Travel Agent Qualifications

As with every job, there are some qualifications that travel agents need to start working. However, unlike many other professions, becoming a qualified travel agent is not a long or difficult process. The basic qualifications to be a travel agent are a high school diploma and successful completion of a travel agent training program. These programs are offered in different formats, with the two most common being an online program and a certificate through a community college. Online programs are most often self study, go at your own pace courses; students read assigned material and do research on given topics, submit their assignments, and receive feedback from their instructor. At the end of the course, a test is given, and those who pass receive their certificate.

Courses at a community or technical college may be more structured, with set lesson times and in class assignments. In the end, the certificate you receive is the same. If you want to work for a travel agency, or if you want to work in a specific area of tourism, there may be additional qualifications. Those who want to work in foreign travel, for example, may need to speak a foreign language to be qualified. And to maintain your travel agent qualifications, it may be necessary to take continuing education courses, or at the very least read about the latest travel news. Many aspects of travel change constantly, including laws regarding visas and taking goods out of countries, travel related health concerns, and changing regulations about airplanes and ships. A qualified travel agent will be current on all such topics.

Related Information

How to Become a Work from Home Travel Agent
Probably the most common choice of how to become a work from home travel agent is an online training course.

Travel Agent Job Requirements
Travel agent job requirements may vary if you want to work for a travel agency.