Written by AI from public information on 2026-10-26. Fees and rules change and vary by province — confirm with the official body before relying on anything here.
Typical cost
about CA$500 to CA$1,500
an estimate in Canadian dollars
Time to earn it
about 2 to 4 months
Issued by Travel Industry Council of Ontario
Required to start: Selling travel in Ontario needs TICO certification.
About
TICO is the body that regulates the travel industry in Ontario. It sets the rules that travel sellers must follow. It also protects people who buy travel from travel businesses in the province.
A travel counsellor helps customers plan and book trips. This can include flights, hotels, cruises, and tours. In Ontario, you cannot do this work for the public without the right certification. Most people earn it to work as a travel agent.
How to get it
Learn the basics
Study the rules and standards that apply to selling travel in Ontario. Many people take a short course through a college or a travel training provider.
Find a travel business
In Ontario, you work under a registered travel business. Many new counsellors line up a job or placement before they finish their training.
Complete the training and exam
Finish the required study and pass the written exam. The exam checks that you understand the rules and your duties to customers.
Apply for certification
Send your application and any required documents to TICO. Pay the fees and wait for your approval.
Start working as a travel counsellor
Once you are certified, you can sell travel in Ontario. Keep your records and follow the rules in your daily work.
The exam
There is a written exam. It covers the laws and standards that apply to selling travel in Ontario. It also tests how well you understand your duties to customers. Most people study for a few weeks before they sit it.
Licensed by each province
Each province and territory issues this itself, under its own rules. For example — Ontario: Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO). This certification only applies in Ontario. Other provinces and territories have their own rules for selling travel. Some have different licences, and some have different requirements. If you plan to work outside Ontario, check what applies in that province. British Columbia, for example, has its own rules.
Careers that mention it
No Canadian career on the site names this yet.
Keeping it
Your certification must be kept up to date. You will need to renew it on a regular schedule and follow TICO's rules. If you let it lapse, you may not be allowed to sell travel until it is renewed. Check with TICO for the current renewal steps.