Kapiʻolani Community College presents an updated certification program to the original Professional Standards Tour Certification Program that was established in 1993 by the Hawai‘i State Tourism Training Council and sanctioned by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Kapiʻolani Community College owns all copyright on developed curriculum and materials. This Professional Certification recognizes that a professional tour guide has met the required knowledge, skills, and competencies that align with the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Professional Standards (view document here).
Contact
Heidi Lee Arrington
Training Coordinator
Office for Continuing Education and Training
Training Coordinator
Office for Continuing Education and Training
Global Learning and Development
O: (808) 734-9153
Certification Exam Registration
**There will be NO refunds on a failed examination.
Am I eligible to pursue certification?
You must provide proof and/or verification of the following: Current employment with a licensed Hawai‘i tour company or Documentation showing ownership of a licensed Hawai‘i tour company
How long is the certification exam?
The certification exam is a two-part, 4 hour exam. The first part is a knowledge exam and in the second part, you will design and deliver an island specific customized tour.
What will the expectations on the exam be?
- Pass a knowledge exam regarding the history, language, and culture of Hawai’i as it relates to the tourism industry
- Demonstrate recognition and appropriate response in servicing a global customer base of diverse visitors
- Create a customized tour based on customer preferences and interests
- Deliver a customized tour based on accurate information about Hawaii’s history, culture, and language using learned communication, interpretation, and storytelling skills
What is the best way to prepare for the exam?
For all Tour Drivers and Tour Guides, we recommend the following training path, here.
How long is the certification valid?
The Certification for Hawai‘i’s Professional Tour Guides is valid for 2 years. Upon completion of the two-year period, candidates are eligible to apply for recertification after providing evidence of continued employment or ownership of a licensed Hawai‘i tour company.
Are there funding opportunities for my certification?
We are an approved training provider of the State of Hawai‘i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) Workforce Development Division. This Certification Exam and the training to prepare for this exam is approved for eligible employers to apply for the Employment Training Fund (ETF). Please check with your employer and visit the DLIR website here.
For all Tour Drivers and Tour Guides, we recommend the following training path in preparation for your Certification Exam.
Introduction to Hawai’i’s Visitor Industry
2 hours
For those who are new to Hawai‘i’s tourism and hospitality industry. More here
Ho'okipa Me Ke Aloha
8 hours
A culture-rich learning experience based on Hawaiian language and culture, is designed for participants to develop an appreciation for our host culture and traditions while servicing visitors from around the globe. More here
Know Your Island: Oahu
4 hours
How much do we really know about the island we call home? Represent our islands unique history and significance with accuracy to visitors and/or customers you interact with. More here
Certification Exam
4 hours
A rigorous two part exam that assesses the knowledge of the programs listed above and requires you to design and deliver an Island specific customized tour. More here
Foundations of Hawai'i
8 hours
Lucky we live Hawai’i! Many of us welcome friends, family, colleagues and visitors from all over the world to our island paradise. But, how much do we really know about our host culture? More here
Servicing the Global Customer
6 hours
Understand the reasons people from all over the world travel to Hawai’i and their expectations of service. Demonstrate cultural awareness and customer service standards when dealing with diverse customers. More here
Communicating With Impact
8 hours
Enhance important communication skills such as interpretation and storytelling when speaking about our state. Design and develop customized tours for your visitors. More here
Is it correct that if I am not currently employed by a tour company, that I cannot take the exam?
Currently, only candidates who are currently employed by a tour company are eligible to enroll for the certification exam. Candidates who are not currently employed will receive a Certificate of Professional Development that indicates they are eligible to take the exam upon being offered employment by a tour company.
What if I am not working for a tour company but want to take all the classes, can I get certified?
All classes within the training program are open to any interested learner in the community, regardless of profession or title. Learners who complete the entire training program will receive a Certificate of Professional Development, but they will only be eligible to enroll for the certification exam upon being offered employment by a tour company.
I’m not a tour guide, and I only want to take one class for my own interests. Can I do that?
Absolutely! All classes within continuing education are open to any interested learner in the community.
My employer provides its own training to tour drivers, but I want the certification for my own benefit. Can I just enroll for the exam?
Yes, while we strongly recommend the training program to increase chances of successfully passing the exam, any learner who feels that they are able to pass the exam in accordance with Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Professional Standards can enroll for the exam, however there will be no refunds granted for failed examinations.
I am familiar with most topics in the training program, and only need one or two courses before I enroll for the exam. Can I do that?
Yes, while we strongly recommend the training program to increase chances of successfully passing the exam, any learner who feels that they are able to pass the exam in accordance with HTA’s Professional Standards can enroll for the exam, however there will be no refunds granted for failed examinations.
What happens if I have the old certification?
For individuals certified prior to July 1, 2016, the following recertification criteria apply:
- Anyone certified on or before August 31, 2015 will need to take the full certification exam again in order to comply with updated Industry Professional Standards.
How is this different from the previous program?
This new program focuses on competency based outcomes that align with the updated Professional Standards established by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The previous program required completion of training, while the new program recognizes that prior experience and education may have readily prepared candidates for certification. While there is a recommended training program, any candidate who feels that they are able to pass the exam in accordance with HTA’s Professional Standards can just enroll for the certification exam, however there will be no refunds granted for failed examinations.
Can I just take the exam?
Yes, while we strongly recommend the training program to increase chances of successfully passing the exam, any learner who feels that they are able to pass the exam in accordance with HTA’s Professional Standards can enroll for the exam, however there will be no refunds granted for failed examinations.
If I do not pass the exam, do I have to repeat classes?
No, candidates who fail the exam can re-enroll for the exam at a later date. There are no refunds granted for failed examinations.
Is this training program only available at Kapi'olani Community College?
Currently, the training program will be available through Kapi‘olani Community College during Fall 2016 with plans to start offering the program at other UHCC campuses statewide in Spring 2017.
The Ho‘okipa Me Ke Aloha classes have made a difference in the level of customer service with our transportation company. We were very fortunate to collaborate and design a customized hospitality course with KCC. The course stressed the employee’s role or “kuleana” in the JTB organization or “ohana”, and the role of the specific company, such as Travel Plaza Transportation. The focus on their role instilled in them pride in their company and in themselves. That pride in turn enhanced their performance in giving good customer service which in turn increased the number of compliments and reduced the number of complaints The instructor’s expertise in Hawaiian culture and language is outstanding. His desire to share information is contagious and our staff have used his “stories” to share with their customers, which in turn creates an enjoyable experience for our visitors.
All components of the (State of Hawai‘i Certification for Tour Drivers and Guides) training were well organized and extremely relevant. I was particularly impressed with the knowledge and teaching skills of Ms. Jaime (Uluwehi) Hopkins, although all instructors were good. I learned a lot from Ms. Hopkins who provided excellent insights into Hawaiian language and culture.
For Hospitality and Tour Companies
Drop us a line and speak to one of our representatives about Certification for your employees.