What is CBTA? Competency-Based Training and Assessment explained

CBTA basics · June 2026

Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) is an approach to pilot training and checking that focuses on what a crew member can actually do across a range of competencies, rather than on whether they can perform a fixed list of manoeuvres on cue. Instead of asking "did the pilot fly the engine-failure correctly?", CBTA asks "how well did the pilot apply knowledge, manage the flight path, communicate, lead the crew and manage threats and errors throughout the session?"

Why aviation moved to CBTA

Traditional recurrent checking grew up around a checklist of manoeuvres: a V1 cut here, a non-precision approach there. The problem is that the events that cause modern accidents are rarely the manoeuvres being rehearsed — they are breakdowns in monitoring, decision-making, communication and workload management. Regulators and operators recognised that you cannot tick those off with a manoeuvre list. CBTA reframes training around the underlying competencies that keep an operation safe, so the same skills transfer to situations no one scripted in advance.

The framework is set out internationally in ICAO Doc 9868 (PANS-TRG) and is reflected in EASA regulations and IATA guidance. It is the foundation for both initial type-rating training and recurrent programmes such as Evidence-Based Training (EBT).

The nine pilot competencies

At the heart of CBTA is a common set of competencies. The current ICAO/EASA framework defines nine for pilots:

• Application of Knowledge (KNO) — understanding of aircraft, systems, procedures and the operating environment.
• Application of Procedures and Compliance (PRO) — using the right procedures and complying with regulations.
• Communication (COM) — clear, timely exchange of information.
• Flight Path Management, Automation (FPA) — controlling the flight path through the automatics.
• Flight Path Management, Manual (FPM) — controlling the flight path by hand.
• Leadership and Teamwork (LTW) — influencing and collaborating with the crew.
• Problem Solving and Decision-Making (PSD) — identifying problems and choosing a course of action.
• Situation Awareness and Management of Information (SAW) — perceiving and anticipating what matters.
• Workload Management (WLM) — prioritising and distributing tasks.

Each competency comes with a list of observable behaviours (OBs) — concrete, visible actions an examiner can look for. Observable behaviours are what make a competency assessable: rather than judging an abstract quality, the evaluator notes which specific behaviours were demonstrated.

How grading works, briefly

For each competency the evaluator considers how many of the observable behaviours were demonstrated, how consistently the crew member performed to the required standard, and the outcome in terms of Threat and Error Management (TEM). These combine into a grade on a 1–5 scale, where 3 is the expected standard. We cover the mechanics in detail in the EASA grading scale and VENN model.

Who uses CBTA

CBTA is used by airlines and Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) running competency-based programmes, and day to day by Type Rating Instructors (TRI), Type Rating Examiners (TRE), Line Training Captains (LTC) and standards pilots who conduct competency checks. Instructors themselves are also assessed against a parallel set of instructor competencies.

Related: The EASA grading scale explained · CBTA vs EBT