TICO Updates Certification Program for Travel Advisors and Agency Managers

The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) announced the launch of a new certification program and exam for individuals seeking to become travel counsellors or agency supervisors and managers.

The updated program replaces TICO’s previous static study manual with an interactive, online learning platform designed to reflect current best practices in adult e-learning. The new format is intended to improve accessibility and comprehension, particularly around how Ontario’s travel consumer protection regulations apply in practical, real-world scenarios.

“The new TICO Certification Program puts the learner experience front and centre,” said TICO CEO Richard Smart.

“It’s been designed to be more interactive, easier to navigate, and focused on helping learners understand how Ontario’s travel consumer protection regulations apply in real-world client situations.”

 

According to TICO, the revised certification is aimed at individuals entering the travel industry, as well as those preparing to take on supervisory or management roles within registered travel agencies.

TICO noted that individuals who are already certified will not be subject to any new fees or additional requirements under the updated program. Additional details related to Supervisor and Manager Certification are available through TICO’s published FAQs.

About the new Certification Program and exam:

Features:

• The new Certification Program is a modernized, bilingual, accessible, secure and fully interactive online education program, delivered in collaboration with a leading-edge adult education provider.

• 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 focuses on having learners apply the program’s regulatory and consumer protection content, enhancing regulatory knowledge and professionalism.

• The program features enhanced security tools leveraging emerging technologies.

Single exam:

• Instead of having two levels like the previous program (Travel Counsellor and Supervisor/Manager), the new TICO Certification Program features a single consolidated exam.

• 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. The goal is to make the learning experience easier to follow and more relevant for today’s travel industry and travel professionals.

• The updated program covers key areas such as registration, consumer complaint handling, compliance and enforcement, record keeping and other regulatory responsibilities, giving every new learner a comprehensive but approachable understanding of Ontario’s consumer protection laws as they relate to both the individual and the travel seller business.

• The exam content has been carefully designed to eliminate complex legal jargon, using clear, everyday language to help learners easily understand the practical application of Ontario’s consumer protection laws.

More information:

• About the TICO Certification Program
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Visit the TICO Certification Program website

Questions?

Contact [email protected] or call 1-888-451-TICO (8426).

For customer support for the new TICO Certification Program:

Please contact Oliver’s at [email protected] or call 1-800-238-0377.

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