How to Get a CLIA
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is an organization for travel agents that provides training, membership and certification to earn the required credits and credentials needed in the travel industry. It also has a regulatory body that "fosters a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment," as stated on the website. Travel agents or aspiring travel professionals can get membership and certification from CLIA to become competitive and current in the industry. There are different levels of CLIA certification, in ascending order: Accredited Cruise Counsellor, Master Cruise Counsellor, Elite Cruise Counsellor.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Computer with Internet access
- Information about affiliation with a CLIA member travel agency
- CLIA membership
Instructions
-
-
1
Affiliate with a CLIA-member travel agency. This is an important prerequisite before you can enroll in a CLIA training program. You can affiliate with a CLIA-member travel agency by obtaining employment within the travel agency or partnering with a CLIA-member travel agency as an independent travel agent. Once you are part of a CLIA-member travel agency, you can then work towards CLIA certification.
-
2
Become a member. CLIA membership is recognized by cruise lines and travel suppliers. A membership will not only help you obtain resources to complement your training, the network also help you build your business by inviting you to events to network with fellow travel professionals and cruise industry leaders.
-
-
3
Complete the mandatory training for 30 credits. The mandatory training requires you to complete 30 credits of instruction, including two classroom or online classes and exams. Each class with exam provides 15 credits. Alternatively, you can opt to complete the "Cruising---A Guide to the Cruise Industry" textbook and exam.
-
4
Complete a combination of elective training for 50 credits. These can comprise a mix of training seminars, exams, video, conferences and books. The list is on the CLIA website, and you can mix and match from the list to meet this requirement. You must also complete a product knowledge training for 20 credits if you are affiliated with a CLIA-member cruise line.
-
5
Determine if you need any additional training after getting your Accredited Cruise Counsellor certification. You may want to finish the first level first, then work your way to getting the ultimate certification, Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar. Each certification is designed for you to develop your sales and marketing techniques. Getting a higher certification also gives you industry recognition, as well as promotions and referrals from CLIA partner companies.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit cruise ship image by Roy from Fotolia.com
