Chicago Tour-Guide Professionals Assn (CTPA)

Founded in 1990, the Chicago Tour-Guide Professionals Assn. (CTPA) has approximately 135 members. There are two “Guide” categories of membership: Certified Tour Guides (CTGs) who have successfully completed all three sections of the tour guide certification test, and Candidates Guides who have not yet taken the test. There are also Associate Members (DMCs, transportation providers, tour companies and venues) and Friend Members.

Calendar year dues are very reasonable and provide access to the educational meetings and events the organization sponsors each year. Some members have chosen to have their contact information appear in a new (2022) online public directory. All CTPA Members have log-in access to the full member directory. The directory is a great tool to use to find a guide or staff a program. The “News You Can Use” is emailed to members several times a month to helps members increase their knowledge base and stay current on local happenings.

The members of CTPA have diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, but all share a love of Chicago. Members conduct tours in nearly 20 different languages.