Essential Guide Skills Course + Certificate
A field-tested, insight-packed program designed to elevate or launch your career in adventure travel.
Skills. Confidence. Credibility.
The Essential Guiding Skills Course + Certificate separates professional guides from skilled adventurers. Designed for guides across all adventure disciplines and destinations, this self-paced online course delivers a solid foundation in the core leadership, management and interpretation skills that will help you succeed in real-world guiding situations.
Whether you desire to elevate your abilities or dream of guiding sensational journeys, this course will complement your technical skills and subject knowledge, empowering you to embody a confident and capable world-class guide.
Text Lessons
Video Lessons
Downloadable Resources
Professional Guide Certificate
Class 1
An Insider's Look at Professional Guiding
Explore what it truly means to be a guide within the adventure industry and why this career changes lives (including yours.)
13 lessons, 1 case study, including:
- What makes you a professional?
- What is transformational travel?
- 4 key roles of a guide
Class 2
Understanding and Exceeding Guest Expectations
Turn ordinary travelers into extraordinarily satisfied guests by mastering the subtle and essential skills of anticipating needs and personalizing experiences.
10 lessons, 1 case study, including:
- The fundamental expectations of adventure travelers
- How to provide great customer service
- How to calibrate expectations
Class 3
Group Management that Works
Whether you’re guiding first-timers or seasoned explorers, learn how to foster trust, respect, and cooperation while preventing conflict.
19 lessons, 1 case study, including:
- Helping your group work as a team
- 5 leadership types applicable to guiding
- Giving and receiving feedback
Class 4
Risk, Reward and Real-world Decisions
Master the mindset and tools to confidently navigate risk, make sound decisions under pressure, and keep everything running smoothly.
15 lessons, 1 case study, including:
- Risk management plans demystified
- How to foster a culture of safety
- Decision-making in the wild
Class 5
Storytelling and Developing a Sense of Place
Discover how to craft enriching experiences that connect guests more deeply to the people, places, and wildlife of the places you explore.
14 lessons, 1 case study, including:
- How to craft and deliver great stories
- Practical planning and preparation
- What is a sense of place?
Class 6
Professionalism, Ethics and Your Reputation
Learn how to embody professionalism, uphold sustainable visitation practices, and cultivate a lasting career that earns respect.
13 lessons, including:
- Nurturing healthy home office relationships
- Teamwork and co-guiding tips
- 4 elements of responsible visitation
Why You'll Benefit
This course speaks directly to the reality of being a guide: facilitating incredible guest experiences while juggling complex logistics, group dynamics, and unexpected complications. You’ll gain clarity around your leadership strategies, boost your communication skills, and learn to expertly manage people, operations and risk.
This is your opportunity to professionalize your skillset and become the kind of leader employers look for–all under the expert tutorage of a seasoned professional.
Understand how to approach key guiding demands, like:
- How do I lead with confidence in challenging situations?
- How do I make defensible risk management decisions?
- How do I turn a basic itinerary into something meaningful and memorable?
- How can I score better on guest evaluations?
- How do I step into new roles—and stand out when I do?
Professional Guide Certificate
Completing this course and exam earns you the Professional Guide Certificate—a mark of dedication, capability, and professionalism.
It signals to employers, peers, and guests that you take your work seriously.
Whether you're breaking into the industry or seeking new roles, this certificate will make you stand out.
My Promise to You
Hi, I'm Colby, your instructor and a professional Expedition Leader with over 20 years of field experience. You can learn more about me here.
I believe in mentorship, not just instruction. This course is grounded in practical insights and strategies used by top-tier guides worldwide. You’ll receive clear guidance and useful knowledge while gaining the confidence to step into your next guiding role with purpose. And if you’re not satisfied, I’ll refund the course fee—guaranteed.
ENROLL NOW
