Welcome to the San Francisco Tour Guide Guild

To be a Certified or Associate member, an applicant must:

• Be accepted by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees.
• Agree to abide by the Guild’s Code of Ethics & Professional Standards .
• Currently reside or work in or around the San Francisco Bay Area as a tour guide or tour escort.
• Actively pursue continuing education by attending two Guild events annually (non-compliance may affect active status and job referral eligibility).
• Have dues paid current.

Tour Guide membership dues are:

• $80 for the first year.
• $75 per year thereafter.

Application fees and dues are subject to change by the Board of Trustees.

All Tour Guide members share the same core eligibility; however, Certified members have completed additional steps to demonstrate deep experience and excellence.

Certified members:

• Have passed all parts of the Guild’s Certification Examination.
• Have documented the required tours or hours of experience.
• Have demonstrated compliance with the Code of Ethics & Professional Standards during at least 12 months of Guild membership.

Learn more on the Education & Certification page.

• Online access to the complete membership directory.
• Participation in general business and special meetings.
• Professional contacts and networking with other guides and tourism professionals.
• Exposure to employers through the Guild’s external directory of members and access to tour-related businesses that are Business Friends of SFTGG.
• Subscription to the Guild’s newsletter, The Guidepost, plus industry updates via email and forums.
• Invitations to educational programs, training tours, and events.
• Access to various industry discounts.
• Membership in the National Federation of Tour Guide Associations (NFTGA) , including the opportunity to purchase liability insurance.
• Upon Certification, the option to be listed in the Directory of Certified Guides and to receive preference for referrals for work assignments.

• Certified and Associate members may vote in elections for Trustees and on Guild business at semi-annual or special membership meetings.
• Certified and Associate members may attend Guild training tours and other events at members rates.
• In addition, Certified members may:
  • Use all Guild facilities and services.
  • Use the title “Certified Tour Guide” and the initials “CTG.”
  • Use the Guild emblem on their business cards and marketing materials.

Ready to join? Use the online application form . Once approved, you’ll receive login instructions and can complete your dues payment.

Friends of the Guild may include:

• Destination Management Companies (DMCs).
• Tour operators and receptive operators.
• Motorcoach and limousine companies.
• Meeting planners and event professionals.
• Cruise and sail charter companies.
• Individuals.

• Accepted by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees.
• Any business or individual that supports the goals of the Guild.
• Has dues paid current.

For Individual and Business Friends of the Guild:

• Application for a new Friend of the Guild: $100.00.
• Annual dues thereafter: $100.00 per year.

Application fees and dues are subject to change by the Board of Trustees.

• Subscription to the Guild’s newsletter, The Guidepost.
• A complete membership list for networking and outreach.
• Participation in general business meetings.
• Professional contacts through networking with guides and fellow partners.
• Industry updates via email.
• Invitations to educational programs and selected Guild events, at members rates.
• Membership in the National Federation of Tour Guide Associations (NFTGA) .

To join as a Friend of the Guild, use the New Member Sign Up form and select the appropriate membership type.