IN ENGLISH

TRAINING FOR TOURIST GUIDES

You can qualify as a tourist guide by completing a Tourist Guide Training program approved by the Federation of Finnish Tourist Guide Associations. (Suomen Opasliitto)

Tourist guide training is organized by guide associations, adult education centers, folk high schools, tourism schools, and universities of applied sciences (continuing education departments) in cooperation with a local guide association. The Federation of Finnish Tourist Guide Associations approves the training programs.

The duration of the Tourist Guide Training is at least 200 hours.One third of the studies consists of fully independent learning.

The training includes information about the guiding location/region and Finland. It also covers guiding skills, presentation skills, customer service, and practical exercises, product development, written assignments, study visits, and independent study. At the end of the training, there is a written exam as well as oral guiding demonstrations and feedback sessions.

The training is supported by the Federation of Finnish Tourist Guide Association’s video training packages (see below).

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION FOR GUIDES

The Federation of Finnish Tourist Guide Associations recommends that all guides complete the Professional Qualification in Guide Services.

The qualification requirements for the Professional Qualification in Guide Services entered into force on January 1, 2019, replacing the previous Professional Qualification for Tour Guides. The qualification title for those who complete it is Tour Guide.

The professional qualification can be completed at several educational institutions in Finland, and studies can also be completed partly online.

The qualification must include demonstration tasks approved by the local guide association in order for a guide to become authorized for that particular locality.

If the qualification has not included the required demonstration tasks for the locality in question, they must be completed in accordance with the requirements of the local guide association. A written exam and a guiding demonstration for the locality may also be required.