Frequently asked questions

Being a SAGA Certified Guide means that a person has successfully passed the 3 qualifying examinations that demonstrate their competencies in the areas of Georgian History & Culture, Guiding Skills & Communication, and Tour Planning.  The three exams include a practical walking tour, written examination, and transportation tour exam. The SAGA Certification currently represents the highest level of certification that a guide can obtain in Georgia and is highly trusted through industry partners as well as potential employers.

All guides working throughout Georgia are eligible for membership with the Georgian Association of Guides. In order to become a SAGA Certified Guide, you will need to pass the 3 examinations which demonstrate your competencies as a guide. After successfully completing the exams, you will need to complete an application for membership and pay the 100 GEL annual membership fee.

SAGA certified guides enjoy a number of benefits. The association offers its members professional trainings in various directions, provides the most informative open database for potential customers, in order to facilitate direct access. With the card confirming the membership of the association, guides are enjoying with free entrance in a number of facilities throughout Georgia. In addition, together with the SAGA certificate, members will receive the card issued by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations - Cultour Card, which works only with the SAGA issued card and gives benefits/free entrance to the facilities worldwide.

In addition, Saga takes care of strengthening networking in the sector by organizing various informational meetings and tours.

Georgian Association of Guides is a union of highly qualified guides working in the field of tourism in Georgia. If you fail the entrance exam(s), you are given the opportunity to retake a specific exam free of charge. If you think that you need to improve your qualifications, we recommend you to go through the programs of training centers operating in Georgia to improve the professional skills and/or theoretical knowledge. The Georgian Association of Guides is partnered with LLC. Tourism Academy Newkaz, which offers a 3-month training program to those interested to improve their theoretical knowledge and practical skills.   

SAGA Membership examinations are being conducted twice per year, during early Spring and late Autumn, while Touristic Season in Georgia is being relatively low. Entering up in the candidate list is possible during the whole year, by leaving your contact information to the SAGA Administration via visiting in the office, phone call or written form through our official email and Facebook page. Official registration will be proceeded 2 weeks prior to the exams, via online form. 

In order to apply for Georgian Association of Guides membership status, it is mandatory for a candidate to:

• Be a Citizen of Georgia, or have a Residence Permit;
• Have a Georgian language competency besides foreign language knowledge;
• Be at least 18 years old.