EXPEDITION GUIDE ACADEMY
EGA's Comprehensive PTGA Assessment
​​The Expedition Guide Academy is a certified Training and Assessment Provider (TAP) with the Polar Tourism Guides Association (PTGA).
This means our instructors are accredited PTGA assessors, and our systems, delivery and assessment processes have been vetted to meet the PTGA’s international standards for professional polar guiding.
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The PTGA provides the only industry-wide, competency-based framework for assessing the skills, methods and judgement required of expedition guides working in polar regions. Their system is recognised by operators across the industry and gives guides a clear, objective way to demonstrate capability and competencies in the field.
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PTGA's values mirror our own: practical competence, sound decision-making, and professional integrity. Our role as a TAP is to provide training that prepares candidates for assessment, and to deliver fair, consistent, performance-based assessments that meet the PTGA standard.
EGA's Comprehensive PTGA Assessment
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During our 3-day assessment period, we assess the following three PTGA Qualifications (PQs) in person. These cover critical skills for small-boat and shore-based operations in expedition environments.
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Working with Small Boats / Zodiacs
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Focuses on safe guest handling, shoreline operations, teamwork, risk recognition, and managing small-boat logistics. This PQ is relevant for all guides involved in landing operations, regardless of driving experience.
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Driving Small Boats / Zodiacs
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A performance-based assessment of driving skill, decision-making and operational safety in dynamic conditions. Requires the Navigation Skills and Polar Communications PQs as prerequisites.
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Navigation Skills for Polar Operations (element 2)
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Covers chart interpretation, bearings, situational awareness, planning, hazard recognition and practical navigation tasks used in polar operations. Element 1 is completed online; element 2 is assessed in person.​
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These three PQs form a strong foundation for seasonal work and support a more robust CV when applying for expedition roles.
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Language: English Proficient
Age: 18+
Previous experience: Required prerequisites for each PQ & PTGA membership
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Who is the Assessment for?:
Seasoned guides already working on ships who would like to gain certification, and those new to the industry, all of whom have signed up for our Comprehensive Guide Course.
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Maximum: 6 participants
Minimum: 4 participants
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Price: USD $1770
How the Assessment Works
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Our PTGA assessments run over three full days and take place immediately after the Comprehensive Guide Course (CGC).
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Key features of the assessment process:
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Performance-based: candidates must demonstrate competence in realistic conditions.
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No teaching: assessors observe performance but do not coach during assessment.
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Calibrated assessors: our assessors are trained to deliver fair and consistent evaluations.
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Multiple assessors: enough assessors are involved to ensure a balanced, unhurried process.
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Detailed reporting: after the assessment, we prepare a full report which is submitted to the PTGA.
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PTGA uploads results: qualifications gained are added to your online PTGA profile.
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The 3-day format allows us to assess the PTGA PQs, including their sub-elements, without compromising quality or rushing candidates.
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Prerequisites
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To take part in the PTGA assessments with us, you will need:
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A booking on the Comprehensive Guide Course
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PTGA membership (required before starting any online modules)
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A current first-aid certificate (must be supplied to PTGA within three months of your last assessment day).
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Completion of the PTGA online components for:
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Radio & Satellite Communications (elements 1 and 2)
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Navigation Skills (element 1)
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The online modules provide essential theory and are required before the in-person assessment.
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We will provide instructions on how to access these modules once you have booked your course and assessment.
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What You’ll Gain
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Externally validated PTGA qualifications in four key guiding competencies
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A clearer, stronger CV for expedition cruise applications
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A transparent record of your competence via the PTGA online profile
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A structured understanding of your existing strengths and areas for development
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A solid professional foundation for future work in polar regions
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These qualifications support both new and experienced guides who want an independent measure of their capabilities.​​
Practical Information
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Locations: Assessments are offered in both Denmark and New Zealand.
Group size: Minimum 4 participants, maximum 6 participants.
Duration: 3 days.
Price: USD $1770.
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Programme Structure
The PTGA assessment is only available as an extension to the Comprehensive Guide Course. We do not offer standalone assessments. If you would like to gain PTGA qualifications through the Expedition Guide Academy, you will need to book onto a CGC intake that includes the assessment block. We also offer a standalone 7-day Comprehensive Guide Course for those who wish to complete the training component only.
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During the assessment, we have assessors in the field with you. We also utilise an online assessor(s) during the program to assess theoretical components of the PTGA qualifications.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is available on-site at our training facility. The correct accommodation option depends on the programme you book:
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If you are joining the CGC + PTGA Assessment, you will select the combined accommodation option covering the full duration (typically 10 nights).
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If you are joining the CGC Only, you will select the shorter accommodation option aligned with the 7-day programme.
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Both options provide the same standard of accommodation and facilities.
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Facilities:
Assessments take place across a mix of indoor and outdoor environments. You will spend time in the classroom, on the beach, in green areas and on the water using our small boats, navigation tools and communication equipment.
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Catering
As with the training component, coffee and tea (cow and oat milk) are available throughout the day at the venue. On the final evening of the assessment, we host a communal dinner to mark the end of the programme.
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Departure
Departure is the morning after the final day of assessments.
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How to Book
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To gain PTGA qualifications with us, book onto a Comprehensive Guide Course that includes the 3-day PTGA assessment block.
During the booking process, you will be able to select the appropriate accommodation option for your programme.
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If you require further information about prerequisites, the assessment structure or the booking process, please get in touch.
