FAQs: GSTC Training Program

FAQs: GSTC Training Program2023-02-13T13:58:03+08:00
Who do I contact in case of technical problems?2021-03-17T11:57:52+08:00

Each online training class of the STTP has a Course Facilitator whose contact information you will find on the course page. You can contact the Course Facilitator with your questions and requests.

If you experience a problem registering for or accessing an online class, please contact the Course Support team:

  • GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course at: support [at] trainingaid.org.
    (TrainingAid is GSTC training program partner providing the online course platform)
What’s included in the registration fee?2017-05-13T18:32:52+08:00

As part of your registration for an onsite class, you will receive:

– Training materials to be provided prior to the class;
– Lunch breaks and coffee breaks during the class;
– A Certificate of Completion confirming your attendance in the class; and
– The opportunity to take the official STTP Exam. The Exam fee is included in the training class registration fee.

As part of your registration for an online class, you will receive:

– Training materials to be provided prior to the class;
– Access to the online training platform;
– A Certificate of Completion confirming your attendance in the class; and
– The opportunity to take the official STTP Exam. You can take the exam by selecting the add-on option “Exam & Certificate” at the time of registration, or pay the Exam fee separately after the class.

What is the weekly workload for an online training class?2017-05-13T18:38:28+08:00

As with any other online and offline professional training program, it’s entirely up to you to invest as much or as little effort as you would like into the STTP training class. On average, we recommend that you set aside 3-5 hours per week for:

– Reviewing video lessons and reading materials;
– Attending live presentations (or reviewing video recording); and
– Participating in discussion forums and group activities.

Other than the scheduled live (webinar-style) presentations, you can choose your own pace – for example, you can spend half an hour every day or a few hours each weekend, depending on what works best for your schedule. You are, however, expected to follow the weekly course flow (one module per week) in order to make the most of your learning experience, and to complete the course within the scheduled 4-week period.

What is the format of the STTP Sustainable Tourism Exam and what does it cover?2021-03-17T12:53:52+08:00

The STTP Sustainable Tourism Exam is offered in an online and open-book format, and is designed to evaluate the training participant’s awareness and knowledge of the content covered in the Sustainable Tourism course, and relevant examples and approaches to implementing sustainable tourism policies and practices within tourism industry businesses and destinations.

What is the format of the STTP Sustainable Business Travel Exam and what does it cover?2021-03-17T12:53:47+08:00

The STTP Sustainable Business Travel Exam is offered in an online and open-book format, and is designed to evaluate the training participant’s awareness and knowledge of the content covered in the Sustainable Business Travel course, and relevant examples and approaches to implementing sustainable business travel policies and best practices.

What do I need to do to complete an online training class?2017-05-13T18:38:44+08:00

To complete the course, you need to have all units and knowledge checks marked complete.

You can mark each course unit complete by clicking on the little checkbox in the top right corner. You can move to the next unit without completing one, and come back later to complete the unit. This will be a useful way for you to remember which units you’ve completed, and which ones you didn’t, or wanted to revisit because you weren’t sure if you understood everything properly.

Knowledge checks are short quizzes at the end of each module, designed as exercises to help you re-visit key learning points. Knowledge check quizzes are not scored, and you get an unlimited number of tries at each question.

Once you complete a course, you can download your copy of the Certificate of Completion (available in PDF format) from the course dashboard.

What are the requirements for receiving the GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism?2023-02-13T13:53:17+08:00

The GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism is awarded to those who have (a) completed a training class by the STTP, and (b) successfully passed the official STTP Exam. The Certificate, signed by the GSTC Chair and CEO, recognizes that the recipient has demonstrated their knowledge of the GSTC Criteria. Those who achieve a 80% pass mark on the STTP Exam will receive a GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism.

What are the requirements for receiving the GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Business Travel?2021-03-17T12:32:52+08:00

The GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Business Travel is awarded to those who have (a) completed a GSTC Sustainable Business Travel training class, and (b) successfully passed the official GSTC Sustainable Business Travel Course Exam. The Certificate, signed by the GSTC Chair and CEO, recognizes that the recipient has demonstrated their knowledge of sustainable business travel best practices. Those who achieve a 75% pass mark on the Sustainable Business Travel Course Exam will receive a GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Business Travel.

What are the differences between face-to-face and online training classes of the STTP?2021-03-17T12:02:51+08:00

Both face-to-face and online GSTC Sustainable Tourism courses are led by expert GSTC trainers, and cover the training curriculum developed by the GSTC, using the GSTC Criteria as the framework. In addition, both face-to-face and online classes satisfy the training requirement towards earning the GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism. In these ways, the two are equivalent to each other in terms of content.

There are, however, key differences in terms of the learning experience. Face-to-face classes are 3-day-long intensive training offered in a classroom setting, allowing for face-to-face interaction with the trainer and with fellow training participants. Online classes are offered over the course of four weeks with weekly lessons and activities. See more information on the 4-week online course format here.

Is there a group registration option?2017-05-13T18:32:29+08:00

Yes, you can sign up multiple people at the same time when registering online. Select the number of people you would like register, and you can enter contact details for each participant on the form. We also offer a discount for each group purchase of more than 5 seats. If you would like to sign up as a group of 5 and more, for any of the upcoming onsite or online classes of the STTP, please contact us at training [at] gstcouncil.org for more details.

Is there a discount available for STTP training classes?2017-05-13T18:31:55+08:00

Yes, current GSTC members can register at a discounted Member rate for all STTP training classes (onsite and online). In addition, we offer a limited number of need-based discounts to support those who are unable to pay the full price. You can find eligibility and application details linked from the online registration form for each class.

Is there a deadline for taking the STTP Exam?2021-03-17T12:28:00+08:00

The STTP Exam period is 4 weeks following the training class completion. Following your training, you will receive specific instructions on how to access the exam and your submission deadline. Extension may be granted on a case-by-case basis (a late fee will apply, except for valid cases of medical or family emergencies).

Is there a deadline for registration?2017-05-13T18:31:21+08:00

Usually, registration for STTP training classes (both onsite and online) is open until the class start date. However, each class has a limited number of seats available, which are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will be closed when all available seats are filled, so we recommend signing up early to secure your spot.

How long does it take to receive the STTP Exam results?2021-03-17T12:28:25+08:00

You will receive your exam results within 4 weeks of submitting the exam.

How is the STTP Sustainable Tourism Exam evaluated?2021-03-17T12:56:15+08:00

The exam is evaluated on the basis of its relevance to the training class content and current industry knowledge, according to the STTP Sustainable Tourism Exam Evaluation Guidelines, developed and approved by the GSTC Education and Training Working Group.

How is the STTP Sustainable Business Travel Exam evaluated?2021-03-17T12:55:57+08:00

The exam is evaluated on the basis of its relevance to the training class content and current industry knowledge.

How do I receive the GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism if I pass the STTP Sustainable Tourism Exam?2021-03-17T12:59:37+08:00

Upon successful completion of the STTP Sustainable Tourism Exam, you will receive an email with your exam results, and a PDF copy of your certificate, sent to the email address you provide at the time of registration.

How do I receive the GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Business Travel if I pass the STTP Sustainable Business Travel Exam?2021-03-17T12:59:54+08:00

Upon successful completion of the STTP Sustainable Business Travel Exam, you will receive an email with your exam results, and a PDF copy of your certificate, sent to the email address you provide at the time of registration.

How do I gain access to the STTP Sustainable Tourism Exam?2021-03-17T12:47:10+08:00

There are two options for you to complete the training requirement towards earning the GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism:
(1) Onsite 3-day GSTC Sustainable Tourism training classes: Face-to-face training classes offered throughout the year in various locations around the world.
(2) Online 4-week GSTC Sustainable Tourism training classes: Online scheduled training classes led by GSTC trainers, available at least 4 times a year.

Once you complete one of the above training options and receive a Certificate of Completion, you have the opportunity to take the STTP Sustainable Tourism Exam.

How do I gain access to the STTP Sustainable Business Travel Exam?2021-03-17T12:49:45+08:00

In order to earn the GSTC Certificate in Sustainable Business Travel,

You will first need to complete the training requirement of the GSTC Sustainable Business Travel training course.

Once you complete the course and receive a Certificate of Completion, you have the opportunity to take the STTP Sustainable Business Travel Exam.

Do I receive a certificate for attending an STTP training class?2021-03-17T12:24:39+08:00

When you attend either a 3-day onsite training class or a 4-week online training class of the STTP, you will receive a Certificate of Completion that states the date of the training class, to confirm participation in that class. This is given at the end of each class to everyone who has taken part in the training.

Do a receive a refund if I cancel my registration?2017-05-13T18:31:39+08:00

You can receive a refund on your registration payment, minus the administrative fee, until the following cancelation deadline:

– US$75 admin fee for an onsite class, and you can receive a refund until 2 weeks prior to the training start date.
– US$50 admin fee for for an online class, and you can receive a refund until 7 days prior to the training start date.

No refund is available for cancellation after the stated cancelation deadline. However, you can transfer your registration to another participant any time before the training start date.

Can I re-take the STTP Exam if I don’t achieve the passing score?2023-02-13T13:49:36+08:00

If you don’t achieve the passing score (80% and above), but achieve the minimum required score of 50%, you will be offered the opportunity to re-take the STTP Exam within 2 weeks, with a one-time non-refundable administrative fee of US$50.

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