• Access Duration: 1 Year
• Awarded by: NCFE 
• Qualification Level:  Level 3
• Qualification Number: 603/4140/3
• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 180
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 240

• Explain the range of travel and tourism organisations, products, services and relevant trade associations in the UK.
• Explain the ownership, aims, sources of revenue and interrelationships of public, private and voluntary travel and tourism organisations.
• Analyse the impact of recent developments on the UK travel and tourism industry using political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental factors.
• Evaluate the customer service provided by travel and tourism organisations and make evidence-based recommendations for improvement.
• Explain how travel and tourism organisations meet and exceed customer needs through policies, procedures and service standards.
• Demonstrate customer service skills in different travel and tourism situations and evaluate your own and your peers’ performance.
• Analyse employment opportunities and the impact of current trends in the travel and tourism industry.
• Prepare a professional CV or personal profile, complete relevant application documentation, conduct a skills audit, plan for and participate in an interview, evaluate your performance and produce an action plan for improvement.

The NCFE Level 3 Introductory Certificate in Travel and Tourism is for learners aged 16 and over who want to begin a career in travel and tourism or progress to further study. It is ideal for school leavers, career changers and people with an interest in travel who want to gain a regulated qualification and develop practical, employability and transferable skills.

This course is ideal for:

• Aspiring travel agents and tour operators
• Future cabin crew and airline staff
• Individuals seeking airport or resort‑based roles
• Learners aiming for further study in travel, tourism, or hospitality
• Career changers wanting a fresh start in a dynamic sector
• Returning learners building confidence through a structured qualification
• CPD seekers already in the industry who want formal recognition

• You must be aged 16 or over.
• You need to have basic literacy and numeracy.
• You will normally have a Level 2 Travel and Tourism qualification or equivalent qualification or relevant experience or knowledge of the subject area.

• This course can be completed through two flexible study options to suit your lifestyle:
  • Standard Course Plan (4 months) – ideal for learners balancing other commitments.
  • Fast Track Option (2 months) – perfect for those who can dedicate intensive study time.
• Most learners complete within their chosen timeframe, though some may finish earlier depending on personal circumstances and available study time.We accommodate your pace with unlimited support for 12 months. This Level 3 Certificate requires approximately 180 guided learning hours.

T&C apply

Portfolio of Evidence: You are required to compile a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes.

Skills-Based Assessments: Evidence may include written reports, presentations, case studies, role-plays or simulations, observation records, audio-visual evidence, reflective evaluations, a CV, a covering letter, a skills audit, an interview plan and an action plan.

No formal Examinations: There are no formal examinations.

The NCFE Level 3 Introductory Certificate in Travel and Tourism provides learners with a good basis for progression to further study and higher-level qualifications in travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.

Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway

• Step 1: Level 4 Certificate in Travel and Tourism Management
• Step 2: Foundation Degree (Level 5) in Travel and Tourism
• Step 3: Bachelor’s Degree (Level 6) in Travel and Tourism

Alternative Pathways 

• Top‑up to the NCFE Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Travel and Tourism to gain a larger qualification at the same level before moving to higher education.
• Specialist CPD courses in airline cabin crew, airport operations, business travel, or tour guiding.
• Apprenticeships in travel services and passenger transport.
• Industry training offered by organisations such as IATA, as well as relevant courses, apprenticeships and career-development resources promoted by travel-industry bodies such as ABTA.

This Level 3 qualification can provide access to a variety of entry-level and junior roles within the travel and tourism industry with good potential for career progression.

Here are some career opportunities you could pursue, along with approximate UK salaries (Source: Glassdoor UK):

• Airline Cabin Crew – £24,000
• Travel Agency Consultant – £22,500
• Airport Customer Service Agent – £21,000
• Tour Operations Assistant – £20,000
• Resort Representative – £19,500
• Hotel Front Desk Agent – £18,500
• Tour Guide – £18,000
• Holiday Representative – £17,500

This qualification is regulated by Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. Ofqual is the qualifications regulator for England and ensures that regulated qualifications meet national standards for quality, consistency and fairness. Ofqual regulation means that the course content, assessment methods and learning outcomes are monitored, giving learners confidence that the qualification is credible, recognised and supports progression to further study or employment.

RQF

In England and Northern Ireland, regulated qualifications are classified by level and size using the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It helps learners, employers, and education providers understand and compare qualifications. Entry Level is divided into Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3. The framework consists of nine levels from Entry Level to Level 8. Size indicates the amount of learning required to achieve the qualification, and level indicates the complexity and demand of the learning. To be regulated, a qualification must meet the relevant regulatory requirements and be awarded by a recognised awarding organisation.