Certified Travel Manager

Travel Manager Certification

• Affirms your commitment to the industry
• Sets an example of achievement to your staff
• Identifies you as a decision-maker in the eyes of both the industry and consumers
• Identifies your career path
• Meet or exceed the certification requirements set by peers

The Travel Manager Certification Program is jointly promoted by The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Sector Council (CTHRC) and the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA).  ACTA is an organization that advances the professional development of travel counsellors and managers in Canada.  emerit Professional Certification, recognized across the country, brings a standard of excellence to each of the emerit-trained professions. It is awarded when a candidate demonstrates they have mastered the required skills and met the standards of their profession in a practical job setting.

Costs for CTM Certification

FOR ACTA Members AND Instructors from ACTA Endorsed Schools:

Pay in full at time of enrollment for special rate of $295.00 + GST or HST and receive the exam prep pack for free!  This also includes free enrollment.  

FOR Non-ACTA Members AND Instructors from Non-Endorsed Schools:

Pay in full at time of enrollment for special rate of $395.00 + GST or HST. 

Steps to CTM

1.  Enroll for Certification
2.  Pass the Travel Manager  Knowledge Exam
3.  Complete Performance Evaluation
   1. Provide proof of recent applicable work experience (5 years)
   2. Self Review Checklist of Skills
   3. Performance Evaluation (Case Studies)
4.  Maintain annual CTC/CTM Registration to use your credential

1. Enroll

Enrollment for certification is your first step to becoming a CTM.  The cost pre pays your certificate and pin once certified.  Once Enrolled you have 6 months to complete all steps.  You will also receive a soft copy of the CTM Candidate Booklet which explains the certification process and evaluation methods.

To get started on certification you can purchase or download a copy of the Travel Manager Occupational Standards by clicking here.

2. Knowledge Exam

The exam assesses the knowledge areas contained in the National Occupational Standards for Travel Manager.  It consists of 100 multiple choice test items that are based on industry specific scenarios in the following proportion by category of the standards.  When you enroll for certification ACTA will send you a soft copy of the Knowledge Exam Prep Guide.

Booking The Knowledge Exam

• Exam can be written anywhere as long as you have an approved proctor to supervise you during the exam
• You will need to arrange a proctor for the exam date of your choice
• It is an online exam so it can be written any time during the day, however technical support is only available between 8:30 AM and 4:30PM EST Monday - Friday
• Confirm exam date, location and proctor by submitting the Proctor Application form
• Exam details must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the exam date
• It is recommended that you bring a silent battery operated calculator as this will not be supplied and you are not allowed to use other “hand held devices” that incorporate a calculator.

Performance Evaluation

A. Work Experience

Qualified experience must relate to the skills as defined in the Occupational Standards.  Recent industry work experience helps ensure a candidate can apply and perform the complete scope of skills as outlined in the standards in a practical setting. An industry committee defined the experience requirement for certified Travel Manager as a total of 5 years of related industry experience, e.g., travel trade, sales, with a minimum of 2 years of proven supervisory/managerial experience.

Details must include employment references and current contact information.  Candidates must supply acceptable records as proof that this requirement has been met.  Back up records that support the work experience claim include: pay slips / Record of Employment / letters of employment or copy of ACTA/IATA ID card.

B. Performance Checklist

This self assessment is a checklist of skills  that you review that identifies how well you perform certain tasks that are not as easily observed in a workplace evaluation or on a multiple choice exam.

C. Performance Evaluation

Candidates select two of the following eight case studies to complete in a take home format for a maximum of three (3) months.

To be successful, candidates must PASS BOTH case studies.

Once completed case study assignments are received they will be sent to an independent evaluator for marking.  Results will be mailed to the candidate within 4-6 weeks of CITC receiving the completed case study assignments.

Certification Preparation

To help Certified Travel Manager candidates prepare for success on the Knowledge Exam and Performance Evaluations ACTA offers regular webinar sessions.  Webinars will be held throughout the year, please contact ACTA for upcoming dates.

Each webinar session will last approximately one hour between 2 - 3 pm EST and content will include:

• Certification process  
• Knowledge Exam Format
• Get the most from the National Occupational Standards
• Time Management
• Multiple choice exam strategies
• Sample questions       
• Performance Evaluation Case Study Format
• Work Experience

ENROLLMENT REGISTRATION

CTM Enrollment Registration Form

KNOWLEDGE EXAM REGISTRATION

CTM Knowledge Exam Registration Form

WORKBOOK

The Study Guide to certification outlines the skills in the occupational standard. You may use the guide to identify areas you may not have been exposed to and attempt to gain more knowledge and/or experience in those areas.

• $45.00 + shipping and handling+ GST or HST

FAQ on Certification for Travel Managers

Questions and Answers