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Tourist Guide Licence
Become a licensed tourist guide through our Tourist Guide Training Programme.
Last updated 25 February 2025
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Become a Licensed Tourist Guide
Embark on a dynamic and purposeful career as a tourist guide through the Tourist Guide Training Programme (TGTP) offered by the three Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) – Singapore Chinese Chamber Institute of Business (SCCIOB), Tourism Management Institute of Singapore (TMIS), and William Angliss Institute (WAI).
With the revamped TGTP, become a licensed tourist guide in over a minimum of 120 hours, or just 2 months*. Gain essential guiding skills like independent research, storytelling, and adapting to diverse scenarios, all while creating memorable experiences through visitor engagement.
*Note: The duration will depend on whether it is a full time or part time course, and on the ATO that you choose.
Who needs a licence?
Under the Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963, anyone who provides in-person guiding services to tourists for remuneration requires a valid tourist guide licence.
Licence Requirements
To qualify, candidates must be at least 21 years old and medically fit. All candidates must pass a screening test conducted by an ATO before registering for the course.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Register with your preferred ATO
Start by selecting your preferred ATO and contact them for course details. Research the curriculum and schedule that best suits your needs. All ATOs offer course previews to give you a glimpse of the programme.
ATO and Course Details
ATO | Course Fees (after funding*) | Course Duration | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|---|
Tourism Management Institute of Singapore (TMIS) | S$1,170 – S$1,950 | 129 hours | Contact No.: 6238 8688 |
Singapore Chinese Chamber Institute of Business (SCCIOB) | S$1,125 – S$1,875 | 158.75 hours | Contact No.: 6334 1080 |
William Angliss Institute (WAI) | S$986.40 – S$1,644 | 158 hours | Contact No.: 6637 9855 |
*funding and funding amounts are dependant on eligibility
Step 2: Pass an interview to begin the TG Programme
Once accepted, start your training. Complete the course and pass the assessments to become a licensed tourist guide.
Step 3: Apply for your licence online
After completing your course and passing the assessments, apply for your tourist guide licence on the Travel Agents and Tourist Guides Licensing System (TRUST) to start guiding. Join the Tourist Guide Association/Union to establish your network and stay competitive.
Step 4: Proactively upskill and practice your craft
Stay updated on industry trends and enhance your skills through relevant courses, talks, and site visits. Put your learning to practice by guiding actively, and remember to renew your licence promptly every 3 years.
Renewing Your Licence
All tourist guides must renew their licence every 3 years according to the following conditions:
Pass the only Mandatory Refresher Course with a 70% passing score on the assessment.
Complete 21 hours of Professional Development Courses.
Upload assignment details on TRUST.
Fulfil MediSave contributions as a self-employed individual.
Submit a medical report (for those aged 65 and above).
Upload a valid workpass document (for workpass holders).
Service Standards for Enquiries and Processes
Refer to the table below for more details.
Licensing Services | Service Standards |
|---|---|
Email Enquiry | Reply within 3 working days |
Call Requests | Return call within 3 working days |
Replacement of TG Licence | 8 – 10 working days |
Licence Application/Renewal | Within 30 working days |
Testimonials from our Tourist Guides
If you are curious about tourist guiding, click the links below for insights on the experiences and perspectives by our tourist guides.
Tourist Guide Mark Tan on the Katong Dreaming tour
Tourist guide Mark Tan on Our Grandfather Story, featuring the ‘Katong Dreaming’ tour
Tourist guide Simon Chin on Mothership, featuring the ‘Trails of Tan Ah Huat’ bicycle tour
Find Out More
Find out more about getting started on becoming a tourist guide.
For other queries, please email stb_tourist_guide@stb.gov.sg.