Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Travel Planners Academy?

  When you take a Travel Planners Academy course or certification, you are choosing the Platinum Standard and the most sought-after Travel Advisor Training & Certification program. Our training is developed by the innovators of the independent home-based travel advisor concept and the host or support travel agency model. We bring 30+ years of experience in training individuals who are new to the business and turning them into experienced travel professionals.

  Our training allows each learner to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become a successful Travel Advisor. Training is based on an industry-standard curriculum. Our travel training is delivered 100% online over one of the most robust learning platforms in the industry, Adobe® Learning Manager, with a Free Adobe® Mobile App to take your training on the go. You’ll find our training to be self-paced, informative, comprehensive, and engaging, utilizing a blended-learning approach with e-textbooks and video training modules (VTM). Instructors are always available throughout your training via phone, Live Chat, and Email. We provide a convenient way for you to become a travel agent from home!

• Is Travel Planners Academy Recognized?

  YES, we are recognized by ASTA – American Society of Travel Advisors as a travel school. We are recognized by The Travel Institute as a travel school. We are recognized by Host/Support travel agencies such as TPI – Travel Planners International, TPI – Travel Professionals International USA, ATA – American Travel Advisors, and others. We are also recognized by many of the travel suppliers throughout the travel industry, including airlines, hotels, resorts, car rentals, tour operators, and cruise lines.

• What are the Certification Details? What is Provisional Certification?

  VALIDITY

  Certifications are valid for 1 year from the date of successfully completing the training.

  PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATION

  Typically, certification requires 1-year experience before being certified. Here at TPA, we designate new to the industry travel advisors to become certified under our provisional certification category.

  Initially, a 6-month provisional certification is awarded upon passing the training. Once the graduate can document at least 6 months of travel industry experience and has earned 10 continuing education units (CEUs), has consistently abided by travel industry ethics standards determined by ASTA, is in good standing with the travel industry, and has agreed to the attestation of ethics/standing, the graduate’s certification will be transferred from provisional status to regular status. If the provisional graduate does not follow the outlined requirements, the certification will expire without notice. To receive re-certification after expiration, a $75 fee will apply. While on provisional status, there are no additional restrictions or limitations of benefits during the 6-month period. The new advisor can perform and receive all the usual tasks and benefits associated with being a regularly certified travel advisor but is under the indirect supervision of seasoned certified travel advisors.

• What is the process to become a Travel Agent from beginning to end?
  If you are new to the industry, we’d like to share with you how this works. Our goal is to train you on what you need to know and help you get set up to become a successful travel agent / advisor from home!

  You decide on the Course / Certification you want to take based on your preferences and goals.
  You will learn this exciting material from the convenience of your home.

  Training is self-paced and a combination of blended online learning with e-textbooks.

  Immediately receive an email with your receipt and a downloadable

  “Welcome Letter” to start your training.

  Your electronic textbook(s) will be emailed to you. They are not needed until after watching the video training.

  Start your training and complete it at your own pace. The average completion time is 3 to 10 days.

  Instructors can be available 24/7 if you need them by LiveChat,

  Email, and via phone during business hours.

  Finish your training and receive your Travel Agent / Advisor certificate of completion.

  After your name on your business cards and your website, you can add your certification credentials (TAC)!

  Your certification credentials will be emailed to you (with a special link to connect you to TPI) and copied to TPI.

  Directly connect with TPI: VOTED #1 HOST SUPPORT TRAVEL AGENCY by ASTA, with 30+ years in business!

  Subscribe via the special link to TPI (from $40 per month for full support and a 24/7 agent portal to make your Travel Reservations). (TPI requires an internet evaluation, an electronic agreement, a credit card for monthly membership fees, up to a $429 setup fee, must be a U.S. citizen or a green card holder, have a U.S. address, have a U.S. bank account, and a social security number to verify your identity.)
  Your home-based Travel Agency opens for business with full support from TPI.

  Get access via TPI to the IATA/ARC/CLIA number(s) to make travel reservations.

  Get access to the exclusive Travel Agent reservations systems to make travel reservations. Easy Point-n-Click systems and Professional GDS systems are available – Sabre, Amadeus, Galileo, and Worldspan.
  Start promoting travel (TPI has a dedicated marketing dept. to assist) and start earning up to 90% commissions.
  Tell everyone you are a Certified Travel Agent / Advisor.
  Work wherever and whenever you want. Make as much money as you want! No restrictions.
  Enjoy travel benefits and discounts.
  The entire process from beginning to end can be finished in a matter of 2 weeks.