The Certified Travel Associate (CTA) program teaches front line travel professionals how to close more sales, improve efficiency, expand geography knowledge and fine-tune customer service skills, all while earning widely recognized industry credentials.

The CTA program offers flexible enrollment options allowing candidates to customize the program to meet their individual needs.

To earn the CTA, travel professionals must:
** Possess at least 18 months of full-time industry experience.
** Pass the CTA test.
** Commit to annual certification maintenance to retain their certification.


Register for the CTA program today: (All prices include testing.)

CTA Program Pricing:
Traditional book format: $375 Processing fees are additional.
For a limited time, receive a second copy of the study materials in PDF format on a disc for free.
The disc will be sent under separate cover.

PDF on disc: $295 Processing fees are additional.

Test-only: $225

Members of The Travel Institute save an additional 10% on all the above prices.

Download the CTA Registration Form


The CTA curriculum covers a total of 12 courses. Ten of these are called “Core” courses and are common to every CTA candidate: Business Writing Skills, Customer-Focused Selling, Customer Service, Interpersonal Communication, Professionalism at Work, Selling Special Interest Travel, Touring the World and Understanding Customer Needs. Click here to see the complete course descriptions of the “Core” courses.

The remaining 4 courses are “Elective” courses. This is the way candidates can customize their study to follow their own interests or to best fit into their office’s culture. Candidates choose their electives during the registration process. Click here to see the available courses and their descriptions.


The CTA program can be completed in 3 to 6 months, however, candidates have a full year (12 months) to complete their studies and test. Many students choose to study independent study, but they may also opt to attend a CTA Workshop for a final review and to test. For more information about available CTA Workshops contact Patty Noonan, CTC.

Ready to test? Click here to request your test.


Cancellations/Refunds: CTA candidates wishing to withdraw are entitled to a full refund less a $50 administrative fee provided they send their original study materials in saleable condition along with a written request for withdrawal within 30 days of their enrollment. After 30 days, no refunds will be given.