ASTA Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) Certification Program

ASTA's Verified Travel Advisor® (VTA) Certification Program enhances expert skills, provides unmatched training, and visibly reinforces the travel advisor's value for consumers and the travel industry. There are several kinds of industry certifications out there. Still, this unique nine-course program provides expertise and education only the American Society of Travel Advisors (the world's largest association of travel professionals) can provide.

The VTA program draws from ASTA's in-house experts and outside industry expertise. Composed of nine core courses that include a manual, online video and exam, these self-paced modules take approximately 1 to 3 hours to complete.

For more information on the courses, visit here.

After successfully passing each course exam, you will receive a certificate of completion. After you've passed all nine courses, you will be awarded an ASTA Verified Travel Advisor certificate. You will be granted permission to use the designation VTA. To maintain your designation, you will then need to recertify every two years.  


 

VTA certification course requirements:

  1. Advanced Public Speaking
  2. Agency Relationships and the Law
  3. Ethics for Travel Advisors
  4. Legal Overview for the Travel Agency Industry
  5. Marketing YOU! Promoting your Value
  6. Project Management and Planning for the Travel Advisor
  7. Real World Sales Tactics for the Experience Travel Advisor
  8. The Art and Science of Negotiation
  9. U.S. Travel Agency Regulatory Compliance 3rd Edition

Recertification requirements include either two additional courses or one course and participation in ASTA Operational Excellence through Benchmarking program.
VTA recertification takes place every two years after original enrollment.

Program benefits 

  • Achieve an exclusive level of trust and integrity 
  • Gain a competitive advantage and unique knowledge and expertise
  • Build a better business
  • Featured promotion on ASTA.org, Travelsense.org and at industry events 

Who can enroll?

Any travel advisor that meets the membership criteria to join ASTA, anywhere in the world, can enroll in the Verified Travel Advisor program.  

If a travel advisor is not a current member of ASTA, the Verified Travel Advisor enrollment fee includes a one-year membership in ASTA. We recommend you join ASTA prior to enrolling in the program. While the coursework will be open to all, the Verified Travel Advisor designation requires membership in ASTA.

How much does it cost?

$399 ASTA Member 
$627 Non-Member Independent Travel Advisor 
   (includes ASTA membership for one year)
$789 Non-Member Travel Advisor 
   (includes ASTA agency membership for one year)

$179 for Verified Travel Advisor Recertification - Continuing Education (ASTA membership is required)
 

How long does it take?

You must complete the nine courses within 12 months of enrolling in the certification program.
For recertification you must complete two requirements within 12 months of enrollment.