Understanding Professionalism

Question 1

What is a profession?

Answer 1

Any occupation which requires a specialised body of knowledge

Question 2

What three criteria must be met for an occupation to be qualified as a profession?

Answer 2

1. A distinctive body of knowledge identified as a prerequisite to practice in the field
2. A binding code of ethics that support professional self-discipline and control over practice.
3. Universally adopted standards of practice that govern decisions and actions

Question 3

License

Answer 3

A form of permission given by the government to perform an act or engage in an enterprise

Question 4

Certification

Answer 4

Evidence awarded by a professional association to an individual who meets certain training, experiential and testing standards to prove a certain level of knowledge in the field

Question 5

Registration

Answer 5

Filing with a state agency a form that describes the entity and its purposes

Question 6

Four reasons to be certified

Answer 6

1. Establish high standards in the certification process
2. Guide professional development
3. Improve career advancement
4. Enhances the travel Industry’s image and values to the public

Question 7

Is travel a profession?

Answer 7

No. travel agent licensing, certification and registration are not mandatory or uniformly enforced

Question 8

Professional

Answer 8

A person who earns their living by practicing a specific skill or engaging in an activity that requires expertise

Question 9

Professionalism is

Answer 9

1. Mastering a specific body of knowledge
2. Demonstrating a certain attitude and commitment to the standards of the occupation and the interest of the client
3. Willingness to give those standards and the client’s interests priority over personal consideration
4. Possessing the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their jobs with expertise