Question 1

About the course and Calendar 2026

Accepted Answer

The course includes lessons on the most important topics for tour guides and ends with a written and practical assessment. Course content is delivered by experienced guides, locals, and topic specialists.

Teaching Language : English

Topics Include:
General Norwegian and Southern Norway History.
Introduction to the Cruise Industry, Hospitality & Service Excellence,
Presentation, Storytelling, and Interpretation,
Guiding techniques, Difficult Situations and Risk Management

Question 2

Course fee and Payment

Accepted Answer

2026 Course fee -3495 NOK.

Includes all teaching, practical visits, entrance fees, coach/bus travel, and venue entrance fees as part of the training.
Course fee must be fully paid before the course begins, once your application is received, we will review it, and send detailed information and payment details.
Registration is binding.
No refunds will be given if a participant withdraws from the course, or any part of it, at any stage, or for non-use of the services provided.

Question 3

Course Structure

Accepted Answer

Combination of online presentations, practical training sessions and self-study. 
 80% attendance requirement for this course.

Online Sessions- Tuesday and Thursday, from 18:00 to 21:00. 
Lectures as well as interactive elements like quizzes, polls, forums, and group activities.
Practical training – Saturdays from 09: 00-16:30, attendance in person. Meeting point: Kristiansand.  Visits to the most popular locations /venues.

Trainee Tours – Join a tour excursion as a trainee to learn from an experienced guide. Scheduled individually according to cruise call availability. 
Private study - students should expect to spend about 5 hours each week on private study, research, and preparation for the practical sessions.
First Aid Training and ISPS COURSE - Compulsory training that provides a good basis for being able to perform life saving first aid in the event of serious injury in an accident, during illness or an emergency

Question 4

Requirements

Accepted Answer

Participants should have regular access to a computer, email and/or a printer, as all handouts for lectures, etc. are delivered electronically.
Online sessions via TEAMS - You don't need to install the Teams app to join the meeting. You can join a Teams meeting anytime, from any device, whether or not you have a Teams account. 
Recording of lecturers or tutors is not allowed (participants are expected to take notes).

Question 5

Exams & Assessment

Accepted Answer

Exams & Assessment
 • Language Proficiency exam - for those wishing to qualify to guide in a language other than their mother tongue.
 • Theoretical exam - Written exam online.
 • Practical exam - Coach/Bus and city walk guiding.

Included in the Course:
Guide Course Handbook, program and lecture handouts will be made available online. 
First Aid course and certificate upon completion.

Question 6

Organisers and Training Team

Accepted Answer

Organised by Cruise Sørlandet in close cooperation with Agder Guide Association. 
If you have questions, please contact us at: registration@cruisesorlandet.com (mailto:registration@cruisesorlandet.com)

Question 7

Why pay for this course ?

Accepted Answer

There is probably a bit of uncertainty about the guide course and our role as course organizers together with Agder Guide Association.

As there is currently no similar offer in the region, Cruise Sørlandet, together with the regional Agder Guide association have undertaken the task of arranging courses to train more knowledgeable ambassadors for our part of the country.

The course is an offer and an opportunity for those interested in the guiding profession to take a course with certification as a local guide in Southern Norway, with the possibility of further training with the Norwegian Guide Association. After completing and passing the course, you will receive a course certificate, equivalent to other courses and education. What one chooses to do with the qualification is up to the individual..

Neither the guide association nor the cruise network receives any financial support for organising the course, either publicly or from the private business community. It is therefore Cruise Sørlandet that bears the financial burden, and largely finances the course. The course fee can be regarded as symbolic compared to the real cost per participant when you factor in all costs related to resource use for planning, implementation, and post-work (hourly use of course instructors, venue hire, bus for excursions, first aid course with diploma, etc.).

Cruise Sørlandet works with Agder Guide Association to provide guides for various assignments on behalf of our clients. As a result, we are not an employer in the traditional sense. We have a vested interest in training more guides who can provide quality service to our clients, and for this reason, we fund a significant portion of the guide course. Upon completion of the course, we offer additional education and training to enhance the skills of those who wish to work with us.

Cruise Sørlandet Team

Tourist Guide Course

Registration Now Open

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COURSE FEE

Registration Form

Tour Guide Course

Applications are open to 20th February 2026. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and all levels of experience