TICO to launch an enhanced Certification Program: Here’s a sneak peek
Every travel advisor working for a travel agency in Ontario must be TICO Certified to sell travel in the province.
TICO is in the final stages of developing an enhanced Certification Program for new travel advisors. There are no new requirements for individuals who are already Certified.
Here’s a sneak peek of the new TICO Certification Program.
What's changing:
Interactive program
TICO will launch a new, fully interactive online education program, delivered in collaboration with a leading-edge adult education provider.
The enhanced program will feature interactive e-learning modules, practice materials, and a user-friendly platform, moving away from memorization-based learning.
The new program focuses on having learners apply the program’s regulatory and consumer protection content, enhancing regulatory knowledge and professionalism.
Single exam
The new program will feature a single comprehensive exam, replacing the current two-tier exam structure.
It’s not just a matter of merging two existing programs into one, the TICO Certification Program has been restructured, streamlined and made more straightforward.
This new approach ensures that every travel advisor, regardless of their role, gains a more complete understanding of the responsibilities that support regulatory compliance and consumer protection.
The content that is currently in the Supervisor/Manager section of the manual has practical value for everyone, not just those in leadership positions. For instance, it’s vital that all travel advisors understand how the consumer complaints process works, as well as a high-level overview of record keeping.
The goal is to make the learning experience easier to follow and more relevant for today’s travel industry and travel professionals.
Fees and next steps:
Once the new e-learning program launches, the Certification exam fee will need to be adjusted to reflect the cost associated with developing, operating and enhancing the new program.
TICO recently completed an industry consultation about the proposed new fees. More information about proposed fees, what we heard from industry and next steps is shared on the next page.