FAQs: The Ultimate Guide to becoming a Travel Agent and studying Cert III Travel with Suzan Johnston.
What skills and attributes do I need to start the course?
While no specific prior experience is needed, having a genuine enthusiasm for travel and helping customers will set you up for success in this dynamic career pathway.
Why jump into the travel industry now?
Post-COVID, travel is back and booming! Agencies are actively seeking qualified staff to help eager travellers. Perfect time to kickstart that travel career and learn to be a travel agent!
What is the SIT30222 Certificate III in Travel?
It’s your golden ticket to becoming a travel pro! Suzan Johnston’s nationally recognised course is designed to equip students with essential skills for the travel and tourism industry! Unlock your travel career with our Certificate 3 in Travel.
What career opportunities are available for graduates of this course?
Think International Travel Agent, Reservations Consultant for airlines, cruise companies, hotels, car rentals, and airports! Our travel agent course opens many doors in the travel and tourism sector.
What will I learn in the course?
Everything from customer service, booking tourism products, Aussie and International destinations, constructing airfares, using a computer reservation system, itinerary planning, and so much more!
How does the self-paced online course work?
Students can study at their own pace using pre-recorded Zoom classes, with support available via email, telephone, and optional Zoom sessions. Perfect for those who need a flexible online travel course.
With our self-paced delivery option, you control the speed you complete the course (it can go as slowly or quickly as you wish). Once you complete one unit of competency, then we’ll start you on the next unit etc. It is super flexible.
Will I get support during the course?
Absolutely! Get all the help you need from our fab trainers, plus personalised assistance and a supportive learning environment to ensure individual attention. We’re with you every step of the way in this travel training course.
What’s the job success rate for grads?
Our course is a proven path to becoming a travel agent.
50% of our 2025 Travel Course students found employment as Travel Agents DURING their course (before their graduation).
- 25% of our 2022 – 2023 Travel Course Graduates are now managing their own travel agency businesses.
Why is Suzan Johnston Australia a trusted name in travel training?
With 67 years of training excellence and accreditation from the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), Suzan Johnston is a name the travel industry trusts and respects. Our travel and tourism courses are second to none.
How do I sign up for the course?
Easy! Just give us a call at 03 9654 0999 to get your Online Enrolment Package and start your journey.
How does Suzan Johnston help with job placement?
We offer a free Placement Service for eligible students and provide support in applying for and securing jobs during and after the course. Our travel course graduates are highly sought after.
Who will be teaching the course?
Our professional trainers with tons of industry experience are here to back you up and guide you every step of the way. You’ll be learning from the best in this travel consultant course.
Can people with disabilities apply?
Absolutely! Suzan Johnston encourages everyone to apply and offers a supportive learning environment. We believe in accessible travel training for all.
Do I need any additional equipment to study the online travel course?
All you need to study our self-paced online course, is a computer or laptop and access to the internet. Earphones are advised but optional.
Am I eligible for Government Funded Training?
Victoria
Unfortunately, the Certificate III in Travel is no longer approved for government subsidy within Victoria. In 2024 the state government announced funding cuts to this course and hundreds of other qualifications.
South Australia
If you live in South Australia, you may be eligible for Government government-subsidised training. The eligibility criteria is as follows:
- Be either an Australian, New Zealand Citizen or a Permanent Resident
- Live in South Australia
- Be employed as a Trainee
Can I pay the travel course fee in instalments, or do I have to pay in a lump sum?
Government Funding no longer subsidises the Certificate III in Travel in most states and territories. This means you’ll pay the full course fee of $6,000.00.
To make your course fees more manageable, we offer the following interest-free instalment plan (pay-as-you-go):
- $800.00 deposit upon enrolment (this includes a booking fee plus payment for your first unit)
- $325.00 per unit for each of the remaining 16 units (payable when you commence each new unit)
This flexible payment structure allows you to spread the cost of your studies over the duration of your course. Even better, we understand that life can get busy. That’s why you can pause both your studies and your payments at any time — whether you’re going on holiday, need a short break, or have other personal commitments. When you’re ready, simply pick up where you left off.
What qualifications do I need to run/manage my own travel agency?
To open and manage your own accredited travel agency it is a requirement that at least 20% of your staff hold a SIT30222 Certificate III in Travel or have at least 2 years’ experience in a travel selling position.
As most ‘start-up’ travel agencies are small businesses (1 – 2 staff), it is highly recommended that you (the manager/owner) hold this accredited Certificate III in Travel qualification.
Like all businesses, management must have sufficient skills and solid underpinning knowledge to make the business a success. The SIT30222 Certificate 3 in Travel equips you with essential training in Australian and international destinations, international airfares and ticketing, vital computer reservation systems, product knowledge etc – all of which is valuable groundwork in setting up and operating your own travel agency.
Why should I enrol in the SIT30222 Certificate III in Travel instead of the Certificate IV or Diploma of Travel & Tourism?
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) recommends and endorses the SIT30222 Certificate III in Travel as the ideal entry-level qualification required for any Travel Agent consultant or front-line travel selling staff.
The SIT30222 Certificate III in Travel covers all the necessary practical skills and knowledge required to become a Travel Agent. Upon completion of this travel course, you can commence working as a domestic and/or international Travel Consultant.
The Certificate IV and Diploma of tourism courses then take that learning a step further with additional business/financial management units, gearing you towards supervisory and management positions, respectively.
What study pathways are available to me after I finish the SIT30222 Certificate III in Travel?
Should you decide to further your studies after completing the SIT30222 Certificate III in Travel, you may transition to a higher-level travel qualification with credits into:
- Certificate IV in Travel and Tourism
- Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management
Can I just do the Fares and Ticketing or Computerised Reservations System units on their own?
Yes, you most certainly can! We currently run short travel courses on just the Fares and Ticketing or the Computerised Reservations System units regularly throughout the year. Contact us for more details.
Which Computer Reservations System do you teach?
We currently teach SABRE as the Computer Reservations System unit in our travel course.
Industry experts recommend this system as their preferred Global Distribution System (GDS).
I get really anxious when it comes to tests and assessments – does the Travel Course include scary exams?
No, there are no stressful exams to worry about.
Our Travel Course is highly practical and hands-on.
Each unit includes a range of relevant and interesting practical assessments that are designed to be engaging and a mix of written Q&A’s, practical exercises and role plays. Your trainer will assist and support you whilst you complete these tasks.
Does the travel course include a Practical Placement? Will I have to find my own?
Our Travel Course offers you the opportunity to participate in one week of supervised practical placement.
Your travel trainer will give you personalised assistance and support in finding a suitable and interesting industry placement host for you.
What better way to get a feel for becoming a Travel Agent than to have the chance to practice as one?
Are there any additional costs within the travel course – will I need to buy textbooks?
All your textbook requirements are available directly from Suzan Johnston Australia. There is no charge for these resources.
During the travel course, you will participate in a short, external course (Tramada). The fee for Tramada training is $25.00. Other than that, there are no additional costs.
Are there any Entry Requirements for the Travel Course?
Prior to your enrolment in our SIT30222 Certificate 3 in Travel you will be required to attend a pre-training interview (on the phone) and complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy assessment.
These entry requirements are designed to assist us in determining your suitability for the Certificate III in Travel and to assist with the planning of any learning support requirements.
What job can I get once I graduate from the SIT30222 Certificate III in Travel from Suzan Johnston?
Whether your dream job involves working with clients to plan the perfect holiday, running your own travel agency/business or perhaps working in a reservations role for an airline or cruise company, our nationally recognised travel course will give you the necessary hands-on skills that are required, along with a highly respected, industry endorsed travel qualification.
Possible job roles include:
- International Travel Agent/Consultant within a retail agency
- International Travel Consultant within a wholesale travel organisation
- Reservations Consultant for an airline
- Reservations Consultant for a cruise company
- Reservations Consultant within a hotel or rental car agency
- Booking/Reservations Consultant at the airport
How do I enrol in the SIT30222 Certificate III in Travel?
If you would like to proceed with your enrolment in our SIT30222 Certificate III in Travel; please contact us on 03 9654 0999 so the relevant Online Enrolment Package can be forwarded to you.
Why should I complete the SIT30222 Certificate III in Travel course at Suzan Johnston Australia?
- Suzan Johnston Australia is one of Australia’s most trusted and respected training institutions (established since 1959) and has been delivering accredited travel training since the 1980s.
- You will have peace of mind knowing that you are studying with an iconic training organisation that has been established for 67 years.
- Our Certificate III in Travel course graduates are known to be quality professionals who are respected within the travel industry and actively sought after by employers Australia wide
- We work with you to support you on your learning journey.
- We value and respect our students’ individual training needs.
- We are student-focused – your success is our success.
- You will be in expert hands with our Travel Training Team. They have been specifically chosen for their extensive travel industry experience, along with their exceptional communication skills and outstanding teaching qualities.
- You will benefit from our uniquely friendly, supportive and highly personalised training environment.
- We pride ourselves on the employment success of our travel course graduates.
Contact us today to learn more.
