Online Travel Agent Schools and Colleges: How to Choose

Online travel agent schools and colleges offer programs at the certificate and associate's degree level. In either program, students learn about computer reservation systems through interactive modules as well as the basics for successful travel planning. Students can also obtain national travel agent certification through online courses.

How to Select an Online Travel School

Program Types

Students considering an online travel agent school can choose among certificate or associate's degree programs. Colleges often offer such programs through their continuing education divisions, although most students do not need to complete specific prerequisites to enroll. However, students may benefit from courses in areas including geography, math, computer skills and oral communications.
Most online travel agent programs are offered asynchronously, with students allowed to start and finish the courses on their own. Students are often paired up with an instructor who can offer guided assistance through e-mail and provide feedback on student performance. Certificate programs generally take six months to a year for students to complete, while associate's degree programs take two years.

Travel Agent Certification

Certain online travel agent schools can prepare students to take the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) exam. This nationally recognized certification was developed through the American Society of Travel Agents and The Travel Institute and is administered independently. The multiple-choice exam may also be taken online. Some schools require students to successfully pass the examination before they can graduate from a travel agent certificate or associate's degree programs. For those who graduate, the six months of work experience that is mandated for professional travel agent certification (CTA) is waived, and they can earn their CTA in one year.

List of Common Online Travel Agent Programs

Online Travel Agent Certificate

An online travel agent certificate is geared toward students who want entry-level jobs in the travel industry, including careers with airlines, car rental companies or travel agencies. Typical online courses cover an overview of regulatory agencies, types of transportation businesses, international air travel, vacation packages, cruises and group travel.
Students also may use a live database-emulation product, including Apollo, Galileo, Worldspan, Amadeus GDS or Sabre, to make travel arrangements. In addition to having a computer with Internet capabilities, students may need multimedia applications such as Acrobat Reader or Flash Player to access course materials.

Online Associate of Applied Science in Business - Travel Agency Operations

A distance-learning associate's degree in travel agency operations is ideal for students who already have a travel agent certificate and wish to perfect their skills. The 2-year program includes classes on selling cruises, e-commerce, sales and marketing, planning itineraries and air travel operations. Students may spend time learning basic travel agent operating systems, such as TRAMS ClientBase and TRAMS Back Office.