Menu
Log in
Forgot password



CERTIFIED TOUR GUIDE TEST

Log in

Are you interested in becoming a CTPA Certified Tour Guide?

If yes, YOU can become a proud CTPA Certified Tour Guide and join the 25% of our members who have achieved this esteemed certification! This credential boosts your marketability, opens up CTPA leadership opportunities, and builds your confidence and competence to improve your tour quality. Most of all, it’s a great way to connect with your peers and learn more about this city that we love and call home!

The committee has simplified the path to becoming a Certified Tour Guide to help you prepare for the exams. You'll have access to optional study sessions, specialized resources, and guest speakers to help you dive deeper into Chicago’s rich history.

All CTPA members, including Associate Members, are invited to join a new cohort preparing for the fall 2025 Certification Tests. To express interest, fill out this quick Google Form and we’ll follow up with details.

--------

The Chicago Tour-Guide Professionals Association (CTPA) Certified Tour Guide Test requires fundamental knowledge of Chicago history, geography, transportation, museums, cultural attractions, landmark buildings, sculpture, neighborhoods and venues of interest to visitors-the kind of information given on a four-hour Chicago city highlights tour.

In order to be eligible to take the test, the applicant must be a current paid-up CTPA member and have experience giving tours. 

In order to take the CTPA Certified Tour Guide Test, each applicant must:

  • Have been an active tour guide in Chicago for a minimum of one year, with all or a portion of their business being in the Chicago area.
  • Have paid CTPA dues for the current year.

--------


The test consists of three parts, which must be taken in order. Once you pass one section, you may take the next section. 

Part I is the Written Test, consisting of multiple choice, true or false, fill-in-the-blank, and matching questions. One must answer 80% of the total points correct to pass. 

Part II is the Slide Identification, consisting of ten slides. One must accurately identify and give detailed, accurate commentary demonstrating best practices for one to two minutes for each slide. A panel of three Certified Tour Guides must agree the commentary provided is a "pass" for 8 of the 10 slides.

Part III is Routing. The guide must correctly give directions between three randomly selected points of the city without consulting a map. The directions must use the streets correctly and be accurate two out of three times. 

--------

FAQ’s 

Who can take the Certification Test?

Any CTPA member, including Associate Members, may take the Certification Test.

Why should you take the Certification Test?

Here are the main reasons to take the test.

  1. Some hiring managers prefer to hire only CTPA Certified Tour Guides and may search the public database to find them. 

  2. You can use “CTG” after your name and mention your certification when job hunting—it helps you stand out and gain respect. 

  3. Only CTPA Certified Guides can serve as President or Vice President. If you want to help lead the organization, start by preparing for the certification exam.

  4. It is a continuous education opportunity that challenges you to learn much more about being a competent tour guide in Chicago. 


What is included in the Certification Test?

The test is a mastery test—not a qualification test. It doesn't qualify you to be a tour guide. The city has no official certification as some other cities do. It simply confirms your knowledge of different topics and neighborhoods that might be covered on a 4-hour motorcoach tour of the city. It’s best if you already have experience giving highlights tours of Chicago. 

The test has three parts, taken in order. You must pass one section before moving on to the next.

  1. An untimed written exam which is multiple choice, fill in the blank, true or false, and matching. 

  2. A live oral slide presentation demonstrating accurate knowledge and using best-practice techniques. 

  3. A routing test accurately showing how to navigate to three randomly chosen landmarks.


Will there be study sessions to help us prepare?

The committee will offer around 12–15 study sessions, with topics chosen by the cohort. While these sessions aren’t required, they can help you prepare for the test and improve your chances of passing. Plus it’s fun to have study partners! 


Why do I need to do the routing test portion when I only do walking tours downtown?

The committee understands that many guides now specialize in walking tours, but they still see value in a vehicle-based routing test. 


Who grades the exams?

A Certified Tour Guide oversees the written exam, scheduled at a convenient time. It’s graded immediately, and you’ll get your score within 24 hours. 

For the oral and routing exams, three CTG proctors are present to ensure fairness because these parts can be more subjective. They review your performance after you finish and give you results within 24 hours.

When will the three sections of the test be given?

Since summer is often a busy time, the committee plans to hold all study sessions and testing in the fall—between September 1 and December 31, 2025.


We hope you’ll find it worth the effort to achieve this elevated tour guide status.  

Committee members: 

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software