Doing a live tour presentation is required for certification.
For the purpose of fulfilling this requirement, the CPTG Training Team will schedule tour opportunities a few times a year and will give all current class members 30 days or more notice. If a class member is unable or not ready to attend the next-planned tour session, they will need to wait until the following session which may be up to 6 months away. Class members can complete their live tour presentation at any time before or after testing.
Class Members will be evaluated on the following:
- Las Vegas and Regional Knowledge and Accuracy of Information
- Professional Guide Skills
- Communication/Speaking Skill
Tours will focus on and be within the areas all Las Vegas guides should know, specifically the tourist corridor – the Strip and Downtown, as well as Boulder City/Hoover Dam, and Red Rock.
CPTG class members will be assigned portions of tours to guide at the Training Team’s discretion. In most instances, each individual will guide for a limited time, generally under 15 minutes.
At all locations, class members should be prepared to guide either in a vehicle or on a walking tour, with or without a microphone or amplifier.
In addition to having and utilizing a depth and breadth of accurate destination knowledge, professional guide skills include preparation, advance and on-the-spot communication with group leaders and drivers, following the instructions and itinerary that has been promised, talking about what is seen, using interpretative skills, being are aware of the needs of tour members, and building upon themes of interest. Communication skills include rapport with tour members, speaking clarity and volume, nonverbals, use of multimedia, and more. Professional guides should present a confident, friendly, professional demeanor and dress as requested by your employer or in a suitably professional manner for the group and destination visited.
Class Members may be given various instructions regards:
- (Fictitious) Demographic, general interest, or other tour member information
- Itinerary Instructions/Inclusions
- Uniform (dress) instructions
Note: We understand that some class members will have limited to no actual experience – but if you are serious about wanting to be a professional guide, we are serious about helping you get over the hump and getting some experience. We want to see you shine and we’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out to the Training Team for advice and cheerleading! You can do this!
