On Jan. 5, 2026, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario is launching a new, enhanced Certification Program and exam for individuals aspiring to become Travel Counsellors and agency Supervisors/Managers. The interactive online education program will replace the existing static study manual with a new fee structure.
Noting that it took account of stakeholder input in designing the process, TICO has announced that as of Jan. 5, the following fee changes – which only apply to individuals writing their TICO Certification exam, and do not apply to those previously certified – will take place:
- 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, 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, will complete the new Certification Program and exam at the new rate of $150.
About the new Certification Program and exam:
Features:
- The new Certification Program is a modernized, bilingual, accessible and fully interactive online education program, delivered in collaboration with a leading-edge adult education provider.
- The enhanced program reflects best practices in adult learning and e-learning delivery, moving away from memorization. This includes interactive modules, practice materials and questions, reference tools and a user-friendly platform.
- The new program focuses on having learners apply the program’s regulatory and consumer protection content, enhancing regulatory knowledge and professionalism.
- The program features enhanced security tools leveraging emerging technologies.
Single exam:
- Instead of having two levels like the existing program (Travel Counsellor and Supervisor/Manager), the new TICO Certification Program features a single consolidated exam.
- It’s not just a matter of merging two existing programs into one, the TICO Certification Program has been restructured, streamlined and made more straightforward. The goal is to make the learning experience easier to follow and more relevant for today’s travel industry and travel professionals.
- The updated program covers key areas such as consumer complaint handling, compliance and enforcement, record keeping and other regulatory responsibilities, giving every new learner a comprehensive but approachable understanding of Ontario’s consumer protection laws as they relate to both the individual and the travel seller business.
- The exam content has been carefully designed to eliminate complex legal jargon, using clear, everyday language to help learners easily understand the practical application of Ontario’s consumer protection laws.
Why is TICO raising fees?
TICO says that it is not simply a fee change but the introduction of a modernized and innovative educational program to meet the needs of an increasingly more challenging and complex travel environment.
It adds, the fees to obtain TICO Certification have not changed since the program launched in 2009, 16 years ago and during that time only has made incremental enhancements to the Certification Program without adjusting fees.
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.
What if I want to complete my Supervisor/Manager Certification?
For individuals who are already Certified as a Travel Counsellor but are looking to complete the Supervisor/Manager designation, you 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 Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Payment must be made within six months at Oliver’s Learning.
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, you will need to complete the single exam at a cost of $150 to become TICO Certified as a Supervisor/Manager.
For more information about the new Certification Program, go to TICO’s website or click HERE.
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