BECOME AN STGA GUIDE

The STGA training programme is open to adults who are resident in Scotland and have a genuine interest in working as a professional tourist guide.
Applicants should be enthusiastic about Scotland’s history, culture, landscapes and people, and be able to demonstrate the personal qualities and communication skills required to work successfully with visitors from around the world.

Places on the programme are limited and entry is competitive. Applicants are selected through a recruitment process that includes:

• Application form
• Interviews (in 2 stages)

Training and assessment are delivered in English. Applicants must therefore be confident in understanding, speaking, reading and writing English to a professional standard.

Membership offers a range of professional benefits, including:

• Professional recognition as an accredited guide
• Listing on the STGA website
• Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance
• Access to online resources and member support
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities
• Participation in STGA and branch activities
• Industry representation within Scotland and beyond
• Membership links with FEG and WFTGA
• Marketing and networking opportunities
• Support and advice from experienced guiding professionals

Membership also provides recognition of a qualification that is respected throughout the UK and internationally.

Successful guides are typically:

• Passionate about Scotland
• Curious and enthusiastic learners
• Excellent communicators
• Confident working with people
• Organised and self-motivated
• Flexible and adaptable
• Comfortable working independently

Tour guiding is both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling, offering the opportunity to turn knowledge and enthusiasm into a career.

All STGA courses meet European standards and are accredited by the World Federation of Tourist Guides Associations. The STGA training team—comprising trainers, assessors, examiners, and mentors—undergo rigorous preparation to meet our established professional standards. To ensure the delivery of high-calibre training, every member must actively participate in our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme, maintaining the excellence for which the Association is known.

There is no requirement to have previous guiding experience to apply for our Courses. Our members come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, bringing diverse experience and valuable transferable skills to the Association.

All of the STGA’s courses combine online core knowledge sessions, field trips, and practical coaching sessions for walking and coach tours, and end with a final written and practical exams.

Since a significant portion of the training involves practical, in-person learning in the field, residing in Scotland or near the region where you will gain your qualification makes participating substantially more convenient. The Association monitors student attendance, and maintaining a consistent participation record is required throughout the course.

STGA training programmes are overseen by a Training Manager, with guidance and support provided by a Course Director and Training Administrator. For details regarding enrollment and course specifics, feel free to contact the team directly by emailing trainingsupport@stga.co.uk or calling 01786 451953.

Student members are covered by the STGA’s insurance (Public Liability and Professional Indemnity) while demonstrating guiding skills as part of their course work or assessments.

Once qualified, practising members are covered when guiding in the area for which they are qualified. Anyone guiding elsewhere is not doing so as an STGA guide and is therefore not covered. The STGA will only support claims arising from within the area for which a guide is qualified. For example, if you qualify as a Blue Badge Guide and become a practising member of the STGA you would be covered for all of Scotland.