HOME
CONTACT US

What is the purpose of the examination?
Until now there has been no examination that recognises the professional qualifications of one who is already an experienced Tour Manager. The purpose of the CTM examination is to assess a Tour Manager’s knowledge, skills and working practices, and to certify that he or she has reached a high level of competence.

Who can sit the examination?
To sit the CTM examination you must be an Active (Tour Manager) member of IATM. Those who pass the examination become IATM Certified Tour Managers and may use the letters CTM after their names. It is important to note that this is NOT an examination for those who wish to become Tour Managers. Those wishing to enter the profession should enquire of their local Travel Industry authorities or write directly to Tour Operators.

Who certifies the qualification?
CTM examinations are held under the auspices of the Netherlands Institute of Tourism and Transport (NHTV) in Breda, The Netherlands. This is currently the only college teaching a syllabus approved by the Board of IATM. It is very important that the examination be of a high standard and that the qualification gained be regarded as a high and worthy one. Hence, the importance of the involvement of a Tertiary Educational College along with other experts involved with the daily work of Tour Managers.

Will it help me get work?
It may do. A leading hirer of Tour Managers has stated that faced choosing between two unknown Tour Managers, one having passed the CTM would be favoured as having shown a commitment to their profession.

Is it compulsory?
No. It is not intended to be a compulsory scheme but will be totally free for existing IATM Tour Managers to elect to sit for the examination, or not, as they wish. From the point of view of the Tour Operator, this will not in any way impinge on their right to choose whomsoever they wish to conduct tours. However, we do plan to make certification a desirable state for members of IATM to achieve. This will, we feel, not only raise their standing in the industry generally, but also give them a measure of self-esteem and a sense of achievement to be recognised by their professional colleagues and employers. It is possible that with your support, this certification will become the standard for the whole profession.

I am interested. What do I do next?
Tour Managers who wish to sit the examination can begin to study and prepare now by obtaining a copy of the CTM Study Manual from the IATM Central Office. The Manual costs £20 (£25 outside Europe), including postage.

How much will the examination cost?
There is a fee of £180 to sit the examination, but those who have already purchased the CTM Study Manual will receive a deduction of £20.

What form does the examination take?
The examination is in two parts:

1. A written examination…(multiple choice questions)
2. An oral examination before a panel made up of representatives of:
   1. The teaching staff of Breda College;
   2. Management of a coach operator;
   3. Tour Operators;
   4. Board of IATM;

Content © 2004 International Association of Tour Managers Ltd.