The idea of becoming a travel advisor is exciting — you get to design unforgettable trips, help people explore the world, and even earn commission doing what you love. But if you’re just starting out, you may be wondering: “Do I really need certification to become a travel agent?”
The short answer: no, certification isn’t required to sell travel in most places. But the long answer is more nuanced. While you don’t legally need certification, many advisors pursue it because of the credibility, training, and recognition it provides. Let’s look at when certification matters, when it doesn’t, and what other options exist to help you succeed.
Unlike professions such as law or medicine, the travel industry does not require a license or certification to operate. In most U.S. states, anyone can sell travel. The main exceptions are California, Florida, and Washington, where businesses must register under Seller of Travel laws before booking trips.
This registration is not the same as certification — it’s more like a business permit. However, understanding what travel agent certification is helps clarify how these credentials fit into the bigger picture. Certifications are voluntary but often valuable, whereas Seller of Travel laws are mandatory for compliance in specific states.
If certification isn’t required, why do thousands of advisors still pursue it? The answer comes down to credibility, skills, and opportunities.
That said, some advisors skip certification entirely and focus on experience-based credibility. They build trust by delivering excellent service, specializing in niches, and relying on host agencies or franchises for training. For many, success comes less from a certificate and more from turning passion into a profitable career — something explored in how to turn your passion for travel into a profitable career.
Certification can give you an advantage, but it’s not the only path to success. Many of today’s top advisors launched without certification and built their business through:
Understanding what travel agent certification involves helps you weigh whether it will speed up your growth or if your focus should be on building a client base first.
Skipping certification makes sense if:
Many advisors prove their expertise through results and reputation rather than formal designations. For clients, a responsive and knowledgeable advisor often matters more than a certification acronym.
On the other hand, certification can be an excellent investment if you:
Programs from respected organizations like The Travel Institute or CLIA can give you a strong foundation and help you stand out. Some advisors even pair certification with franchise opportunities for the best of both worlds — credibility plus business support.
While certification can give you credibility, the reality is that a thriving career in the travel industry also depends on skills, training, and the right business support.
Many advisors start their journey at a travel agency or through a host agency, where they learn the fundamentals of running a travel business. These environments provide access to supplier relationships, marketing tools, and mentorship that fast-track success. Others invest in formal education through training programs or even attend a travel agent school to build a solid foundation.
To operate confidently, advisors also rely on technology. Modern booking systems streamline travel bookings, making it easy to package flights, hotels, and tours together. Combining these tools with strong travel planning skills allows advisors to create customized tour packages and design memorable travel experiences for clients.
Professional growth doesn’t stop there. Specialized designations like Certified Travel Associate (CTA®) or Certified Travel Counselor (CTC®), issued by organizations such as The Travel Institute, help agents build proficiency over time. Advisors who aim for leadership roles may also pursue advanced paths in travel management or expand into international travel to serve global clientele.
For those who prefer niche expertise, destination trainings and supplier-led programs — including opportunities to become a Disney travel agent or a certified expert in specific travel destinations — allow advisors to specialize and attract loyal customers. These trainings not only expand product knowledge but also create opportunities for travel career development and higher commission potential.
Whether you choose certification, hands-on training, or a combination of both, continuous learning is what transforms a new advisor into a certified travel agent that clients trust with their most important journeys.
So, do you really need certification to become a travel agent? No — but it can help.
If you’re confident in your ability to market yourself, learn through experience, and leverage host agency support, you can absolutely build a career without certification. But if you want a faster path to credibility, professional recognition, and structured training, certification is worth considering.
For many aspiring advisors, the best approach is combining both: learning through experience while also earning a credential that opens doors with clients and suppliers.
If you’re ready to build your career on a solid foundation, STAR University by Cruise Planners offers a certification program that goes beyond the classroom. You’ll receive:
Don’t just wonder if certification is right for you — become a certified travel agent today with STAR University and start building the career you’ve been dreaming about.