Top 11 Corporate Travel Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for a corporate travel consultant in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties. They will be able to show employers that they understand the industry, have current knowledge of regulations and processes, and can provide reliable services. Certifications also help to build trust between employers and potential employees, as well as give confidence to clients that their needs are being met by a qualified professional. Finally, certifications can help a corporate travel consultant stand out from other candidates who may not have them.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Corporate Travel Consultants and explain how they can help to enhance a corporate travel consultant's career.

What are Corporate Travel Consultant Certifications?

Corporate travel consultant certification is a form of professional certification offered by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). This certification program is designed to help ensure that corporate travel consultants have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage corporate travel programs. The program covers areas such as understanding the needs of corporate clients, negotiating contracts, developing policies and procedures, creating budgets and cost-saving strategies, and providing traveler safety education.

By obtaining this certification, corporate travel consultants demonstrate their commitment to continuing education in the field of corporate travel management. As a result, they are better equipped to provide an exceptional level of service to their clients. In addition, having this certification can make them more attractive to potential employers since it shows that they have taken additional steps beyond basic training to become knowledgeable about their profession. Furthermore, it can help them stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices so that they can offer innovative solutions for their clients’ needs.

Pro Tip: When looking for a corporate travel consultant certification, consider programs that offer hands-on experience and training. This will help ensure that you are well-prepared to provide your clients with the best possible service.

Related: What does a Corporate Travel Consultant do?

Top 11 Corporate Travel Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Corporate Travel Consultants today.

1. Certified Corporate Travel Professional (CCTP)

Certified Corporate Travel Professional (CCTP) is a designation that recognizes travel professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of corporate travel. It is awarded by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), an international organization that serves as the voice of the business travel industry.

To become a CCTP, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of corporate travel policies, procedures, and best practices through an online exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as global business travel management, risk management, duty of care, cost containment strategies, supplier relationships, and more.

The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and can be taken at any authorized testing center. Candidates must pass with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive their CCTP certification.

The cost for taking the CCTP exam is $450 USD for GBTA members and $550 USD for non-members.

2. Certified Business Travel Executive (CBTE)

Certified Business Travel Executive (CBTE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of business travel. The CBTE program is administered by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), an international organization that promotes best practices in business travel management.

The CBTE certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as airline ticketing, hotel and car rental reservations, corporate travel policies, expense reporting and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To qualify for the CBTE certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in business travel management or related fields. Applicants are also required to submit a resume outlining their experience with business travel and provide three professional references.

The cost of obtaining the CBTE certification varies depending on whether you are an existing GBTA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $395 USD; for members, it’s $295 USD. In addition, there is an annual renewal fee of $95 USD for both members and non-members alike.

3. Certified Travel Consultant (CTC)

Certified Travel Consultant (CTC) is a professional designation for travel agents and advisors. It is awarded by the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA) and recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the travel industry.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the CTC program, depending on how much time you can commit to studying. The program consists of four courses: Introduction to Travel, Airfare and Ticketing, Cruise Line Operations, and Tour Planning. You must also pass an exam at the end of each course to receive your certification.

To get started with the CTC program, you must first register with ICTA and pay a fee of $250 USD. This fee covers all four courses as well as access to study materials, practice exams, and other resources. Once you have completed the program, you will receive your official CTC certificate from ICTA.

The cost of the CTC program may vary depending on where you take it, but it usually ranges between $500-$1,000 USD.

4. Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Certification

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and expertise of travel professionals. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the business travel industry, including its history, regulations, trends, and best practices. The GBTA Certification is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the field of business travel.

It typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete the GBTA Certification program. The program consists of online modules covering topics such as global travel management, supplier relationships, financial management, risk management, and more. To get started with the GBTA Certification program, you must first register for the exam and pay the associated fee. After registration is completed, you will be provided with access to all study materials needed for successful completion of the exam.

The cost for taking the GBTA Certification exam varies depending on your country or region of residence. In general, it costs around $600 USD to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking practice exams or purchasing additional study materials if desired.

Overall, obtaining a GBTA Certification can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in business travel and set yourself apart from other professionals in this field.

5. International Air Transport Association (IATA) Diploma in Corporate Travel Management

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Diploma in Corporate Travel Management is a comprehensive course designed to provide a thorough understanding of the corporate travel industry. It covers topics such as corporate travel policy, fare structures, ticketing, airline contracts, and other related areas. The program is designed to help those involved in corporate travel management develop the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage their organization’s travel needs.

The IATA Diploma in Corporate Travel Management course takes approximately one year to complete and consists of eight modules. Each module is divided into three parts: theory, practical application, and assessment. The modules cover topics such as airline contracts, ticketing procedures, fare structures, customer service standards, and more. Upon successful completion of the coursework and assessments students will receive an IATA Diploma in Corporate Travel Management.

To obtain the IATA Diploma in Corporate Travel Management you must first complete an approved training program from an accredited institution or provider. Most programs are offered online or through correspondence courses. Once you have completed the program you will need to take an examination administered by IATA at one of their approved testing centers worldwide. Upon passing this exam you will be awarded your diploma.

The cost for obtaining the IATA Diploma in Corporate Travel Management varies depending on which institution or provider you choose to complete your training with but typically ranges between $2,000 - $5,000 USD for the full program including all materials and examinations fees.

6. American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Advanced Corporate Travel Professional Certificate

The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Advanced Corporate Travel Professional Certificate is a professional certification program designed to recognize travel professionals who demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the field of corporate travel. The certificate is awarded to individuals who successfully complete the ASTA Advanced Corporate Travel Professional course and pass an exam.

The course consists of four modules: Introduction to Corporate Travel, Corporate Travel Management, Negotiating with Suppliers and Service Providers, and Risk Management for Corporate Travelers. It typically takes about 40 hours to complete the coursework.

To get the certificate, individuals must register for the ASTA Advanced Corporate Travel Professional course online or through their local ASTA chapter. Once registered, they will receive access to the online learning materials and be able to take the exam when they are ready.

The cost of the ASTA Advanced Corporate Travel Professional Certificate varies depending on whether you are an ASTA member or not. For non-members, it costs $295; for members, it costs $195.

7. Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA) Certified Corporate Agent Program

The Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA) Certified Corporate Agent Program is a comprehensive program designed to train and certify travel agents in the corporate travel industry. The program consists of six courses that cover topics such as corporate travel policies, contracts, budgeting, airfare, hotels and car rentals.

The program takes approximately three months to complete and requires passing an exam at the end of each course. The cost of the program is $1,500 plus any applicable taxes.

To get certified through ICTA's Certified Corporate Agent Program, you must first register for the program online or by mail. After registering, you will receive a welcome packet with all the materials necessary to complete the program. You will also be assigned an instructor who will provide guidance throughout your studies.

Once you have completed all six courses and passed the exams, you can submit your application for certification along with a processing fee of $100. After your application is approved, you will receive your certificate from ICTA and become an officially certified corporate agent.

8. National Business Travel Association (NBTA) Certification

The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) Certification is an industry-recognized certification program for business travel professionals. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals in the business travel industry. The NBTA Certification program provides a comprehensive assessment of a professional’s understanding of the business travel industry, including its operational and financial components, as well as the latest trends and best practices.

It takes approximately six months to complete the certification process. Candidates must first complete an online application form, which includes questions about their background and experience in the business travel industry. Once approved, they will be required to take a two-day exam that covers topics such as corporate travel management, cost savings strategies, customer service, supplier relations, safety and security, technology solutions, and more.

In order to obtain NBTA Certification candidates must meet certain educational requirements such as having a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field or having at least five years of experience in business travel management. In addition to these requirements, applicants must also submit letters of recommendation from current or former employers or colleagues who are familiar with their work in the field.

The cost for obtaining NBTA Certification varies depending on whether you choose to take the two-day exam at an onsite location or if you opt for an online version. The onsite version costs $1,500 USD while the online version costs $800 USD.

9. International Federation of Airline Representatives Associations (IFARA) Corporate Travel Management Certificate

The International Federation of Airline Representatives Associations (IFARA) Corporate Travel Management Certificate is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage corporate travel. This certificate is designed for those who are responsible for managing corporate travel, including airline representatives, travel agents, and other personnel involved in corporate travel management.

The IFARA Corporate Travel Management Certificate program consists of four modules that cover topics such as: understanding the airline industry, airline ticketing systems, customer service best practices, and travel regulations. The course takes approximately 25 hours to complete and includes both online learning materials and instructor-led instruction. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate from IFARA recognizing their achievement.

The cost of the IFARA Corporate Travel Management Certificate program varies depending on whether you choose to take the course online or in person. Online courses typically cost between $400-$500 USD while in-person classes can range from $500-$1000 USD depending on location.

To get started with the IFARA Corporate Travel Management Certificate Program you will need to register online or contact your local IFARA representative for more information about registration and payment options.

10. The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing's Certified Luxury Home Specialist Designation

The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing's Certified Luxury Home Specialist Designation is a professional designation that recognizes real estate agents who specialize in the luxury home market. The designation is awarded after completing an extensive training program and passing an exam.

The training program consists of two courses, each 8 hours long, which cover topics such as understanding the luxury home market, marketing strategies for luxury homes, and negotiating tactics for luxury home transactions. In addition to the coursework, there are also several online resources available to help agents prepare for the exam.

To receive the Certified Luxury Home Specialist Designation, agents must complete both courses and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. The cost of the program is $399 USD and includes access to all materials and resources necessary to complete the program.

11. Cruise Lines International Association's Cruise Counsellor Certification

Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) Cruise Counsellor Certification is a program designed to recognize the expertise and professionalism of experienced travel agents who specialize in cruise vacations. The certification requires that agents complete a series of online courses and exams, as well as demonstrate their knowledge of the cruise industry through an online portfolio.

The certification process typically takes about three months to complete, depending on the individual's experience and knowledge. To get certified, agents must first register with CLIA and pay a one-time fee of $99 USD. Once registered, they will be given access to the CLIA Cruise Counsellor training materials, which include four core modules: Cruise Industry Overview; Cruise Lines & Destinations; Selling Cruises; and Shipboard Operations & Onboard Programs.

Once all four modules are completed, agents must pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to become certified. After passing the exam, agents will receive their official CLIA Cruise Counsellor Certification card which is valid for two years from the date of issue.

Do You Really Need a Corporate Travel Consultant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. For some, a Corporate Travel Consultant Certificate may provide essential knowledge and skills for success in the field, while for others it may be unnecessary.

For those who are serious about pursuing a career as a corporate travel consultant, obtaining a certificate could provide an edge over the competition. The certificate can demonstrate knowledge of industry-specific concepts such as flight booking, itinerary planning, hotel reservations, and other travel-related services. It also provides an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals who have worked in the field for many years and can offer valuable advice and insights into how to succeed as a corporate travel consultant.

On the other hand, if you are just starting out or looking to gain experience in the field without committing full time to it, then a certificate may not be necessary. Many companies look for candidates with experience and an understanding of the industry rather than a formal certification. Additionally, there are often opportunities to gain experience through internships or volunteer positions that do not require a certificate.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Corporate Travel Consultant Certificate depends on your individual situation and goals. If you plan on making travel consulting your full-time career path and want to stand out from the competition then obtaining certification could be beneficial. However, if you are just beginning your journey or are looking to gain experience without committing full time then it might not be necessary.

Related: Corporate Travel Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Corporate Travel Consultant Certifications

1. What is a corporate travel consultant certification?

Answer: A corporate travel consultant certification is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of corporate travel management. It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully plan, manage, and execute corporate travel programs.

2. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Benefits of becoming certified include increased knowledge and understanding of the industry, improved job opportunities, higher earning potential, and better customer service capabilities.

3. Who should consider getting certified?

Answer: Professionals who work in or aspire to work in corporate travel management should consider getting certified. This includes those who are already employed as well as those seeking new employment opportunities.

4. How do I get certified?

Answer: You must first meet certain education and experience requirements before you can become certified. After that, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited certifying body to complete your certification process.

5. What types of certifications are available?

Answer: There are many different types of certifications available for those interested in becoming a corporate travel consultant, including Certified Corporate Travel Professional (CCTP), Certified Travel Consultant (CTC), and Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).