How to Become a Travel Agent in Massachusetts

The travel agent’s vocation unites attention to knowledge and extensive awareness of detail with creativity, customer care, and research and communication skills in what is a rewarding career: helping clients take unforgettable journeys and enjoy unique travel experiences.

And it offers you a chance to grow in a dynamic profession integrating a love for travel with the ability to help people. 

When you think of Massachusetts’, you probably picture fascinating cultural attractions, rich history, vibrant cities, and charming small towns; so do the many tourists who create a booming travel landscape. 

Travel agents in this New England state have the opportunity to help clients by crafting unique itineraries, offering expertise in service of client convenience in an increasingly complex travel industry.

Travel Agent Responsibilities  

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma/equivalency
• Good communication/interpersonal skills
• Excellent problem-solving/detail oriented
• Sales/Marketing/Customer service  
• Speaking a foreign language? Extra credit! 
• Basic/national/international geography

Licensing Requirements to Become a Massachusetts Travel Agent

Massachusetts doesn’t require you to be certified to be a travel agent.

However, there are some real benefits to gaining your travel agent certification.

To begin with, if you’re new to the profession, and everyone is at one time, there’s that loop of gaining skills.

Going through and successfully passing a travel agent certification program will teach you skills to help you in this field. 

And — this can be a significant deal — being certified gives you credibility and confidence.

It can help you get a foot in the door, aid you in moving up the ladder, and if a client is determining which travel agent to use, certification is one more advantage in your favor.

Travel Agent Programs

If you’re interested in travel agent programs to become a travel agent in Massachusetts, consider these popular online programs, which present a few of the many options available that allow one to gain, support, enhance, and upgrade your skills in this hospitality profession.

The Travel Institute

 One of the popular online guides the student through the necessary knowledge to pass the travel agent certificate test—program: tuition and materials, $440.

The Travel Academy

 This 300-hour program’s designed to support students in understanding gaining a thorough understanding of the travel industry.

The tuition is $8,999, but don’t let that scare you; look into scholarships and other available tuition assistance programs.

Penn Foster

Here’s a program for $800. Students can take classes whenever they like, and the coursework’s geared toward the TAP exam.

Then, there’s a traditional brick-and-mortar institution, and to enter a travel agent certificate program is typically a one-semester program that concentrates on the responsibilities, skills, and knowledge base for travel agents. 

Another way to reach your goal of working as a travel agent in Massachusetts is to earn a two or four-year Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.

In that case, there are any number of majors, such as Tourism, Marketing, Hospitality, Sales, and Psychology.

These are all subjects that can aid you in providing sensational travel-based services.

Schools That Provide Travel Agent Training Programs in Massachusetts By In-Person Instruction 

• Bay State College, Boston
• Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield
• Boston University, Boston
• Bristol Community College, Fall River
• Bunker Hill Community College, Boston
• Cape Cod Community College, Barnstable
• Endicott College, Beverly
• Fisher College, Boston
• Greenfield Community College, Greenfield
• Holyoke Community College, Holyoke
• Lasell University, Newton
• Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley Hills
• Massasoit Community College, Brockton
• Middlesex Community College, Bedford
• Nichols College, Dudley
• North Shore Community College, Danvers
• Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill
• Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester
• Salem State University, Salem
• Tufts University, Medford
• University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Note: All of these schools listed here offer in-person instruction; some may also offer online programs in addition to in-person coursework. 

Travel Agent Representative Schools in Massachusetts – Summary Table

Salary

How much does a travel agent in Massachusetts earn?

The city you’re in, education level, certification, special skills, and experience are some factors that come into play.

The range falls between $39,000 to $51.000, with $43,000 the average.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Boston	$41,361
Worcester	$38,740
Springfield	$38,353
Lowell	$40,047
Cambridge	$41,361
Brockton	$40,087
New Bedford	$39,060
Fall River	$39,060
Lynn	$41,361
Quincy	$41,361

Regional Salary in Massachusetts

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Travel Agents, OCC Code 41-3041, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any licensing requirements I need to be a travel agent in Massachusetts?

The short answer’s that there’s no specific state license requirement that’s mandatory to work as a travel agent in Massachusetts.

That said, one possible route if you want to maximize your potential, is to become a certified travel agent.

Certification proves that you have passed the Travel Agent Proficiency exam with at least a 70%.

What test must I take to be a Massachusetts-certified travel agent?

The Travel Agent Proficiency or TAP® test can help you move towards a professional career in the hospitality and tourism industry.

The TAP test is often included at the finish of entry-level training programs.

The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes two hours to complete.

The proctored TAP test lets candidates demonstrate that they’ve learned travel industry basics, from geography to sales skills.

How much does it cost to take the TAP test in Massachusetts?

To take the test à la carte is $95 through The Travel Insitute.

Travel Agent Info by State