TAKE THE CTA TEST

Q: Who can take the CTA Test?
A: Any travel professional can take the CTA test. However, you need 18 months of work experience in the industry to earn the certification.

Q: How Do I Choose a Proctor?
A: The proctor may be a CTC or CTA or any other professional person not related to you. Contact one of The Travel Institute's educational advisors at 800-542-4282 if you need assistance finding a proctor.

Q: Is there any help available in preparing for the CTA Test?
A: Remember, because no course materials are included with the CTA test only, you will be relying on your industry experience to pass the test. However, you may purchase any individual CTA modules to help you study Click here for TIPS on how to prepare for the test.

Q: Once I pass the test, am I then a CTA?
A: You are a CTA after you pass the CTA test and have 18 months of industry experience.

Q: What is the format of the test?
A: The test requires you to demonstrate an understanding of key concepts in four skill areas: Sales, Service, Geography, and Communication. There are 40 multiple-choice questions, worth one point each and 4 short essay questions worth 15 points each.

Q: Can you give me some samples of multiple choice questions?
A: Yes, the following are sample multiple-choice questions that represent questions you might expect on the test: (The letter and sentence in bold type is the answer to each question.)

Offering extra products and services beyond the core product is known as:
a. Cross-selling
b. Manipulating
c. Power selling
d. Consultative selling

What need is at the top of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs? (The peak or top of the pyramid.)
a. Safety
b. Esteem
c. Belonging
d. Self-Actualization

The accuracy of information offered over the Internet is controlled by:
a. The Federal government
b. Microsoft
c. Nobody
d. State and local governments

Where does the bullet train operate?
a. Malaysia
b. China
c. Japan
d. South Africa

Q: Can you give me a sample of an essay question?
A: Yes. Here's an example of a typical question from the Travel Industry skill area.

Your ability to manage stress and time on the job affects your workplace professionalism. Describe five strategies you use to manage stress and/or time at work.

Using one or more of the strategies you described, give a detailed example of a situation when your effective time or stress management resulted in a positive outcome.

Q: What constitutes a passing grade?
A: 70 is the minimum passing grade. The Travel Institute doesn't grade on a curve, in which some people pass and some people fail. Every test is evaluated on its own merits.

Q: What else should I know about the CTA Test?
A: Your proctor is responsible for ensuring that you complete the test within two hours and that you do not violate the honor code. It is a closed book test. Any books or notes will need to be placed out of sight.

Q: How is the test returned to The Travel Institute for grading?
A: We strongly recommend that you take the CTA test online. However, if you choose the paper and pencil option, the contents of the test packet sent to your proctor will include instructions for returning the test to The Travel Institute for grading. Your confidential test results will be sent directly to you within two to three weeks.

Good luck!