From 1 April 2026 a charge will be payable for the administration and review of training documentation for Free Running Explosive Detection Dogs (FREDD) courses. Details of these charges are set out in the 2026/27 CAA Aviation Security Scheme of Charges.
Overview
Prospective training providers who wish to become Free Running Detection Dogs (FREDD) Handlers are required to make an application to the CAA to support initial checks around suitability and a review of training materials.
There are two routes available to providers of the FREDD Handler’s course. Both routes require approval from the Department for Transport (DfT):
- Route A recognises the existing National Association of Security Dog Users (NASDU) Level 4 Explosive Detection Dog Handler course as equivalent to CAA course requirements and does not require approval of training materials or an observation of a course – approval is given based on recognising the equivalence of the NASDU course.
- Route B is based on the provider designing a course specifically based on the UK NASP FREDDs Training Syllabus, which requires the submission and approval of all associated training materials and an observation and assessment of the course as delivered for the purpose of approval.
The application will consider the approval of the handlers only and will not consider the approval of the dog. General information on FREDD can also be found at: Free Running Explosive Detection Dogs
Application charge
The application charge for FREDD courses is set out in the CAA Aviation Security Scheme of Charges.
The charge covers the cost of the CAA processing your application, including:
- Reviewing your application and supporting evidence
- Any follow up questions or clarification required to accurately assess your application
- On site observation of a pilot course at the training facility the provider intends to use
- A post visit report and recommendation to the DfT on whether the application should be approved or not, and any conditions associated with the approval
- Communication of the outcome of the application by either issuing an approval letter or providing remedial advice and arranging a second visit if required.
Submission of an application does not guarantee that an approval will be granted.
How to apply?
You will need to:
- Submit the relevant application form (SRG1738) and pay the appropriate fee.
- Once your application and payment have been received you will be contacted to arrange for the relevant supporting documentation to us securely.
Next Steps
Once your application has been received and payment has been made:
- You will receive an email confirmation that your application has been submitted to the relevant team for processing
- Your initial application will be reviewed, and you will be contacted to arrange for your supporting documentation to be securely sent to us
- If training materials meet the required standard a CAA visit will be arranged to observe a pilot course at the training facility the provider intends to use and will cover the entire course – usually 2 days
- A post visit report will be provided, along with a recommendation to the DfT on whether or not the training provider should be approved, and any conditions associated with the approval (e.g. minor adjustment of some elements)
- Once approval /decline is received from DfT, CAA will communicate the outcome to the applicant by either issuing the approval letter or providing remedial advice, with the option to arrange a second visit if required.
- All providers are subject to regular review periods, not exceeding 36 months.