Securing online travel agent certification course allows you to specialize in certain types of travel, like business, leisure or international travel. Additional certification courses for travel agents comes in handy since the best travel agents are knowledgeable about their client's travel modes and destinations, and familiar with the reservation process. Certification courses for travel agents can provide them with the tools necessary to coordinate clients' destination transportation, car rentals, lodging and admission to popular tourist attractions.

Travel agents can obtain certification through self-study programs online. The educational requirements to become a travel agent include a high school diploma, or equivalent, computer courses and vocational training. When searching for the right certification course for travel agents, you should:

1. Inquire about airline travel certification for travel agents to better assist clients who fly regularly.

2. Consider hospitality industry certification courses for travel agents so you have knowledge about lodging and hotel accommodations to offer travelers.

3. Become educated about cruise line certification for travel agents to expand your client base.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose an online airline travel certification course

Accredited travel agents can accept payments for airline travel from their customers on behalf of the airlines issuing the tickets. Customers must be able to rely on travel agents to secure their flights, and the airlines must have confidence that the tickets will be issued according to their standards, and that payments will arrive within a reasonable time period.

I recommend: CourseCatalog.com provides travel agents with a comprehensive air certification program that provides crucial information about ticket reservations, fares and how to use the Sabre computer reservation system. Distance-Education.org's airline certificate program equips travel agents with the necessary skills to secure tickets and book reservations.

Get travel agent certification in the hospitality industry to raise your level of service

Certification courses are available for travel agents seeking experience in the hospitality industry. These agents use their knowledge and experience to help clients search through available options to find the best lodging choice that fits their tastes and budget. Certified agents can also earn commission points when booking hotel reservations.

I recommend: TrainingClasses.com lists a variety of travel and hospitality programs that provide certification for travel agents in tourism, entertainment and hospitality. Ashworth University's provides an intensive online travel agent certification program that explains the process of booking hotel and resort reservations.

Obtain a travel agent certification for booking cruise destinations to expand your client base.

Online travel certification courses provide travel agency certification in cruise line travel. Cruise line travel is quite popular. Knowing how to assist travelers seeking a cruise vacation can potentially increase profits. Travel agents who frequently book passengers on certain cruise lines may even get a monetary bonus for each person they book on a cruise.

I recommend: Active Online Courses provides certification for travel agencies so they can help travelers make cruise and other travel plans. Travel Agent Academy prepares travel agents to become Baltic Cruise Specialists, teaching them all about the popular tourist attractions of the Baltic region.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for certification classes for travel agents that teach foreign language skill. Learning another language allows you to work with people in other countries, which widens your customer base.