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Tour Guide Information
Becoming A Voluntary Certified Tour Guide
In order to become a certified tour guide an applicant must successfully pass the written exam.
Tour Guide Training Manual- The cost of the manual is $45.00 plus tax. All test questions will be taken from the “Tour Guide Training Manual." The manual may be purchased at the Tourism Management Office located at 75 Calhoun Street, Suite 3400. Cash, check or credit (we do not accept Amex or Discover) is accepted.
Exam Registration
- The registration fee is $50 and is due at the time of registration.
- The Tourism Management Office is located at 75 Calhoun Street, Suite 3400.
- The registration fee affords the applicant two attempts at the exam. A third attempt will require the applicant to re-register
Written Examination
- Exams are administered at 9:00 a.m. in the Livability & Tourism conference room at 75 Calhoun Street, Suite 3400.
- Applicants have two hours in which to complete the exam.
- Exam consists of 200 questions (matching, multiple choice, and true / false).
- A passing score is 70% or above
Resources
Tour Guide Examination Information for 2023
Voluntary Certification Program
Tour Guide Recertification
Tour Guide Certification expires on the third anniversary of its issuance. The Tourism Commission has adopted the following options for those guides who wish to renew their certification:
1) Retake the tour guide exam. The current amount charged for the exam is $50.00. A grade of 70% or above must be achieved.
2) Complete continuing education offered by the Tourism Management Office.
Certified Guides with experience of 25 years or more are exempt from the recertification process. They will be issued a Lifetime Certification; however, guides are required to continue to pay tour fees and maintain a City of Charleston Business License as required.