Introduction

Why select ABTOC?

Which level?

How is it tested?

What mark must I get to pass the exam?

Can I buy anything to help me with the exam?

What does it cost?

Where to study?

Learning Support

Introduction

The ABTA Tour Operators Certificate (ABTOC) is an examination based qualification which has been designed to test the knowledge, understanding and many of the skills which underpin competent performance in a tour operator. ABTOC is available as a 'stand-alone' certificate and corresponds to the knowledge and skills defined within the appropriate units of the N/SVQs for Tour Operations. It also links in with ABTAC, the ABTA Travel Agents Certificate.

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Why Select ABTOC?

Success in ABTOC will also provide evidence for those studying N/SVQ Travel Services (Tour Operations) levels 2 and 3 as it addresses much of the underpinning knowledge required.

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Which level?

Primary

The ABTOC Primary examination covers the knowledge which a competent staff member of a UK based tour operator should have within about one year of starting work. You should be able to accurately identify customers' requirements, sell suitable products and services and complete bookings, including straightforward itineraries.

Advanced

The ABTOC Advanced examination then takes this level forward to encompass the wider range of skills and deeper knowledge required by a staff member of a tour operator with 2+ year's experience. You will have the knowledge and understanding to provide complex holiday itineraries, including individual requirements.

The Primary level examination covers:

• Travel Destinations
• The Travel Industry
• Tour Operators Services:
  Insurance
  Passports and Visas
  Legislation
  Ticketing & Associated Documentation
• The Package Holiday
• Emergencies and Problems

The Advanced level examination covers:

• Travel Destinations
• The Travel Industry
• The package holiday
• Tailor-made Holidays
• On-site Emergencies and Problems
• Tour Operators Responsibilities:
  Legal Responsibilities
  Marketing Responsibilities

How is it tested?

By two examinations at each level. The first (45 minutes) is on Travel Destinations; the second (2 1/4 hours) covers all the other sections. The two papers can be attempted at the same time or on separate occasions.

There are a number of centres which offer ABTOC examinations.

The Alliance of City & Guilds and TTC Training jointly award the ABTOC qualification, and a certificate with both the City & Guilds and ABTA logos is awarded to successful candidates at Pass, Merit or Distinction grades.

ABTOC Primary Examinations take place in March, June and December. ABTOC Advanced Examinations only take place in June. Both levels are held on the same date in June with the Primary in the morning from 0930-1245 and the Advanced in the afternoon from 1400-1715.

Candidates are allowed to bring any reference material for use during all of the above examinations.

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What mark must I get to pass the exam?

Primary and Advanced exams can be passd at 3 levels:

Pass 70-79%
Merit 80-89%
Distinction 90% and above

In addition to this, candidates must achieve a minimum of 50% in each section of the exam paper in order to pass.

Can I buy anything to help me with the exam?

Travel Geography CD-Rom

For those who need a little extra help with their geography, this CD-ROM covers more than 40 European countries and principalities, locations for different types of holiday and world global topics.

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What does it cost?

Prices for ABTOC Primary and ABTOC Advanced, including the examination, are only available from approved centres.

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Where to study?

ABTOC can be undertaken by enrolling with one of City & Guilds/TTC Training's approved partner centres, generally Colleges of Further Education. Full details are available from TTC Training.

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Learning Support

Many colleges use the highly acclaimed 'Explorer' learning modules, which guide candidates towards achieving their qualification. Explorer has been designed in an active learning style, which is easy to follow. Details are available from centres or directly from TTC Training.

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