Tourist Guide Licence

Become a licensed tourist guide through our Tourist Guide Training Programme.

Last updated 17 March 2026

Become a Licensed Tourist Guide

Embark on a dynamic and purposeful career as a tourist guide through the Tourist Guide Training Programme (TGTP) offered by the two Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) – Singapore Chinese Chamber Institute of Business (SCCIOB) and Tourism Management Institute of Singapore (TMIS).

With the revamped TGTP, become a licensed tourist guide in over a minimum of 120 hours, or just 2 months*. Gain essential guiding skills like independent research, storytelling, and adapting to diverse scenarios, all while creating memorable experiences through visitor engagement.

_{*Note: The duration will depend on whether it is a full time or part time course, and on the ATO that you choose.}

Who needs a licence?

Under the Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963, anyone who provides in-person guiding services to tourists for remuneration requires a valid tourist guide licence.

Licence Requirements

To qualify, candidates must be at least 21 years old and medically fit. All candidates must pass a screening test conducted by an ATO before registering for the course.

How to Get Started

Step 1: Register with your preferred ATO

Start by selecting your preferred ATO and contact them for course details. Research the curriculum and schedule that best suits your needs. All ATOs offer course previews to give you a glimpse of the programme.

ATO and Course Details

ATO	Course Fees (after funding*)	Course Duration	Contact Details
Tourism Management Institute of Singapore (TMIS)	S$1,170 – S$1,950	129 hours	Contact No.: 6238 8688 TMIS Website
Singapore Chinese Chamber Institute of Business (SCCIOB)	S$1,125 – S$1,875	158.75 hours	Contact No.: 6334 1080 SCCIOB Website

^{*funding and funding amounts are dependant on eligibility}

Step 2: Pass an interview to begin the TG Programme

Once accepted, start your training. Complete the course and pass the assessments to become a licensed tourist guide.

Step 3: Apply for your licence online

After completing your course and passing the assessments, apply for your tourist guide licence on the Travel Agents and Tourist Guides Licensing System (TRUST) to start guiding. Join the Tourist Guide Association/Union to establish your network and stay competitive.

Step 4: Proactively upskill and practice your craft

Stay updated on industry trends and enhance your skills through relevant courses, talks, and site visits. Put your learning to practice by guiding actively, and remember to renew your licence promptly every 3 years.

Renewing Your Licence

All tourist guides must renew their licence every 3 years according to the following conditions:

Complete LEARN + DO requirements (i.e., 2 LEARN + 2 DO activities every year of your licence).
Fulfil MediSave contributions as a self-employed individual.
Submit a medical report (for those aged 65 and above).
Upload a valid workpass document (for workpass holders).

Please refer to the LEARN + DO Guidebook for more information on the updated licence renewal requirements.

Service Standards for Enquiries and Processes

Refer to the table below for more details.

Licensing Services	Service Standards
Email Enquiry	Reply within 3 working days
Call Requests	Return call within 3 working days
Replacement of TG Licence	8 – 10 working days
Licence Application/Renewal	Within 3 working days (Physical badge will be issued within 20 working days)

Testimonials from our Tourist Guides

If you are curious about tourist guiding, click the links below for insights on the experiences and perspectives by our tourist guides.

Tourist Guide Mark Tan on the Katong Dreaming tour

Find Out More

Find out more about getting started on becoming a tourist guide.
To search for licensed tourist guides, please refer to the Tourist Guides Directory.
For other queries, please email stb_tourist_guide@stb.gov.sg.