eLearning Courses

Expand your knowledge – and your possibilities – within the global air transport system.

Aviation is transforming – and so are aviation careers. The Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics is providing three new professional development courses designed to help you get ahead of what’s coming next. Whether you’re an established aviation professional or new to the industry, these courses will demonstrate your understanding of the global air transport sector and the critical importance of sustainability and decarbonization in shaping its future.

International Aviation

Fundamentals of International Aviation

Fundamentals of International Aviation is designed to build or deepen your knowledge of the global air transport system at a time of rapid change and emerging challenges.

Through 10 self-paced eLearning modules, youll gain a comprehensive understanding of the various roles and activities performed across the entire air transport sector, from air law to navigation to safety and beyond. By the end of the course, youll have a broad awareness of how different people and organizations work together to achieve a safe, reliable and efficient air transport system.

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Aviation Sustainability

Aviation Sustainability

As environment concerns, labour shortages and technological innovation transform global air transport, its clear that sustainability is more than just a buzzword. Its the future of aviation  a future where flight connects people, employs communities and minimizes ecological impacts. Creating that future requires ongoing evolution. So how do we get there?

In this course, youll gain a comprehensive understanding of the key sustainability issues  environmental, social and economic  that are shaping aviation now and into the future. Youll build awareness of how every aviation job, including yours, is a sustainability job, and how we can all work together to build a thriving air transport sector.

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Aviation

Aviation and Climate Change

From extreme weather to biodiversity loss, the effects of climate change are being felt around the globe. As our sector contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental challenges, aviation has a significant role to play in mitigating these negative impacts.

While the path ahead is uncertain, its also full of opportunities for innovation and collaboration as we reimagine traditional approaches to air transport. In this course, youll engage with the key climate issues facing aviation today and into the future. Youll discover solutions across the industry, from sustainable fuels to electric aircraft to climate policy, and explore how to promote a climate-safe future.

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IASC

International Aviation Sustainability Certification

Successfully complete all three stacking micro-credentials to earn the International Aviation Sustainability Certification. You may also take any of these courses individually.

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Build sustainability skills and knowledge — anytime, anywhere

  • Self-paced, on-demand content

  • 100% online for convenient, eco-friendly learning

  • Interactive, gamified experience

  • Global perspective based on ICAO standards

  • Made for aviation professionals at any career stage

  • Professional credential publicly demonstrates your sustainability commitment

Discover your role in sustainable aviation

Creating a thriving future for air transport will require many bright minds working and evolving together. Be part of the solution.

Understand current issues and terminology in areas of sustainability and climate change.

Stay on top of the latest innovations, practices and policies shaping the future of air transport.

Explore the future of aviation professions, including how your career can drive positive change.

Be a champion for sustainability and climate action in your workplace and community.

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Meet your instructor

Dr. Suzanne Kearns is the Founding Director of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics and Associate Professor of Aviation at the University of Waterloo. An expert in online education and internationally recognized within the industry, she has taught thousands of aviation professionals worldwide. Dr. Kearns is a former airplane and helicopter pilot, as well as the author or co-author of six books, including eLearning in Aviation and Fundamentals of International Aviation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the format of these courses?

  • These courses offer online, self-paced learning which you complete at your convenience.
  • All courses are highly-interactive and engaging, featuring multiple activities and case studies. Designed for adult learners and aligned with competency-based learning principles, the courses allow open navigation, enabling you to skip directly to the quiz if you are already familiar with the module content.
  • Each course takes 15-25 hours to complete and ends with a multiple-choice final exam. Upon passing, you can immediately download your certificate.

Who are these courses designed for?

These courses are designed for prospective or current aviation professionals. No previous knowledge or experience is required, as the courses are meant to develop your understanding of international aviation and sustainability issues.

What type of certificate do I earn when I complete this course? Do these courses count towards university degrees?

  • Upon passing the final exam, you will earn a digital certificate available for immediate download.
  • These are professional development courses and do NOT grant credits towards any undergraduate or graduate degree from the University of Waterloo. All learning takes place online.

How do I earn the International Aviation Sustainability Certification (IASC) and where do I download my certificate?

To earn the IASC, you must pass the exams for all three required courses: ‘Fundamentals of International Aviation’, ‘Aviation Sustainability’, and ‘Aviation and Climate Change’.  After passing, you can download your IASC certificate from the online platform.

How much do the courses cost? Are taxes charged? What is your refund policy?

  • Each course costs $1,000 (Canadian currency) per learner.  
  • Taxes are applied based on the learner’s home address.
  • A partial refund, minus a $75 CAD administration fee (+ applicable taxes), is available for written cancellation requests made within seven (7) days of purchase, provided the course has not been accessed and/or opened.

What language(s) are the courses offered in?

  • All courses are offered in English.
  • Two courses (‘Fundamentals of International Aviation’ and ‘Aviation Sustainability’) are also available in French. Each registration is language-specific and must be confirmed during the registration process.      

How long do I have to complete the course after registration?

  •  You will have access to the course for 6 months.

I have previously completed the Aviation Fundamentals (AviFun) course offered through the ICAO/UWaterloo partnership. Can I apply this towards the IASC?

  • The new ‘Fundamentals of International Aviation’ (FoIA) course is antirequisite to the ICAO/UWaterloo ‘Aviation Fundamentals’ (AviFun) course, meaning the content overlaps.  If you have completed AviFun and want to earn the International Aviation Sustainability Certification (IASC), you can email WISA with your AviFun certificate after completing the Aviation Sustainability and Aviation and Climate Change courses, and we will issue the IASC without the need to register for FoIA.

I am interested in bulk sales for my organization. Do you support this?

  • Yes, please contact WISA to discuss bulk sales options.

How do I enroll?