The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) created an online training and certification program to help travel professionals assist families and individuals with special needs prepare for their perfect vacation. A Certified Autism Travel Professional™ (CATP) is defined as a professional who has demonstrated that they are both knowledgeable and capable of providing support and travel-related services to an individual on the autism spectrum as well as their family.
*Registration fee includes 4 CE hours of online training, application fee, exam, and credential.
Certification Requirements
- 4 CE hours:
Applicants must earn 4 hours of continuing education that directly relates to autism (included in registration fee) - Autism Travel Competency Exam:
Applicants must pass the Autism Travel Competency Exam. The exam is taken online and is included in the price of your CATP application. - Registration Fee:
$150
Renewal Requirements:
- Renewal fee: $99 every two years
- 4 Additional (CEU) in autism
- Maintain active status as a CATP and Compliance with Code of Ethics
*Registration fee will be refunded if the applicant is not approved by the board for any reason during the application process (minus $50 to cover processing and exam fee). Otherwise, all sales are final. Registration indicates that you have read and agreed to the IBCCES Financial Terms and Conditions, Ethical Responsibilities and Standards of Practice.
Did You Know?
1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism in the US (varies globally)
Millions of adults are autistic but were never formally diagnosed
1 in 6 people have a sensory need or sensitivity
Once you have completed the requirements for the CATP:
- You will be issued an official Certification Number;
- Your name will be listed in the International Registry as a Certified Autism Travel Professional;
- You will receive an official certificate to display;
- A digital badge is issued for use on email signatures, your travel website, digital resumes, and social media;
- Your credential number can be verified at ibcces.org
As covered on:
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Michele Berroth, Independent Travel Advisor, Certified Sandals Specialist (CSS), CATP
I use my certification as part of my business plan. I have a blog on Facebook, Traveling with Special People, where I share information about locations where the staff has been certified to work with individuals with autism.
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Tara Woodbury, Travel Advisor, CATA, CATP
Being able to have more knowledge about the autism community has helped me immensely. A family traveling with a child or adult with autism is going to face challenges unique to them, on top of the normal stress of travel. I can use what I have learned to help talk to that family and guide them, to know what questions to ask about their needs, and to better research locations, attractions, etc.
Find Out More About Becoming A Certified Autism Travel Professional
Fill out the form below to connect with a Certification Advisor for more information