Dreaming of becoming a travel agent?
If you enjoy traveling and helping others have a great time, this might be the career for you.
You’ll need to have great people skills, be detail-oriented, and be highly organized.
Let’s take a look at what you should know about travel agent licensing.
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Do You Need a License to be a Travel Agent?
There’s no simple one-size-fits-all answer to this.
There are no set nationwide rules or requirements when it comes to becoming a travel agent.
While this has its benefits, it also has its drawbacks.
Deciding how to get started can be confusing.
Luckily, we’ll take a look at the details, so you can decide if getting a travel agent license is worth it for you.
States That Require a Travel Agent License
There are currently four states that require you to be licensed as a travel agent.
If you live in or plan to work with residents of California, Florida, Hawaii, or Washington State, you’ll need to get licensed with these states.
Other State Licensing Requirements
Many other states have some type of requirement.
For example, Delaware requires you to have an occupational license, and Louisiana requires a license for physical travel agent offices.
These licenses are basically business licenses, and they don’t require you to show that you have travel agent skills.
Independent vs. Franchise vs. Host Agency
You have a few options when becoming a travel agent.
Being an independent travel agent means that you own your own business, and aren’t affiliated with any type of agency.
This means you’ll need to get any licenses or certifications you need yourself.
If you choose a franchise, you’ll pay a fee monthly or yearly to the franchise.
You’ll get a recognizable brand and a basic business model.
You’ll keep all the commission you earn.
Some franchises require you to get your own certification, while others allow you to use the franchise’s credentials.
Host Agencies provide a little more freedom.
You will be an independent travel agent.
You’ll create your own brand and business model.
Host agencies typically provide marketing materials and access to booking platforms.
They also allow you to use their credentials, instead of getting them on your own.
Host agencies typically charge a percentage of your commissions for their service.
Types of Travel Agent Training and Licenses
There are many schools that provide training and licenses for travel agents and many online programs to choose from.
These include the Travel Institute and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
The Travel Institute
The Travel Institute offers several certifications for travel agents.
The first certification you can earn is the CTA or Certified Travel Agent.
You’ll need to complete the training program to be eligible for this certification.
To enroll in the program, you’ll need at least one year of experience in the industry.
You can also take the Travel Agent Proficiency test.
If you pass with a grade of 80 or better, you can forgo the experience requirement.
Once you complete the course, you’ll need to pass the CTA exam with a grade of 70 or better to get certified.
You’ll learn a variety of business skills, including customer-focused selling and business writing skills.
You’ll also gain practical skills, including selling escorted vacations and planning itineraries.
The program is self-paced, and you have 12 months to complete it.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
The Cruise Lines International Association offers the CCC certification
If you plan to focus on cruises, this is the certification to consider.
Once you begin the certification process, you have 18 months to complete the training and get your certification.
You’ll learn cruising, successful qualifying, and power selling skills.
You are also required to attend a live or virtual ship inspection and go on a cruise yourself.
Travel Agent Credentials
There are a few credentials that are important to travel agents.
These include IATA (International Air Transport Association), CLIA (Cruise Line International Association), and TRUE (Travel Retailer Universal Enumeration).
If you work with an agency, they may provide these for you.
If you are an independent agent, you’ll need to get them on your own.
Benefits of Having a Travel Agent License
There are several benefits of having a travel agent license if you plan on being a travel agent.
These include completing a training program, credibility, and being able to sell in key states.
Completing a Training Program
The first is that licensing typically requires completing a training program.
This may seem like a disadvantage, but it can be considered a benefit.
The training program will give you the knowledge you need to succeed in the industry, and usually, it doesn’t take a long time.
Even if you are already working as a travel agent, you are likely to learn things that will help you in your career.
Credibility
Getting a travel agent license also gives you credibility.
Customers will know that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to give them a great vacation.
This will help to make you successful as a travel agent.
Ability to Sell in Key States
As we’ve discussed, some states require you to be licensed to operate in their state.
If you plan to sell vacations in these states, you’ll need to be licensed.
Licensing is typically fairly straightforward and requires you to pay a fee of $350 to $400.
Of course, requirements can vary based on the state.
Access to Networks and Discounts
Some certifications allow you to be part of a network that can provide support or exclusive discounts.
This can help you earn more money, and streamline the booking process.
Is It Worth Getting a Travel Agent License?
Getting a travel agent license can help you in your career.
There are several career options for travel agents.
If you want to join a host agency or a franchise, licensing isn’t necessarily required.
However, given the benefits it provides, it’s worth the effort and expense required.
If you plan to be an independent agent, it’s nearly impossible to get started without some type of certification or licensing.
Customers are unlikely to choose an agent with no agency or credentials to show they know what they are doing.
You’ll also have to be licensed if you plan to work or sell in the states that require licensing.
Since Florida, California, and Hawaii are popular vacation destinations, it’s worth pursuing licensing in these states.
However, if you work with a host agency, you may not need to be licensed in these states.
