Certificates recognised by the TIC and relevant examinations
Holders of the following categories of certificates have to attend the relevant examinations or activities, and meet the application requirements to be eligible to apply to the TIC for the Tourist Guide Pass. There are five categories of certificates recognised by the TIC:
Category I certificate | Issued by |
1. | Certificate of the "Tour Coordinator Certificate Course" | Hong Kong Tourism Board (formerly known as "Hong Kong Tourist Association"), Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) (Chai Wan) (formerly known as "Hong Kong Technical College (Chai Wan)") and Hong Kong Association of Registered Tour Coordinators |
Examination to be attended:
Applicants must pass the TIC's "Knowledge on Hong Kong" written examination* (click here to download the details and enrolment form). *Certificate holders must have at least one year's experience in tour-guiding to be eligible to take the above examination. |
| Category II certificate | Issued by |
2.
3.
| Higher Diploma in Travel and Tourism
Higher Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management | Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) (Chai Wan) (formerly known as "Hong Kong Technical College (Chai Wan)") |
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. | Diploma in Travel and Tourism
Vocational Certificate in Inbound Travel Operations ( course discontinued )
Certificate in Travel and Tourism ( course discontinued )
Certificate in Tourism and Coordination Officer ( course discontinued )
Certificate in Tour Coordination ( course discontinued ) | Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) (Haking Wong) (formerly known as "Haking Wong Technical Institute") |
9. | Certificate of the "Tour Guide and Service Culture" course | Hospitality Industry Training and Development Centre, Vocational Training Council |
Examinations to be attended:
Applicants must pass the TIC's written ("Knowledge on Hong Kong") and practical examinations (click here to download the details and enrolment form). |
| Category III certificate | Issued by |
10. | Certificate of the "Tour Coordinator Training Course" ( course discontinued ) | Hong Kong Tourist Association (now known as "Hong Kong Tourism Board") |
Examination and activity to be attended:Applicants must pass the TIC's written ("Knowledge on Hong Kong") and practical examinations (click here to download the details and enrolment form), and attend an ICAC seminar arranged by the Hong Kong Association of Registered Tour Coordinators. |
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| Category IV certificate | Issued by |
11. | Certificate of the " Pre-service Tourist Guide Training Course " | TIC and relevant training institutions |
Examinations to be attended:
Applicants must pass the TIC's written and practical examinations (candidates should register for the examinations through their training institutions). |
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| Category V certificate | Issued by |
12. | Certificate of the "SUS In-service Tour Guide Training Course" ( course discontinued ) | Skills Upgrading Scheme (SUS) for the Travel Industry and relevant training institutions |
13. | Composite Certificate of the SUS Integrated Tour Guide Training Course, or Testimonial of Studies of the "Tour Guide Training Course" module of the SUS Integrated Tour Guide Training Course ( course discontinued ) | Skills Upgrading Scheme (SUS) for the Travel Industry |
14. | Certificate of the " SUS Tour Guide Training Course (II) " | Skills Upgrading Scheme (SUS) for the Travel Industry and relevant training institutions |
Examination to be attended:
Applicants do not need to take the TIC's examinations. |
Remarks: |
| a) | With effect from 1 January 2005, the TIC will organise the qualifying examinations for holders of recognised certificates (Categories I to III) only twice a year. Candidates may browse the Latest News section of this website or contact the TIC Training Department for the examination dates. |
| b) | Tourist guides who are unable to take the SUS In-service Tour Guide Training Course and sit the relevant examination because of their inability to understand Chinese and English may obtain the Tourist Guide Pass through the " Waiver Programme for Non-English-and-Chinese-Speaking Tourist Guides ". |
For enquiries, please call the TIC Training Department on 2807-1199 during office hours.