Certified Aerospace Structures Specialist (CASS)

WHO IS THIS FOR?

The Certified Aerospace Structures Specialist (CASS) certification is designed for:

• Aerospace Structural Engineers: Professionals specializing in aircraft and spacecraft structural design, analysis, and optimization.

• Military & Defense Personnel: Service members and specialists responsible for airframe maintenance, composite structures, and aircraft battle damage repair (e.g., Air Force 2A7X3, Army 15G, Navy AM, Marine Corps 6092).

• Materials & Mechanical Engineers: Individuals working on aerospace material selection, stress analysis, and structural fatigue testing.

• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) & Structural Analysts: Professionals performing computational simulations to predict stress distribution, failure modes, and aerodynamic loads on aerospace components.

• Aerospace & Defense Contractors: Engineers and technicians involved in airframe development, composite material fabrication, and structural certification for military and commercial aircraft.

• Students & Early-Career Professionals: Individuals in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or materials science seeking specialization in aerospace structural engineering.

ELIGIBILITY

The Certified Aerospace Structures Specialist (CASS) certification is designed for professionals working with aerospace structural design, analysis, and material science. Ideal candidates must:

• Verify they fit one of the “who is this for” categories.

• Meet U.S. Export Control requirements (Must be a U.S. Person).

• Be able to understand, read, and write in U.S. English without interpreters or translators.

• Operate a computer for email, browsing, logging in, Zoom or similar, and other basic functions.

• Own or have access to a desktop or tablet computer with internet access, a front-facing camera, and a microphone in a quiet area for completing exams.

CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

1. Fundamentals of Aerospace Structural Engineering

1.1. Define key principles of aerospace structural design and load analysis.
1.2. Explain structural failure modes, including fatigue, creep, and stress fractures.
1.3. Identify primary and secondary aerospace structural components.

2. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in Aerospace Applications

2.1. Describe FEA principles for stress, strain, and thermal analysis.
2.2. Explain the role of computational modeling in aerospace structural validation.
2.3. Identify best practices for verifying and interpreting FEA results.

3. Aerospace Materials Science & Selection

3.1. Identify aerospace-grade metals, composites, and advanced polymers.
3.2. Explain material selection criteria based on weight, strength, and environmental factors.
3.3. Describe advancements in high-temperature and lightweight aerospace materials.

4. Structural Load Analysis & Testing

4.1. Define static, dynamic, and impact load testing methodologies.
4.2. Explain the role of wind tunnel and flight load testing in aerospace structures.
4.3. Identify nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques for structural evaluation.

5. Composite Structures & Manufacturing

5.1. Explain composite layup processes, curing, and bonding techniques.
5.2. Describe the advantages and challenges of using carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP).
5.3. Identify quality control methods for aerospace composite fabrication.

6. Aerospace Structural Certification & Standards

6.1. Describe FAA, EASA, and MIL-STD certification requirements for aerospace structures.
6.2. Explain durability and damage tolerance analysis for aerospace compliance.
6.3. Identify airworthiness considerations for new aircraft and spacecraft designs.

7. Repair & Maintenance of Aerospace Structures

7.1. Explain battle damage assessment and repair (BDAR) for military aircraft.
7.2. Identify corrosion prevention and mitigation techniques for aerospace materials.
7.3. Describe structural repair methodologies for composite and metallic airframes.

8. Thermal Protection & High-Speed Structural Design

8.1. Define heat shield and thermal barrier coating requirements for hypersonic vehicles.
8.2. Explain structural challenges in supersonic and re-entry vehicle designs.
8.3. Identify high-temperature aerospace materials for extreme environments.

9. Emerging Trends in Aerospace Structural Engineering

9.1. Describe additive manufacturing (3D printing) applications in aerospace structures.
9.2. Explain bio-inspired and morphing structure concepts for adaptive flight.
9.3. Identify advancements in smart materials and self-healing composites.

RELEVANT MILITARY JOB CODES

The Certified Aerospace Structures Specialist (CASS) certification aligns with military roles specializing in structural engineering, composite materials, and airframe maintenance. Relevant military job codes include:

• 2A7X3 – Air Force Aircraft Structural Maintenance Technician

• 15G – Army Aircraft Structural Repairer

• AM (Aviation Structural Mechanic) – U.S. Navy Airframe Repair Specialist

• 6092 – Marine Corps Aircraft Structural Mechanic

• Space Force & Aerospace Structural Engineering Roles

• Aerospace & Defense Engineers in Structural Design & Materials Science

This certification is valuable for engineers, technicians, and defense contractors specializing in aerospace structural analysis, composite manufacturing, and advanced material applications for aircraft and spacecraft.