TORONTO — TICO is launching a new enhanced Certification Program and exam for individuals aspiring to become Travel Counsellors and agency Supervisors/Managers.

In late May, TICO announced a new, fully interactive online education program that will replace its existing static study manual. It also proposed updates to its Certification exam fees, inviting feedback during a month-long consultation process. A summary of the feedback can be viewed here.

Taking into consideration this feedback, TICO has announced the following fee changes, effective Jan. 5, 2026:

These fees only apply to individuals writing their TICO Certification exam. Those who are already certified are not subject to any new fees or requirements.

Individuals can continue to register and pay for the existing exams until Jan. 4, 2026. Those who register and pay on or before Jan. 4, 2026, will have a period of six months to complete their exam under the existing format. Exam re-writes under the old program will continue to be available until Dec. 31, 2026.

Anyone who registers and pays for an exam on or after Jan. 5, 2026, will complete the new Certification Program and exam, at the new rate of $150.

According to TICO, the fee change ensures the Certification Program can be financially sustainable and aligned with the actual cost of delivering, maintaining and enhancing the program going forward. It also notes that the fees to obtain TICO Certification have not changed since the program launched in 2009. During this period, TICO has made incremental enhancements to the program without adjusting fees.

ABOUT THE NEW CERTIFICATION PROGRAM & EXAM

The new Certification Program is a modernized, bilingual, accessible and fully interactive online education program, reflecting best practices in adult learning and e-learning delivery, moving away from memorization. It includes interactive modules, practice materials and questions, reference tools and a user-friendly platform.

The enhanced program focuses on having learners apply the program’s regulatory and consumer protection content, enhancing regulatory knowledge. It also features enhanced security tools that leverage emerging technologies.

Instead of having two levels like the existing program (Travel Counsellor and Supervisor/Manager), the new program now features a single consolidated exam with the goal of making the learning experience easier to follow.

Key topics include consumer complaint handling, compliance and enforcement, record keeping and other regulatory responsibilities. Content has been carefully designed to eliminate complex legal jargon, using clear, everyday language.

For more information about the new Certification Program, click here.

WHAT IF I WANT TO COMPLETE SUPERVISOR/MANAGER CERTIFICATION?

For individuals who are already certified as a Travel Counsellor but are looking to complete the Supervisor/Manager designation, they have the option to complete the existing Supervisor/Manager exam at a cost of $35.

The final date to sign up and pay for the existing Supervisor/Manager exam is Jan. 4, 2026.

They will have six months from the date they pay for the exam to complete it. Visit Oliver’s Learning to register and pay for the exam.

For anyone who signs up and pays for their exam on or after Jan. 5, 2026, there will be one single exam covering both the Travel Counsellor and Supervisor/Manager designations. From Jan. 5, 2026, onwards, they will need to complete the single exam at a cost of $150 to become TICO Certified as a Supervisor/Manager.

More information can be found on TICO’s website.

More information can also be found here: Certification Program website update and Frequently asked questions.