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How to Become a Travel & Tourism Agent

by Elizabeth Fountain

Overview

Do you have a serious case of wanderlust? A desire to help others on their quest for adventure? Are you well-organized and detail-oriented? A career as a travel agent may be for you. You'll get to help your clients discover new places. You'll receive deeply discounted travel for yourself. But how do you become a travel agent? Here are the steps you need to follow.

Step 1

Get the basics: You'll need a high school diploma or its equivalent as well as solid computer skills. It's important to have a good knowledge of geography. Read travel magazines to keep you informed of the latest trends and developments in the industry.
Step 2

Take the TAP test: The Travel Institute offers the Travel Agent Proficiency test, which shortens by six months the amount of work experience you need to become a certified travel associate and makes you more employable. Without the TAP test, you'll need to work in the industry for 18 months before you can take the Certified Travel Associate exam. With the TAP test, you can take the CTA exam with only one year of work experience. Another advantage is that prospective employers will know you are serious about a career as a travel agent and are more likely to hire you than another newcomer without the TAP. The Travel Institute offers home study books and courses on studying for the test.
Step 3

Find a job: Check out your local job listings and online sites like travelstaffingusa.com. Also browse job postings on sites like AAA and those of local travel agencies.
Step 4

Become a certified travel associate: Once you have met the work experience requirement, you can become a CTA. You can study for the test yourself, via online courses, or by taking classes at one of many community colleges and travel schools. Check the Travel Institute's website, thetravelinstitute.com, for more information. From there you can advance your certification to a certified travel counselor and get specialist designations such as destination specialist and lifestyle specialist.