The National X-Ray Competency Test (NXCT)

TRANSEC has established a National X-Ray Competency Test (NXCT) for screeners using x-ray equipment to screen items for carriage by air, which G4S can administer this on behalf of the DfT.  The purpose of the NXCT is to enforce a minimum, uniform standard of competence for security screening by ensuring that all trainees prove that they have the necessary skills to be effective at the x-ray screening task before they work in the operational environment.

Currently the NXCT is available to cabin baggage screeners and cargo screeners.  At the moment there is no requirement for anyone employed in the screening of hold baggage to undertake an NXCT. The hold baggage NXCT is currently undergoing trials.

Cabin baggage NXCT

Anyone employed in the screening of cabin baggage using x-ray equipment must be in possession of a valid cabin baggage NXCT certificate.  The cabin baggage NXCT takes no longer than an hour to complete and will usually be initially taken as part of induction training.  If successful, candidates will receive a certificate which is valid for 13 months (in effect the test is an annual requirement).

Cargo NXCT

Anyone employed in the screening of cargo using x-ray equipment must be in possession of a valid cabin baggage NXCT certificate.  The cargo NXCT takes no longer than an hour to complete and will usually be initially taken as part of induction training.  If successful, candidates will receive a certificate which is valid for 13 months (in effect the test is an annual requirement).  At present TIP data may not be used as ongoing evidence of competency at this time.

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