A tourism education council or tourism industry association, delivers Professional Certification in each province and territory. Candidates challenge a written examination and undergo a practical performance evaluation to demonstrate they have the knowledge, ability and expertise as defined in the National Occupational Standards for a given occupation. An experience component is also a pre-requisite for the majority of occupations. Developed by industry for industry, with representative stakeholders from across the country, Professional Certification is available in 30 distinct occupations (English & French) and is supported by Essential Skills (eg: problem solving, decision making, etc.) and workplace-based training. With over 7,000 people certified nationally, and an additional 15,000 registered for Professional Certification, the CTHRC model is a success story in an industry looking for ways to improve labour mobility, attract and retain new workers, and raise the level of professionalism amongst its workforce.

CorporaTel, a leading national Multi-Channel Contact Centre, has certified their Reservations Sales Agents for the last eight years. �The National Occupational Standards and Certification process developed by CTHRC, has been key to the development of our front line staff. The Standards are used daily in coaching and monitoring sessions, as each agent works to obtain Professional Certification. The challenge model of certification, allows us to recognize the professional achievement of our staff, and helps us provide consistently high levels of quality and service. This investment in training and Certification, has also reflected positively on our bottom line,� says Susan Tilley-Russell, Vice President of Tourism for CorporaTel.

About the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC)
The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council serves as a national forum to facilitate human resource development activities, which will support a globally competitive and sustainable Canadian tourism industry. Working with businesses, industry associations, labour, educators, and government, they establish and implement National Occupational Standards, training and Professional Certification for the tourism industry. For more information on the Professional Certification program, and other CTHRC programs, contact your local provincial or territorial tourism education council at 1-800-486-9158.