The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) will launch a new, enhanced Certification Program and exam for aspiring Travel Counsellors and agency Supervisors/Managers on January 5, 2026.
The program will replace the existing study manual with a fully interactive online education system, designed to reflect best practices in adult learning and e-learning delivery.
TICO says the new format moves away from memorization and focuses on the practical application of consumer protection laws and regulatory content.
“The new Certification Program is a modernized, bilingual, accessible and fully interactive online education program, delivered in collaboration with a leading-edge adult education provider,” TICO said in its announcement.
“The enhanced program reflects best practices in adult learning and e-learning delivery, moving away from memorization. This includes interactive modules, practice materials and questions, reference tools and a user-friendly platform.”
The new program will introduce a single consolidated exam, replacing the current two-tier system for Travel Counsellor and Supervisor/Manager levels. According to TICO, this new structure has been “restructured, streamlined and made more straightforward,” offering learners a comprehensive understanding of Ontario’s consumer protection laws, including topics such as complaint handling, compliance, and record keeping.
As part of the change, exam fees will also increase. The new single “Combination Exam” will cost $150, up from the current $50. The re-write fee will also rise from $24 to $50. Individuals already certified will not be subject to any new fees or requirements.
Individuals can register and pay for the existing exams until January 4, 2026, and will have six months to complete their exams under the current format. Re-writes under the old system will be available until December 31, 2026.
For those already certified as Travel Counsellors who wish to obtain the Supervisor/Manager designation, the existing exam will remain available for $35 until January 4, 2026.
Starting January 5, 2026, anyone seeking certification at either level will be required to complete the new single exam at the new rate.
TICO said the changes are intended to ensure the program remains financially sustainable and reflects the true cost of delivery and maintenance.
“With the launch of the new, modernized education program, TICO is updating the exam fees to reflect its commitment to quality, cost recovery and future enhancements,” the organization said. “This is not simply a fee change but the introduction of a modernized and innovative educational program to meet the needs of an increasingly more challenging and complex travel environment.”
More details, including FAQs and a summary of consultation feedback, are available on TICO’s website.
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