Travel Agent Training (Exam Cost Included)

Together, travel and tourism make up one of the world's largest industries. While the internet has made travel booking easier, travel agents continue to play a vital role in luxury, corporate, and group travel. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an estimated 8,200 job openings for travel agents annually, on average, by 2033. As the industry continues to expand, now is the perfect opportunity to become a skilled travel agent and enroll in an online travel agent certification...

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6 Months / 100 Course Hrs
Open Enrollment
Offered in partnership with your preferred school

Butler Community College

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Learning method

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Course code: GES218

What you will learn

  • Watch the video overview of our online Travel Agent certification course
  • Obtain everything you need to know about the travel industry, including airline and ground transportation, hotels and resorts, cruises, tours, specialty travel, and more
  • Review all the international and domestic travel destinations that you are most likely to recommend and sell to your clients
  • Understand how to market yourself as a travel professional
  • Gain customer service skills needed as a travel professional

How you will benefit

  • Become eligible to sit for the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) test, offered by the Travel Institute (formerly ICTA)
  • Obtain the knowledge you need to get started in your travel career
  • Discover how to gain and help future clients achieve their travel plans

How the course is taught

  • Self-paced, online course
  • 6 Months to complete
  • Open enrollment, begin anytime
  • 100 course hours
  1. Introduction to the Travel Industry
  2. Professional Skills
  3. Basic/International Geography
  4. Destination Geography
  5. Introduction to International Travel
  6. Introduction to Air Travel
  7. Transportation
  8. Career Development
  9. Sales and Marketing for Travel

Helene K. Liatsos

Helene K. Liatsos is a consultant for small businesses, travel agencies, and home-based business startups with more than 25 years of experience. Along with a successful career in the travel industry, working with airlines, hotels, and travel agencies, Helene established her own business management company, Home Office Management Experts, and was awarded the 2004 Home-Based Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. As a QuickBooks Certified Advisor, she provides bookkeeping, payroll and QuickBooks training services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Prerequisites:

There are no specific prerequisites for this course. This course is for you if you want to enhance your travel industry knowledge or jump-start your career in the travel industry.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows 8 or later.
  • Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  • Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

  • Travel Career Development and accompanying workbook
  • Exploring the World and accompanying workbook

Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.

About Certification: Travel Institute

The Travel Institute was established in 1964 and has grown into the premier certifying body for travel professionals. The Institute offers learning solutions, educational programs, and certification options, as well as multiple certifications and opportunities for further advancement, because they understand that the career of a travel agent is dynamic and ever-changing. If you've been thinking about taking the next step and earning a travel agent credential, a course certified by the Travel Institute is a great way to get started.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, travel agents earn an average income of $47,410 per year ($22.79 per hour). Top-earning travel agents (90th percentile) earn over $69,640 annually.

Based on information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, travel agents sell transportation, lodging, and admission to entertainment activities to individuals and groups planning trips. They offer advice on destinations, plan trip itineraries, calculate total costs, and make travel arrangements for clients.

A travel agent's typical duties can include anything from organizing travel for business and vacation clients (planning and arranging tour packages, excursions, and day trips) to giving details on required documents, such as passports and visas, and on complying with cross-border entry requirements, such as health and safety protocols. Travel agents also describe trips to clients, advise about local customs and attractions, book reservations for travel, hotels, rental cars, and special events, and make alternative booking arrangements if changes arise before or during a trip.

A certified travel agent has earned one of the available industry certifications, such as Certified Travel Associate (CTA) or Certified Travel Counselor (CTC). While they are not required to work in the industry, travel agent certifications can add prestige to your resume. When considering a CTA certification, it is necessary to first obtain the TAP certification. This course covers the fundamental knowledge necessary for this certification and serves as a solid foundation for your CTA certification journey.

The Travel Agent Training course will prepare you to sit for the TAP (Travel Agent Proficiency) test, offered by the Travel Institute (formerly ICTA), the registration fee for this test is included with this course. The Travel Agent Proficiency or TAP test is the first step towards professional recognition. The test allows students to demonstrate that they have mastered the basics of the travel industry – selling skills, basic geography, and the items/products sold by travel counselors.

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six (6) months to complete the course.

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion. In addition, you will receive an exam voucher for the TAP (Travel Agent Proficiency) test, offered by the Travel Institute (formerly ICTA), after successful completion of the course and financial obligation.

This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.