Becoming an Italian tour guide is a daunting process. From learning the Italian language to getting around Rome and getting certified as a tourism guide, there are many steps to achieve what seems more like a vacation than a job. But once you get settled, you'll share the history and beauty of one of the most well-known empires in the world.
Learn the Italian language. You must have an understanding of this language to take tourists around, not just for the tourists themselves but for the people you'll be dealing with as you visit Roman sites. Aside from hiring a language teacher, which could be expensive, Rosetta Stone is a computer program that can help you to learn the basics of the Italian language.
Visit Rome. Take a tour with an experienced guide and take notes. You'll not only learn about Rome's historic and popular tourist destinations, but you'll learn about the professionalism and decorum that the guide displays with her clients.
Get trained. The International Guide Academy offers a tour guide course. The course lasts five days and totals 40 hours of education. As of 2010, the Tour Guide Course is $695, including a $100 registration fee. The course provides information about the industry and how to handle groups.
Obtain your tour guide license by passing an exam. The Province of Rome offers classes twice per year. The government provides a written and oral exam. Both tests are given in Italian. Visit the government website for guide exam dates and times.
Apply for a job. Once you've mastered the Italian language, understand the culture and geography of Rome and have passed the Italian Tour Guide exam, check into U.S. tour guide companies that place guides in Italy.
