The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commenced a comprehensive review of its personnel licensing examinations to strengthen assessment standards and support aviation safety. The five-day workshop focuses on transforming examinations through computer-based testing and aligning assessments with evolving regulations, technology and operational requirements.
The workshop, organised by the NCAA Personnel Licensing (PEL) Examination Committee, opened in Lagos on Monday, October 12, 2026. It brings together aviation safety inspectors, licence examiners, industry experts and representatives of Approved Training Organisations to review existing questions and develop new assessment materials.
Personnel Licensing Review Targets Three Priorities
The Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, represented by the Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards (DOLTS), Capt. Donald Spiff, outlined three priorities for the exercise.
These include reviewing existing examination questions, developing new questions reflecting emerging aviation technologies and operational demands, and ensuring compliance with national regulations and international standards. The review will also consider International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 1, which establishes international standards and recommended practices for personnel licensing.
According to the NCAA, the committee supports the Authority’s examination responsibilities, including developing, conducting and periodically revising tests for licences, certificates and ratings. These functions operate under Part 2 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023.
Personnel licensing examinations are critical to determining whether aviation professionals possess the required knowledge and competence. Pilots, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Air Traffic Controllers rely on appropriate training and assessment to perform their safety-critical responsibilities.
Therefore, the NCAA emphasised the need for technical expertise, integrity and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations among committee members. Examination questions must remain accurate, objective and fair while reflecting approved syllabi and the requirements of different licence categories.
The review comes as Nigeria’s aviation industry expands, with growth in operators, airports and training organisations. This development increases the importance of reliable assessment systems capable of evaluating personnel against current operational and technical requirements.
Capt. Najomo urged committee members to use the workshop to strengthen examination standards and contribute to a safer, more efficient Nigerian aviation industry.
The workshop’s theme, “Transforming Personnel Licensing Through Computer-Based Testing,” highlights the NCAA’s focus on modernising examination processes. The initiative is expected to support the review and updating of questions across various licence categories.
In addition, participants will work towards developing new questions relevant to modern-generation aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aircraft. These updates are intended to reflect changing technologies and the knowledge required by personnel operating across different areas of aviation.
The workshop also provides an opportunity for regulators, examiners and training organisations to contribute their technical expertise to the examination review process.
The outcome of the five-day exercise is expected to support more relevant and reliable personnel licensing examinations. Regular reviews can help ensure that assessment materials remain consistent with applicable regulations, approved syllabi and evolving industry needs.
The NCAA’s initiative reinforces the importance of maintaining robust licensing standards as aviation operations become more technologically advanced. Effective examinations remain an essential part of ensuring that qualified personnel are prepared for their responsibilities across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
