Education · 1 of 4

The path

Short training, then an exam in some provinces, then years of building a client list.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Geography, a second language and any retail or service job. Travelling yourself helps, but is not required.

2. 2

   Travel and tourism program, optional

   1 to 2 years

   A 1 or 2 year college certificate or diploma. Some agencies hire without it and train you, especially in call centre roles.

3. 3

   Provincial exam if you are in Ontario

   Weeks

   Pass the travel counsellor exam set by the Travel Industry Council of Ontario within your first 30 days of selling travel.

4. 4

   Work at a registered agency

   1 to 3 years

   You learn the booking systems, the suppliers and the fine print on cancellation rules.

5. 5

   Specialize

   Year 2 onward

   Cruises, corporate travel, weddings, adventure, a region you know well. Specialists earn more than generalists.