If you want to train Tourist Guides who will be awarded our prestigious Blue Badge, Green Badge or Site Guide (White) Badge, your training course must first be accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding. Here we explain the accreditation process.
WHITE BADGE: For a single site, e.g. religious building, museum, zoo, art gallery, wildlife centre, historic house and garden, or a restricted single route tour, e.g. by boat, land-train
A White Badge course needs to have a minimum of 28 hours of contact time and will often run part-time over 2-3 months. It is assessed by a written paper and practical guiding exam on the site.
GREEN BADGE: Walking tours in a town, countryside or defined area, including guided tours of town attractions, e.g. religious buildings, museum and sites
A Green Badge course needs to have a minimum of 80 hours of contact time and will often run part-time over 5-6 months. It is assessed by a written paper, a tour planning project and two practical guiding exams.
BLUE BADGE: Covering a wide geographical area or metropolitan area, including flexible tours of sites, towns and tours throughout the area from a vehicle, e.g. car, coach or train
A Blue Badge course needs to have a minimum of 600 hours which will be comprised of a minimum of 360 contact hours plus private research and learning. It will often run part-time over 12 months. It is assessed by 2 written papers, a tour planning project and at least four practical guiding exams
RECOGNISED COURSE: A development course for existing Institute-qualified guides, leading to an Endorsement.
An Endorsement course needs to have a minimum of 20 hours contact time and will often run full time over a week or part-time over a longer period. It can be assessed by written exam, practical guiding exam or both.
Your second decision - Who is going to run your course?
Are you planning to run the course yourself?
YES - Check you meet the requirements laid down by the Accreditation Committee in the corresponding accreditation pack.
NO - I don't want to run the course myself. If you require help with the design and delivery of your training course, please contact an Accredited Trainer. A list of these trainers can be found here. Please be aware the Trainer may charge for their time.
White Badge - Everything you need for completing your application. Click here to download your White Badge pack.
Green Badge - Everything you need for completing your application. Click here to download your Green Badge pack.
Blue Badge - Everything you need for completing your application. Click here to download your Blue Badge pack.
Endorsement - Everything you need for completing your application. Click here to download your Endorsement pack
Accreditation Fees - can be found here (see page 2 of the linked document).
Once your Training Programme is accredited the Accreditation is valid for FIVE years, however, each time a course is run within the FIVE year period, it is necessary to apply for Course Re-Validation.
Please refer to the Accreditation Packs above and send: