The CISC Screener Accreditation Scheme, explained
The Screener Accreditation Scheme, administered by the Critical Infrastructure Security Centre (CISC) within the Department of Home Affairs, sets a national standard for the people who conduct screening. This page sets out what it requires, in plain language. It’s a guide not a statement of the law.
What it's for and who it applies to
The scheme establishes a consistent national standard for aviation, air cargo, and maritime screening, and a means of confirming the standard is being met by the person conducting the screening.
The scheme applies to aviation and maritime security screeners who screen passengers and their baggage, and to air cargo examination officers. In practice that reaches a wide group including screening providers at security-controlled airports, regulated air cargo agents, and port and maritime facility operators.
Screener accreditation involves confirming a screener can perform the functions of their screening role to the standard the scheme requires. An Accreditor observes and assesses the screener against those requirements and records the outcome. Where a screener doesn’t meet the standard, they cannot undertake that screening function until they have been retrained and re-accredited.
What a screener must hold and maintain
What a screener must hold
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A Certificate II in Transport Security Protection, unless the screener was employed in the role before 16 January 2022
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40 hours of on-the-job training
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A valid ASIC or MSIC
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A recognisable uniform, where the role is customer facing
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Accreditation for every screening element they will be conducting, prior to commencing screening
What must be undertaken annually
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12 hours of continuing professional development (CPD)
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Annual accreditation testing
The annual requirement is the part most often underestimated.
The 12 hours of CPD and the time dedicated to re-accrediting each screener each year represent a serious time commitment.
In-house or external
The CISC scheme doesn’t specifically require an organisation to bring in an external Accreditor, and some organisations accredit their own screeners perfectly well. However, other organisations place high value on CW-ASC's independence, capacity, and consistency, to ensure:
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The person conducting the accreditation is sufficiently removed from the person being accredited;
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There is always a qualified accreditor available, even during the busiest months of the year; and
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The accreditation standards are being applied are consistent across every site.
Where to find more details
The Department of Home Affairs publishes the scheme material, and it should be the first reference for any question about a specific requirement. But if something in it doesn’t translate easily to your operation, we’re happy to talk it through.