CRUISE CONSULTANT ACCREDITATION
Greater knowledge:
The ICCA Cruise Accreditation Program has been established since 1996 and is a way to recognise dedicated consultants who develop extensive cruise industry knowledge and superior selling skills. The program is modeled on the successful Cruise Counsellor Certification program developed by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in 1992. To this day, the ICCA & CLIA work closely together to promote travel agency education and professionalism.
Increased Confidence:
When it comes to selecting the 'right' cruise your clients have many options. And that's where your accreditation achievement can position you as the cruise sales expert. Once you have achieved your ICCA Accreditation start promoting it and watch your sales grow!
Training & Product Knowledge:
An ICCA Accreditation Certificate is achieved by accumulating 100 credits through successful completion of cruise training programs and shipboard experience (full details below). Additional points may also be earned by successfully completing nominated member cruise line on-line product training.The more you learn about cruising and the varied cruise products, the more you will meet your client's needs and result in more cruise sales.
Promotion & Recognition:
ICCA Member Cruise Lines and your clients will be very aware of Accredited Cruise Consultants. You will receive a certificate of achievement and have access to accreditation logos for your business cards, officestationery and website.
Greater knowledge and confidence means increased sales and commissions
STEPS TO YOUR CRUISE CONSULTANT ACCREDITATION:
Enroll in the Program (the agency you are employed at must be an ICCA member)
Click on the TRAINING MODULES link located on the toolbar, left hand side of the home page.
Complete and submit the online registration form.
Agency not a member?
Click on the tab on the left hand side of this page TRAVEL AGENT MEMBERSHIP
TOTAL CREDIT POINTS REQUIRED FOR ACCREDITATION: 100
Achieve your Accreditation Certificate by: -
Completing a minimum of 3 mandatory ICCA classroom training programs listed below
- Cruise Holidays: Introduction (Mandatory module)
- Cruise Holidays: Selling Techniques (Mandatory module)
Choose one of 4 geography modules as your 3rd Mandatory module
- Cruise Geography: Americas
- Cruise Geography: Europe (inc Europe River Cruising)
- Cruise Geography: Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific & Antarctica
- Cruise Geography: Asia and the Indian Ocean
Credits awarded for mandatory programs: 20 points each
Completion of Mandatory Practical Shipboard Experience (3 nights minimum)
- Personal Cruise Holiday Experience of an ICCA Member Cruise Line = 10 points (pre 01.07.09)
- Personal Cruise Holiday Experience of an ICCA Member Cruise Line = 15 points (post 01.07.09)
- Formal Escorted Educational on any ICCA Member Cruise Line = 20 points
(written proof required, photos NOT accepted)
NB: Exception to 3 night minimum is participation on an ICCA Sampler Cruise of 2 nights that includes training of mandatory modules whilst onboard.
Earn remaining points by: -
Participation in additional elective ICCA classroom training programs: 15 points each
- Group Sales Made Easy
- Effective Presentation Skills
- Selling to special interest groups/niche markets
- Other topics TBA
Participate in onboard ship inspections/walk around on ICCA member cruise line ships: 10 points per inspection
Complete endorsed online training listed below from ICCA Cruise Line Members: 5 points each
Attend ICCA endorsed Cruise Conferences: 5 points
Attend ICCA Cruise Line Member National Product Launch: 5 points
If you have worked onboard an ICCA Member Line for a minimum of one full season: 20 points
Important information
Points for each product knowledge experience can be earned, provided each option is not on the same cruise line/ship in the same year. We will accept back five years previous from the current calendar year (proof of attendance is required, photos are not accepted).
Attendance at breakfast seminars or after work product updates do not attract points.
Following attendance at each classroom training you will be required to complete an online multiple choice exam and attain a pass mark of 70%. Successful exams completed within 6 weeks of training will achieve full point value toward your accreditation. Successful exams completed outside 6 weeks but within 6 months will incur a 5 point penalty per module and successful exams completed outside 6 months but within 12 months will incur a 10 point penalty per module. Exams submitted outside 12 months are not accepted. |
