Trade Schools
Get on board with your career as a travel agent.
The pathway to becoming a travel agent is dotted with certifications and board exams.
Here is where you put your knowledge to the test to gain opportunities as a travel agent.
You can also go to college to become a travel agent.
Learn more about what it costs to become a travel agent in the US.
What is the Cost to Become a Travel Agent?
As you decide the most economical way to train as a travel agent, the type of school and program you select will make all the difference.
You can attend a two- or four-year university with hospitality and cultural geography courses.
This level of training leads to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, which is best for professionals hoping to own or operate a travel agency one day.
The average cost of a degree varies, but most school programs will cost at least $10,000 per academic year.
Vocational schools are the most affordable way to learn everything necessary to work as a travel agent.
Here, you can save money by choosing a hands-on program that is less academic than the degree route.
A vocational or trade school has academic programs for students less inclined to learn math or reading and more interested in getting certified as a travel agent.
When you choose this pathway, expect to spend a maximum of $10,000 for the entire program.
How Much Does School Cost for Travel Agents?
As you pursue an education as a travel agent, the total cost of your training will vary.
In general, you will be expected to cover the following expenses:
- Tuition and matriculation fees
- Technology fees
- Personal computer, printer, etc., for studying
- Transportation and parking
- Materials and books
- Certification board exams
Private colleges are more expensive, and it is harder to obtain financial aid than public universities.
In addition, community colleges can be more affordable for students training to be travel agents.
Here, you have a two-year degree route and professional certificates that students can obtain.
Learn all there is to know about being a travel agent, working in tourism, and having a job in the hospitality industry.
The average cost of a college degree in a travel tourism subject area is between $10,000 and $40,000.
This depends on the school, state, and program.
However, the longer and more extensive the training program, the more you can expect to pay.
Online training and certification prep for travel agents, such as with Penn Foster, can save you both time and money.
You can study online in your own time and learn everything you need to be a successful travel agent.
In addition, the Penn Foster Career School is approximately $550 total for a nine-month training course as a travel agent.
Do I Need to Buy Materials or Tools as a Travel Agent?
You will need to acquire a few materials or tools to be a travel agent.
The main focus is the certification exams you must sit for and pass, which are done electronically or in person.
You will want to invest in study materials geared toward the certification exams for travel agents.
A personal computer and smartphone will be necessary for both school and work in the field.
These technology-based items will cost travel agents anywhere from $200 to $1,000 annually.
Average Timeline for Becoming a Travel Agent
You can become a travel agent in no time since certification exams are not required for employment.
However, to gain the experience and skills to show you have talent in the industry, you will want to pass at least one certification exam as a travel agent.
Places that offer certification exams include:
- The Travel Institute
- International Air Transportation Association (IATA)
In addition, you can sit for the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) board examination.
To study and take these exams will require a few months of preparation.
The time frame is longer if you plan to go to college or train to be a travel agent in an online program.
Expect to spend a year to four years in a diploma or degree program.
You will also need to continue certifications as you progress as a travel agent.
Certifications and exams are lifelong aspects of being a travel agent.
You must maintain certifications each year.
In addition, there are professional memberships to related travel organizations for travel agents.
Key Takeaways
You do not have to go to college to become a travel agent, but this is one pathway to a career in this industry.
Materials are relatively cheap for someone who wants to train as a travel agent.
While certifications are not required for travel agents, these exams can help bolster your resume and increase your employment potential.
Becoming a travel agent ranges from $550 to $40,000, depending on the school and program you pursue.
Online schools are cheaper in comparison to traditional colleges for travel agents.
