Many travel agent certificate programs are
available online and are the first step to receiving national
certification as a travel agent. Certification tests themselves may also
be pursued online through the Travel Institute's proficiency tests.
Overview of Certified Online Travel Agent Courses
Aspiring travel agents will find a number of certificate programs
online through the continuing education departments of many
universities. These programs offer certificates of completion and
prepare graduates for national travel agent certification; however, the
classes themselves are not certified.
Initial online travel agent programs usually take the form of one
block class and depending on the school, the length of the program can
be six months or less. After completion, graduates are prepared for
entry-level jobs as travel agents, and may begin their careers in the
travel industry. Advanced certificates are also available for
experienced travel professionals.
Course Requirements
Students need a reliable Internet connection and email capabilities. A
word processor and CD-ROM drive is also recommended to access reading
materials and complete course assignments. Many courses require reading
PDF downloads of course materials. Students may also be asked to
purchase textbooks, usually available through online stores or the
program's own website.
List of Online Travel Agent Classes
Travel Agent Training Course
The initial component of this class covers the history, function and
marketing of the travel industry. Geography and travel technology are
discussed, as well as the financial and business aspects of the travel
industry, including marketing, communication and specialized sales.
A second component of the course covers the function and use of
industry-standard travel agent computer programs and students learn to
operate by using a simulation mode that mimics real-world travel agent
operations. The course culminates with career education, and students
learn job-searching techniques and the fundamentals of working in the
travel industry.
Certified Travel Associate (CTA) Certification Course
Travel agents must have 18 months of full-time industry experience or
12 months with TAP test completion to qualify for this program. Classes
build upon topics covered in the travel agent training course, with
emphasis on specialized travel sales techniques, consumer-focused
professionalism and office skills. Students also choose four electives
to supplement the eight core courses, with options ranging from
management of time to sales of specialized travel packages.
Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) Certification Course
This 6-month program is designed for the established travel
professional with CTA certification and at least five years of
experience. Courses focus on marketing and consumer relationships and
classes discuss the development of marketing strategies, productive
management of office politics and effective presentation tactics.
Graduates must complete relevant continuing education classes every year
to keep certification.
Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE) Certification Course
Candidates for this program must have at least five years of
experience within the field and CTC certification. Courses cover
advanced elements of travel industry business management and topics
include the logistics of travel law, mutually beneficial conflict
resolution, bookkeeping and marketing management. Students can have 18
months to complete the program.
The first step in national travel agent certification is the Travel
Institute's TAP test. This multiple-choice test may be taken online and
certifies that graduates have entry-level understanding of the travel
industry. For those who successfully pass the test, six months of the
work experience required for professional travel agent certification
(CTA) is waived and candidates may earn the CTA in one year. Nationally
certified travel agents are prepared for a career in the travel
industry, either with a travel company or through independent practice.
Certified Travel Associate (CTA) Certification
Successful CTA certification is evidence of in-depth understanding of
travel industry elements, such as specialized customer service needs
and up-to-date computer literacy in travel programs. CTA certification
requires a future yearly commitment to at least ten hours of continuing
education classes in order to ensure travel agents' cutting-edge
industry knowledge.
Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) Certification
CTC certification is designed for travel professionals looking to
advance into management roles focusing on consumer relations. After
successful completion of the 2-part CTC exam, travel agents are
qualified in the area of business negotiations and marketing strategies
and are prepared for travel industry management within the upper
administrative tiers of travel agencies.
Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE) Certification
The CTIE certificate indicates a higher-level understanding of
business relations within the travel industry. It is geared towards
travel agents in upper-level management and the certification process,
which follows the 6-month training program, includes an essay and an
exam component. Professionals who earn the certification are qualified
for sophisticated business management within the travel industry.
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