Chicago Tour-Guide Professionals Assn (CTPA)

Founded in 1990, the Chicago Tour-Guide Professionals Assn. (CTPA) has approximately 175 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 reasonable and provide access to the many educational meetings and events the organization sponsors each year. The CTPA directory is a great tool to use to find a guide or staff a program, and the “News You Can Use” is an emailed publication that helps members stay current.

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.