Top 11 Travel Counselor Certifications

Certifications are extremely important for travel counselors in the job market. Certifications show potential employers that a travel counselor has the knowledge and skills necessary to handle a variety of tasks related to their work. Furthermore, certifications demonstrate dedication to the profession and provide credibility to a travel counselor's resume. In addition, certifications often include access to professional networks and resources, which can be invaluable when seeking new job opportunities or developing existing skills. Finally, certifications can open doors to opportunities that may not have been available without them.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Travel Counselors and explain how they can contribute to a travel counselor's career.

What are Travel Counselor Certifications?

Travel counselor certification is a professional credential offered by the Travel Institute, an organization dedicated to promoting and developing travel professionals. This certification program is designed to help travel agents gain expertise in the field of travel counseling, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality customer service and advice.

The certification requires participants to complete a series of courses that cover topics such as geography, customer service, sales techniques, marketing, product knowledge, trip planning, and more. Once they have completed all of the courses they will receive their official Travel Counselor Certification.

The benefits of obtaining this certification are numerous. It can help travel counselors stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. It also shows potential employers that the individual has taken the time to invest in their education and that they are serious about their career in travel counseling. Furthermore, it can open up doors for employment opportunities with companies that require or prefer certified professionals. Finally, many clients may be more likely to trust someone who has gone through a rigorous training program and achieved a higher level of expertise than those without any special credentials or certifications.

Pro Tip: When considering travel counselor certification, look for programs that offer an accredited certification program and provide continuing education opportunities. This will ensure that you stay up to date on the latest trends in the industry, as well as giving you a competitive edge when it comes to employment.

Related: What does a Travel Counselor do?

Top 11 Travel Counselor Certifications

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

1. Certified Travel Counselor (CTC)

A Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) is a professional designation offered by the Travel Institute, a leading travel industry organization. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge and experience in travel counseling. To become a CTC, individuals must complete a series of courses and pass an exam.

The CTC program consists of four core courses: Introduction to Travel & Tourism, Destination Planning & Marketing, Cruise Planning & Sales, and Airline Ticketing & Fare Construction. Each course takes approximately 15-20 hours to complete. In addition to the core courses, there are elective courses available for those interested in specializing in specific areas such as corporate travel or international travel.

In order to become a CTC, individuals must first complete all four core courses and pass the corresponding exams with at least 80% accuracy. Once they have passed all four exams, they can then take the final CTC exam which covers topics from all four core courses. Individuals must score at least 90% accuracy on this exam in order to receive their CTC designation.

The cost of the program varies depending on how many elective courses are taken and whether or not you choose to purchase any additional study materials such as textbooks or online resources. The cost of the four core courses is approximately $700-$800 USD while additional electives can range from $100-$400 USD each depending on the course material purchased.

Overall, becoming a Certified Travel Counselor requires dedication and commitment but can be well worth it for those looking to advance their career in the travel industry.

2. Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE)

Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the highest level of expertise and professionalism in the travel industry. It is offered by The Travel Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education and professional development for travel professionals.

The CTIE program consists of three courses: Introduction to Professional Travel, Advanced Professional Travel, and Destination Expertise. To earn the CTIE designation, you must complete all three courses and pass an exam within two years.

The cost of the program depends on whether you take the courses online or in person. Online courses range from $299-$399, while in-person classes range from $599-$699.

To get started with the CTIE program, you will need to register with The Travel Institute at their website. Once you have registered, you can choose to take either online or in-person classes. After completing the coursework and passing your exam, you will receive your official Certified Travel Industry Executive certificate.

3. Certified Travel Associate (CTA)

Certified Travel Associate (CTA) is a professional designation that recognizes the expertise of travel professionals. It is awarded by the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA), an organization dedicated to providing professional development and certification programs for travel agents.

Getting the CTA designation requires passing an exam that covers topics such as travel industry trends, customer service, sales and marketing, and financial management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To become eligible to take the CTA exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the travel industry or have completed a minimum number of ICTA-approved courses. Applicants must also be members in good standing with ICTA or another recognized professional association.

The cost to take the CTA exam is $399 USD for non-members and $299 USD for ICTA members. After passing the exam, there is an additional annual fee of $99 USD for maintaining your certification status.

4. Certified Destination Management Specialist (CDMS)

Certified Destination Management Specialist (CDMS) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of destination management. This certification is offered by the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI).

The CDMS program requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in destination management, or a related field, and to pass an exam. The exam covers topics such as destination marketing, tourism economics, customer service, event planning, and more. It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the certification process.

To get certified as a CDMS, applicants must first submit an application form to DMAI along with a fee of $400 USD. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to complete an online course and then take the certification exam. Upon passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will receive their CDMS designation.

5. Cruise Line International Association’s (CLIA) Accredited Cruise Counselor

The Cruise Line International Association's (CLIA) Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) program is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, experience, and commitment of travel professionals who specialize in cruise vacations. The ACC designation is the highest level of recognition for cruise travel agents.

It takes approximately three months to complete the program, although it can vary depending on how quickly you work through the course material and exams. To become an ACC, you must first complete the CLIA Travel Agency Membership Application and pay the appropriate membership fees. Once you are a member of CLIA, you will be able to access the online training materials and exams required for certification.

The cost to become an ACC varies depending on your CLIA membership type. For individual memberships, it costs $299 USD; for agency memberships, it costs $399 USD; and for corporate memberships, it costs $499 USD. All fees include access to online training materials and exams as well as ongoing benefits such as discounts on cruises and other travel products.

To maintain your ACC status, you must renew your membership each year by paying the annual renewal fee and completing 12 hours of continuing education credits within two years of certification or re-certification.

6. Global Business Travel Association’s (GBTA) Certified Corporate Travel Executive

The Global Business Travel Association's (GBTA) Certified Corporate Travel Executive (CCTE) is an industry-recognized certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in corporate travel management. It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage corporate travel programs.

The CCTE certification is open to all individuals who have at least five years of experience in corporate travel management, or who have completed the GBTA Foundation Certificate Program. To obtain the CCTE certification, applicants must complete a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as risk management, supplier negotiations, budgeting and forecasting, policy development, and more.

The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam is $395 for GBTA members and $495 for non-members. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CCTE certification which is valid for three years.

7. American Society of Travel Agents’ (ASTA) Certified Travel Counselor

The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the highest level of travel industry knowledge and expertise. The CTC designation is a mark of excellence in the travel industry, demonstrating that an individual has met rigorous standards and has a comprehensive understanding of the travel business.

In order to become certified, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Have at least three years of full-time experience in the travel industry;
• Pass an online exam covering topics such as geography, destination information, customer service and sales techniques;
• Complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education credits within two years prior to applying for certification;
• Maintain membership with ASTA; and
• Submit a completed application form with all required documentation.

The process typically takes between 6-8 weeks from start to finish. The cost for certification is $299 for ASTA members or $499 for non-members. This fee includes access to study materials, the exam fee, and processing fees.

8. International Air Transport Association’s (IATA/UFTAA) Diploma in Airline & Airport Ticketing

The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA/UFTAA) Diploma in Airline & Airport Ticketing is a professional qualification designed to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the airline and airport ticketing industry. The diploma covers topics such as airline ticketing systems, airport operations, customer service, and travel agency operations. It also provides an introduction to IATA regulations and procedures.

The diploma requires completion of four courses: Introduction to Airline & Airport Ticketing; Advanced Airline & Airport Ticketing; IATA Regulations; and Travel Agency Operations. Each course typically takes between 40-80 hours to complete depending on the student's prior knowledge and experience.

Students can obtain the diploma by completing all four courses at an accredited IATA training center or through self-study using IATA's e-learning platform. The cost of obtaining the diploma will vary depending on which route is chosen. Completing all four courses at an accredited training center typically costs around $2,000 USD while self-study may be significantly cheaper.

9. International Airlines Travel Agent Network’s (IATAN) Cardholder

The International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN) Cardholder is an identification card issued to travel agents who meet the qualifications of the IATAN program. The card serves as proof that a travel agent is qualified and has met the standards of the IATAN program.

It generally takes 4-6 weeks to receive an IATAN Cardholder after submitting an application. To apply for an IATAN Cardholder, you must first be employed by a company that is registered with IATAN as a participating agency. Once your employment has been verified, you can then submit your application online or through mail.

The cost of obtaining an IATAN Cardholder varies depending on the type of membership you are applying for and whether or not you are a member of other professional organizations such as ASTA or CLIA. Generally, it costs $50-$100 USD to obtain an IATAN Cardholder.

10. The Institute of Certified Travel Agents’ (ICTA) Master Cruise Counsellor

The Institute of Certified Travel Agents' (ICTA) Master Cruise Counsellor is a professional certification program for travel agents who specialize in cruise planning and sales. The program is designed to provide travel professionals with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to become experts in the cruise industry.

The ICTA Master Cruise Counsellor program consists of three components: an online course, an exam, and a field experience. The online course covers topics such as cruise line operations, customer service, product knowledge, and marketing strategies. It takes approximately 15 hours to complete the course.

After completing the online course, students must take a proctored exam that tests their knowledge on the topics covered in the course. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes about two hours to complete.

The final component of the ICTA Master Cruise Counsellor program is a field experience. This involves working with an experienced cruise specialist to gain hands-on experience in booking cruises for clients. The field experience must be completed within six months of passing the exam.

The cost of the ICTA Master Cruise Counsellor program is $399 USD plus applicable taxes and fees.

11. Society of American Travel Writers' (SATW) Professional Member

The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) Professional Member is a membership program for professional travel writers, editors, photographers, and broadcasters. It is open to those who make their living in the travel industry and have at least two years of full-time experience in the field.

To become a SATW Professional Member, applicants must submit an application along with supporting documents such as published articles or photographs, letters from employers or clients verifying employment history, and any other credentials that demonstrate their expertise in the travel industry. Once all materials are submitted, it typically takes about 4-6 weeks for applications to be processed by the SATW Membership Committee.

The cost of becoming a SATW Professional Member is $175 per year for those residing in the United States and Canada; international members pay $200 per year. This fee covers membership benefits such as access to exclusive networking events and discounts on travel products and services.

Do You Really Need a Travel Counselor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and plans for the future. A Travel Counselor Certificate can be beneficial if you are interested in a career in the travel industry. It will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective travel advisor, helping clients plan their trips and make informed decisions. It can also help you stand out from other applicants when applying for a job in the travel industry.

However, if your goal is to simply enjoy traveling as a hobby or to take vacations without working in the industry, then a Travel Counselor Certificate may not be necessary. The knowledge gained from such certification is not essential for someone who just wants to plan their own trips or take advantage of discounts offered by airlines and hotels.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not obtaining a Travel Counselor Certificate is worth the time and effort involved. If you find that it would be beneficial for your professional goals, then pursuing such certification could be a great way to gain valuable experience and increase your chances of success in the travel industry.

Related: Travel Counselor Resume Examples

FAQs About Travel Counselor Certifications

1. What are the requirements for travel counselor certifications?

Answer: The requirements for travel counselor certifications vary depending on the certification program, but generally include completing a certain amount of coursework and passing an exam.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a travel counselor?

Answer: It typically takes between six months and two years to become certified as a travel counselor, depending on the certification program.

3. What topics are covered in travel counselor certification programs?

Answer: Topics covered in travel counselor certification programs generally include customer service, geography, tourism trends, safety and security, cultural awareness and communication skills.

4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a certified travel counselor?

Answer: Some certification programs may require applicants to have prior experience working in the tourism industry or related fields before they can apply. It is best to check with the specific certification program you are interested in to find out their prerequisites.

5. What job opportunities do certified travel counselors have?

Answer: Certified travel counselors can work in various roles such as tour guides, destination specialists or cruise line representatives. They may also be employed by airlines, hotels or other hospitality organizations to help customers plan trips and manage reservations.