Travel Goods Association

The Travel Goods Specialist Certificate Program

An exciting new training program for retailers available only through the Travel Goods Association!

Any retailer serious about being an expert in travel goods will take advantage of this important member benefit! (Manufacturer and sales rep members are also eligible for this training by request.)

WHAT is a Certified Travel Goods Specialist?

The Travel Goods Association is offering its retail members the opportunity to make their business stand out in the marketplace — by training sales associates to be knowledgeable about different types of travelers and what products and information will meet their needs.

Nowhere else can your sales associates receive the training and education that will earn them the title of Certified Travel Goods Specialist. Associates will learn:

Types and styles of travel and destinations, and the implications for selecting appropriate travel products
Luggage and leather goods materials and construction
Travel security and regulations

WHEN was the program created?

In 2008 a group of eight travel goods industry "subject matter experts" worked with Castle Worldwide, a leader in the development of certification and testing solutions, to create a Travel Goods Specialist Certificate Program for travel goods industry retail and sales associates. The program was updated January 2010 and will continue to be updated as industry information changes. Specialists have continual access to all content within the course, including updated content, after passing.

It's quick — it's easy — and IT'S ONLINE!

Here's how it works: a sales associate can sign up for the program through the TGA website, pay with a credit card and receive a unique username and password. Users will be able to proceed at their own pace, with 24-hour access from any computer with Internet access.

After completing each of the three training modules in the program, trainees will take a test for that module and move on to the next. It's easy, convenient and fits into anyone's schedule.

Trainees will receive a certificate and the right to be referred to as a Certified Travel Goods Specialist after they have successfully passed the final Post Test. They'll also receive a Certified Travel Goods Specialist name tag identifying their expertise to customers, and a decal to display in their store window. A list of all Certified Travel Goods Specialists will be posted on the TGA website.

HOW much does it cost?

*50% off before September 30, 2010
TGA Members: $50 per person (regularly $100)
Non-Members: $75 per person (regularly $150)

After September 30, 2010:
TGA Members: $100 per person
Non-Members: $150 per person

Group Pricing Discount:
If you sign-up five or more employees, you will receive a 20% group pricing discount.

WHAT are you waiting for?

Get started, or contact Cathy Trecartin at cttga@aol.com, 877-842-1938, x-702.