customs.
“XRT4 features customizable user interfaces that mimic different X-ray machines, creating a realistic training and testing environment,” Dr. Hardmeier said. “All common image enhancement functions are integrated to replicate the viewing conditions security officers encounter at checkpoints. The platform’s adaptive learning system presents images tailored to each user’s knowledge and skills, ensuring they are optimally challenged and motivated throughout their training.”
Current users of CASRA’s XRT4 training program include the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), Securitas Aviation, Swedavia, and Zurich Airport. Overall, XRT4 is used in over 50 countries and at more than 900 airports globally.
At e-Lectio, “We offer Eagle7 online training solutions for all requirements that apply to screeners in the aviation sector,” said Dr. Matan. These include:
• The Eagle7 X-ray training simulator with over 50,000 genuine cabin baggage, hold baggage, cargo and mail, and airport supplies images; and a 3D training simulator with over 4,000 genuine cabin baggage, hold baggage, cargo, and mail images. “The simulators are suitable for initial training, recurrent training, and certification,” he told TSI.
• Comprehensive package of e-learning courses covering all required training in line with EU regulations and beyond.
• An advanced learning management system (LMS) with performance analysis and reporting modules. It is designed to provide screeners with a clear detailed picture of their achievements, and to provide supervisors and trainers with a detailed analysis of performance levels on individual and group level, to ensure compliance.
• A pre-recruitment assessment tool for X-ray screeners’ positions, including seven different psychometric tests capturing the skills and capacities required for screeners.
and enhances retention. Renful image.
As for e-Lectio’s online training courses; they are used by major international airports, national authorities, and security companies. They include airports in Copenhagen, Milan Malpensa, Seattle and Vienna, plus aviation authorities such as AESA (Spain), DJI (Netherlands), the Malta Aviation Security Department, and the Moldovan Civil Aviation Authority.
“Renful offers a diverse range of computer-based training systems tailored for the security market,” Vaspori said. “These systems are designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of security personnel across various sectors.
Some of Renful’s key offerings include:
• The Simfox Simulator for X-ray and CT Image Recognition Training: This is a system that trains security operators in identifying prohibited items within 2D X-ray and 3D CT images, improving their threat recognition ability, detection accuracy, and speed. Simfox is used in over 80 countries by more than 200,000 security screeners.
• E-learning Modules: These are interactive online courses provided on Renful’s Learning Management System, covering a wide range of security topics.
• Competency and Assessment Tools: These are pre-employment testing and performance assessment platforms to evaluate the skills and performance of personnel while carrying out different security functions. The assessments are performed at the recruitment stage and after deployment to ensure officers meet the required security standard.
In order to keep its online students engaged, their “in-house development team uses animation and multimedia to create highly engaging content that keeps learners motivated and enhances retention,” said Vaspori. “This approach, combined with regular updates and customizable training, ensures our courses are both relevant and effective.” Renful’s client list includes London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon Airports, the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, the Civil Aviation Authorities of Romania and Greece, Certis Aviation Security, G4S, I-SEC, Prosegur, Securitas, and SegurIberica.
Staying on Top of Change
Mindful that airport security threats are constant, the three CBT companies interviewed for this article do their best to keep their content current and up to date.
A case in point: “CASRA’s libraries are regularly updated based on a systematic threat assessment (STA), which takes new and emerging threats into account,” Dr. Hardmeier said. “The STA is a key component of a long-term CASRA research project that is funded by the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation. It systematically scans various public and non-public internet channels, the deep web, social media platforms, radical propaganda, and third-party reports for relevant security information. Once identified, new threat objects are continuously integrated into both training and e-learning, where theoretical knowledge about these objects is also imparted.”
Since XRT4’s training algorithm is adaptive and tailored to each individual screener, new and/or poorly recognized threats are presented more frequently to students to support quicker internalization,” she noted. “This not only shortens learning times but also ensures that screeners are better prepared to recognize and respond to emerging threats.” To further improve screener responses on the job, XRT4’s training library includes a wide range of high-quality X-ray images of several hundred prohibited items in various rotations and configurations, as well as thousands of different containers. All image libraries are fully compliant with EU regulations.
The e-Lectio Eagle7 training simulators also rely on a regularly updated image library. It is populated with genuine images captured on real-life X-ray and CT machines using actual scanned luggage with authentic threat items. “The image library covers a huge array of threat items, following the EU regulation definitions of prohibited articles,” said Dr. Matan. “Our team of experts continuously extends the image library adding hundreds of new images yearly.”
The training workflow used by e-Lectio covers the operation of X-ray machines used for screening, plus the entire range of skills needed to perform this job successfully. These skills include:
• Classifying the image as a threat, no threat, or possible threat that cannot be resolved by X-ray analysis.
• Indicating the type of threat item detected.
• Marking the location of the threat on the image.
• Switching between various views of the image (simulating a dual view machine) and various angles of the luggage (simulating the rotation of the luggage on the belt) to improve analysis and decision-making.
• Comparing cargo images to the airway bill and determining whether they match.
• Clearing EDS (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) warnings, when applicable.
• For 3D images, using slicing as well as full control over a 3D image of the luggage such as rotation and zoom in/out.
Renful’s courses offer a detailed, extensive look at the threats facing screening personnel today. For example, “Simfox CT, a computed tomography X-ray simulator, is tailored to meet the operational needs of those working with Cabin Baggage and Check Baggage CT scanners,” Vaspori said. “Simfox CT is equipped with a library of over 6,000 real CT images for initial familiarizaion, certification and upskilling training modules. It is compatible with multiple CT scanner models such as Leidos ClearScan, Smiths Heimann CtiX, Rapiscan 920CT, Leidos MV3D Hold Baggage EDS, ensuring a seamless transition from training to real-world operations.”
Meanwhile, Renful’s Introduction to Explosives course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and manage explosive-related risks. These include the threats posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs), concealed explosive devices, and other hazards. Participants get to explore detection technologies, historical developments, and advanced training methodologies to enhance their security skills.
Finally, Renful’s Trefox Training Essentials for X-ray course teaches new operators on the fundamentals of X-ray security. “Through engaging audio, text, and video content, learners can grasp essential concepts with ease,” said Vaspori. “Instructors can also leverage ready-made animations and audio content to streamline their teaching process, ensuring effective knowledge transfer.” Trefox can teach conventional X-ray, computed tomography X-ray, and vehicle/ container X-ray techniques.
Certifications Available
To deliver maximum value from their training courses to students and employers, the three CBT companies in this article all provide options for certifying successful completion of their courses.
CASRA’s XRT4 offers students the option of taking certification tests that are based on scientific criteria. These tests are used by various Civil Aviation Authorities worldwide and are fully compliant with EU regulations.
Successful e-Lectio Eagle7 students achieve all types of certifications required by EU regulations, for screening jobs related to cabin baggage, hold baggage, airport supplies, and cargo/mail; both in 2D (single and/or dual view) and EDS CT in 3D. “In fact, several CAAs throughout Europe either directly use or have approved Eagle7 for certifying screeners according to chapter 11 of the EU regulation 2015-1998,” Dr. Matan said.
Renful issues a Certificate of Completion to individuals who successfully complete any of their e-learning courses. In addition, “Simfox is used as the national screener certification platform by regulators in 14 countries and is an approved system in most European countries for recurrent training under EU Regulation 2015/1998),” said Vaspori. “Simfox is trusted for both initial certification and ongoing training, ensuring compliance with aviation security standards.”
Convenient to Take
The logic behind CBT courses is that they are available for students to pursue at their convenience, at whatever time and location(s) work best for them.
All three CBT companies hit the mark on this requirement. CASRA’s XRT4 is a web-based solution that can be accessed via any internet browser without requiring additional plugins. e-Lectio’s Eagle7 is also 100% web based and can be accessed through any web browser on any device. So are Renful’s courses, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, and viewed on computers, tablets, and smartphones.
As for the price to take these courses? “The cost of CASRA’s training programs varies depending on the specific course and the number of participants,” Dr. Hardmeier said. “We offer customized pricing packages for organizations and large groups. For more detailed pricing information, we recommend contacting CASRA directly.”
“Eagle7 is offered as SaaS (software as a service) with three main pricing models,” said e-Lectio’s Dr. Matan. These are:
• License fee per registered user, with no limit on the number of training hours or number of concurrent users.
• License fee per concurrent user (seat), with no limit on the number of training hours or the number of registered users.
• Fee per training hour (hour bank), with no limit on the number of registered or concurrent users.
Over at Renful, “The license models available include perpetual, annual subscription, and pay-per-use,” Vaspori said. “We work closely with customers to fully understand their needs and offer the most cost-effective solution that delivers the best value for their investment. For detailed pricing information, contact us directly or visit our website.”
Numerous Benefits to CBT
Clearly, the screening training provided by CASRA, e-Lectio, and Renful comes with a price tag attached. So why is it worthwhile for airports (and other transportation facilities) to pay for it?
Well, to put it bluntly, the benefits of CBT for airport security screeners are numerous and tangible.
“Numerous scientific studies have proven that CASRA’s courses significantly improve the competency of security personnel to detect threats more accurately and efficiently, thereby enhancing overall security in aviation environments,” said Dr. Hardmeier. “Employers benefit from having better-trained staff who can reduce security risks, comply with international security standards, and ensure regulatory compliance. The integrated reporting system also allows administrators to easily monitor progress and compliance. Detailed feedback on training sessions ensures continuous improvement and high levels of competency.”
The training by e-Lectio ensures full compliance with EU regulations on airport security screening, Dr. Matan said. The Eagle7 system also gives trainers full control of all training parameters, including:
• Number of images per threat type.
• Number of images per difficulty level.
• Angles of threats included in the tests.
• Type of images included in the test (single/dual view, with/without EDS markings).
• Time limit.
• Scoring method.
• The training workflow to be used (with/without marking threat location, with/without comparing images to airway bill, and so forth).
“Eagle7 is a comprehensive training solution from pre-recruitment, through initial training and recurrent training, up until certification and recertification,” he told TSI. “It supports continuous performance analysis highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each screener, so that the training program can be personalized to address individual needs, either automatically, or manually, by the trainer.”
Finally, Renful’s students acquire practical, up-to-date skills and knowledge that make them more effective in their roles, enhancing their ability to face real-world security challenges. “This improved competence leads to better job performance, enabling screeners to carry out their duties more efficiently, which ultimately benefits their employers,” said Vaspori. “For employers, having a better-trained workforce means improved compliance with industry regulations and standards, reducing the risk of non-compliance. Additionally, our courses provide a cost-effective way to train staff, minimizing downtime while maximizing return on investment. The flexibility of remote learning allows employees to complete their training at their own pace, ensuring that productivity is maintained while they enhance their skills.”
The Bottom Line
Computer-based training for airport security screeners is an effective way to create a skilled, knowledgeable, and reliable workforce, on a schedule and with training location that work best for everybody. And it’s not just about compliance. Ultimately, it’s about the safety of all concerned, workers and passengers, moving through the facility.