Top 10 Travel Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a travel coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge and skills related to the profession. Certification is evidence that the individual has gained specialized knowledge and experience in the field, which can help them stand out from other applicants when seeking employment. Moreover, certifications can give employers confidence that their travel coordinators have the necessary qualifications to perform their duties effectively. Additionally, certifications can provide travel coordinators with access to professional networks and resources that can help them stay up-to-date on industry trends, gain access to new job opportunities, and advance their career.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Travel Coordinators and explains how they can help advance a travel coordinator's career.

What are Travel Coordinator Certifications?

Travel coordinator certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in the field of travel coordination. This certification can be obtained through programs offered by various organizations, such as the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). The certification demonstrates an individual's ability to manage complex travel logistics and provides employers with assurance that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively coordinate travel for their company.

Travel coordinator certification can help individuals gain a competitive advantage in the job market. Employers may view individuals who have earned this certification as being more knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to managing travel logistics. Additionally, having this certification can make it easier for potential employers to verify an individual’s qualifications, which could increase their chances of getting hired. Moreover, since many companies require their employees to have a certain level of experience or knowledge in order to be considered for a position, having this certification could be beneficial in meeting these requirements. Finally, obtaining this certification can also help individuals stay up-to-date with new trends and developments in the field of travel coordination so they can provide better service for their clients or employers.

Pro Tip: When considering a travel coordinator certification, research the different certifications available and look at the requirements for each to ensure that you are getting the most comprehensive training and education. Make sure to check out any additional fees associated with the certification, as well as renewal requirements if applicable.

Related: What does a Travel Coordinator do?

Top 10 Travel Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Travel Coordinator (CTC)

A Certified Travel Coordinator (CTC) is a professional designation for individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the travel industry. The CTC program is offered by the Global Travel Professionals Association (GTPA), an international organization of travel professionals.

The CTC program consists of three courses: Introduction to Travel, Professional Practices in Travel, and Advanced Travel Management. These courses are designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the travel industry, including topics such as customer service, safety and security, and risk management. The courses also cover topics such as marketing and sales techniques, budgeting and pricing strategies, event planning, and international travel regulations.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the CTC program. During this time, students must complete all three courses plus an online exam at the end of each course. Once all three courses are completed successfully, students will receive their CTC certification from GTPA.

The cost of the CTC program varies depending on where you take it; however, most programs range from $500-$1,000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam or purchasing study materials.

Overall, obtaining a Certified Travel Coordinator certification can be a great way to gain recognition in the travel industry and demonstrate your expertise in this field.

2. Certified Travel Professional (CTP)

A Certified Travel Professional (CTP) is a professional designation offered by the Travel Institute, an organization dedicated to providing education and professional development for travel agents and other professionals in the travel industry. The CTP certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the areas of destination knowledge, customer service, sales techniques, business operations, and travel technology.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the requirements for the CTP certification. To earn the CTP designation, applicants must pass two exams: a general travel exam and a specialized exam focusing on either leisure or corporate travel. Applicants must also submit proof of at least three years of experience in the field of travel.

The cost to apply for the CTP certification is $399 USD. This fee covers both exams as well as access to study materials and online resources. Upon successful completion of both exams and submission of proof of experience, applicants will receive their official CTP certificate from The Travel Institute.

3. Certified Corporate Travel Professional (CCTP)

Certified Corporate Travel Professional (CCTP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, experience, and expertise of corporate travel professionals. This certification is offered by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).

The CCTP certification requires that applicants have at least three years of work experience in a corporate travel environment as well as pass an exam. The exam covers topics such as corporate travel policy, budgeting, risk management, safety and security, supplier negotiations, customer service and technology.

It typically takes between six to nine months to complete the CCTP certification process. This includes completing the application form, studying for and taking the exam, and submitting any required documentation.

The cost of obtaining a CCTP certification varies depending on whether you are already a GBTA member or not. For non-members it costs $695 USD for the application fee plus $495 USD for the exam fee. For members it costs $395 USD for the application fee plus $295 USD for the exam fee.

4. Certified Business Travel Executive (CBTE)

Certified Business Travel Executive (CBTE) is a professional certification for business travel professionals. It is awarded by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s leading professional association for business travel professionals. The CBTE certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of business travel and provides them with a competitive edge in the industry.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete the requirements needed to obtain the CBTE certification. To become certified, candidates must first complete an online application, which includes providing information about their professional experience, education, and training. After submitting their application, they must then pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as corporate travel policy, airfare negotiation strategies, hotel management, and expense management.

The cost of obtaining the CBTE certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of GBTA. For non-members, it costs $495 USD to apply for the certification and take the exam. For members of GBTA, there is an additional fee of $395 USD for taking the exam.

Overall, obtaining the CBTE certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their careers in business travel and gain recognition within the industry as knowledgeable professionals.

5. Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)

Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) is a professional certification program offered by the Convention Industry Council (CIC). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate mastery of the meeting management body of knowledge and have achieved a level of experience in the field.

The CMP program consists of three components: an application, an exam, and continuing education requirements. To qualify for the CMP designation, applicants must have at least three years of full-time meeting or event planning experience.

It typically takes between six to nine months to complete the CMP process. The first step is submitting an application, which includes providing evidence of your experience and references. Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals and then sent to the CIC for final approval.

Once your application is approved, you will be able to register for the CMP exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as strategic planning, risk management, financial management, legal issues, technology solutions, marketing/sales strategies, and evaluation techniques. The exam fee is $450 USD for members of the CIC or $550 USD for non-members.

Once you pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your CMP designation and certificate from the CIC. You must also complete 45 hours of continuing education credits every three years in order to maintain your certification status.

In total, getting certified as a Certified Meeting Planner can cost anywhere from $500-$1000 USD depending on whether or not you are already a member of the Convention Industry Council and if there are any additional fees associated with taking the exam.

6. Certified Tourism Professional (CTP)

Certified Tourism Professional (CTP) is a professional designation for individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to the tourism industry. The CTP designation recognizes those who have achieved a high level of knowledge, experience and professionalism in their field. It is awarded by the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), an international organization that promotes and supports destination marketing organizations.

To become a CTP, an individual must meet certain criteria including having at least two years of experience in the tourism industry, completing at least 40 hours of approved education courses, and passing a comprehensive exam. The application process can take up to six months to complete.

The cost of becoming a CTP varies depending on the type of membership chosen by the applicant. The DMAI offers three levels of membership: basic ($99 USD annually), plus ($299 USD annually) and premium ($499 USD annually). Each membership level includes access to different benefits such as discounts on courses and events, access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities with other professionals in the tourism industry.

Once certified, CTPs are required to renew their certification every three years by completing additional training hours or taking part in professional development activities.

7. Certified International Travel Consultant (CITC)

Certified International Travel Consultant (CITC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of experienced travel professionals. The CITC program is offered by the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA), an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the standards of professionalism in the travel industry.

The CITC certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge and experience in a variety of areas related to international travel, including geography, history, culture, language, customs, tourism regulations, visas and passports, and more. Applicants must also have at least three years of documented experience working as a travel consultant or agent.

To become certified as a CITC, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it along with their resume and supporting documents such as copies of diplomas or certificates from any related courses taken. Once accepted into the program, applicants are required to pass an online exam covering all aspects of international travel consulting. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost for the CITC certification program is $495 USD plus applicable taxes. This fee covers the cost of the online application process, exam fees, and access to online study materials. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official CITC certificate which is valid for three years from date of issue.

8. Global Business Travel Association Certification Program (GBTA-CP)

The Global Business Travel Association Certification Program (GBTA-CP) is a professional certification program that provides travel professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in their field. It is designed to help travel professionals stay up-to-date on industry trends, regulations, and best practices.

The GBTA-CP program consists of three courses: Introduction to Business Travel, Advanced Business Travel Management, and International Business Travel Management. Each course is designed to equip participants with the skills needed to effectively manage business travel programs. The courses are offered both online and in-person, and can be completed in as little as two months or up to six months depending on the pace of learning.

To get certified through the GBTA-CP program, individuals must first complete all three courses and pass an exam for each one. Once all exams are passed successfully, individuals will receive their official GBTA-CP certification from the Global Business Travel Association.

The cost of the GBTA-CP program varies depending on which course format you choose (online or in-person). The online courses range from $395-$495 per course, while the in-person courses range from $595-$695 per course. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exams for each course.

9. International Air Transport Association Diploma in Airline and Airport Management

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Diploma in Airline and Airport Management is an internationally recognized qualification designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the aviation industry. This diploma program is a comprehensive, two-year course of study that covers topics such as airport operations, air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, air cargo management, and airline finance.

The IATA Diploma in Airline and Airport Management takes approximately two years to complete. It consists of six modules that cover all aspects of the aviation industry. Each module includes a combination of classroom lectures, practical exercises, and assignments. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded an IATA Certificate of Completion.

To get the IATA Diploma in Airline and Airport Management you must first enroll at an accredited institution offering this program. The cost for enrolling varies depending on the school or institution you choose to attend. Generally speaking, tuition fees can range from $15,000 to $30,000 USD depending on the length of the program and other factors such as living expenses.

In addition to tuition fees, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining your diploma such as textbooks and other materials required for coursework. Additionally, some institutions may require students to take additional courses or exams before they can receive their diploma.

Overall, obtaining an IATA Diploma in Airline and Airport Management is a worthwhile investment that will open up many opportunities in the aviation industry for those who have successfully completed it.

10. Cruise Line International Association Cruise Counsellor Certification

The Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) Cruise Counsellor Certification is a professional certification program designed to give travel professionals the knowledge and skills they need to provide exceptional service for their clients. This certification is designed for both new and experienced agents who want to specialize in selling cruises.

The CLIA Cruise Counsellor Certification requires completion of an online course that takes approximately 8 hours to complete. The course covers topics such as cruise line features, destinations, onboard activities, shore excursions, safety and security, and more. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate from CLIA.

In order to become certified, agents must first register for the program on the CLIA website. The cost of the program is $99 USD for members and $199 USD for non-members. Once registered, agents can begin the online course at any time. After completing all modules of the course and passing a final exam with a score of 80% or higher, agents will receive their certification from CLIA.

The CLIA Cruise Counsellor Certification is an important tool for travel professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in selling cruises and provide excellent customer service. With this certification, agents can gain recognition within the industry as well as have access to exclusive benefits from cruise lines such as reduced rates or special offers.

Do You Really Need a Travel Coordinator Certificate?

Whether you need a travel coordinator certificate or not depends on the type of job you are trying to get. For most entry-level positions, a certificate is not usually required. However, if you want to move up in your career and become a professional travel coordinator, then obtaining a certificate can be beneficial.

A certificate program in travel coordination can give you the necessary knowledge and skills to become an effective travel coordinator. You will learn about the different types of travel arrangements, including airfare, hotel accommodations, car rentals, and other services that are available. You will also learn how to book reservations for clients, negotiate rates with vendors, and make sure that all of their needs are met while they are on a trip. Additionally, you will gain valuable experience working with customers and solving any problems that may arise during their travels.

Having a certificate can also help you stand out from the competition when looking for a job as a travel coordinator. Employers often look for people who have obtained some type of specialized training in order to show that they have the necessary skills for the job. A certificate shows employers that you have taken the time to learn about the industry and understand its complexities. It also demonstrates your commitment to improving your skills and becoming an expert in your field.

In short, whether or not you need a travel coordinator certificate depends on what type of job you are seeking and your level of expertise in this field. If you want to move up within your career or become an expert in this field then obtaining certification might be worth considering.

Related: Travel Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Travel Coordinator Certifications

Q1. What is a Travel Coordinator Certification?

A1. A Travel Coordinator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in the field of travel coordination. It typically includes courses on topics such as customer service, travel planning, budgeting, and communication skills.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Travel Coordinator?

A2. To become certified as a Travel Coordinator, you must complete a certification program offered by an accredited institution or organization. These programs usually require completion of coursework and/or an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in the field.

Q3. How long does it take to get certified as a Travel Coordinator?

A3. The length of time it takes to earn a Travel Coordinator Certification depends on the type of program you choose and how much time you have available for study and preparation for the exam. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within three months if studied full-time, or up to one year if studied part-time.

Q4. What are the benefits of having a Travel Coordinator Certification?

A4. Having a Travel Coordinator Certification can help you stand out from other job applicants when seeking employment in this field, since employers often prefer candidates with credentials or certifications that demonstrate their knowledge in this area. Additionally, having this certification can also open doors to higher salaries and better job opportunities due to your specialized expertise in this field.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Travel Coordinator Certification?

A5: Yes, some programs may require prior experience working in travel coordination or related fields before they will accept applications for certification programs; however, some programs may not have any prerequisites at all so it’s best to check with each program individually for specific requirements before applying for admission into the program