Is there an age limit to becoming a guide?
No limit. Many people come into guiding from a different career and therefore tend to be at least in their late-twenties. Many guides are considerably older. Rather than age, the pre-requisite is for stamina and good health as the work of the guide can be physically demanding, with early starts to the day and sometimes, a late finish.

Do you need a university degree?
Higher and further education are not required to be a guide. Some, but not all guides have degrees. However, as the course combines knowledge with practical training you should be prepared for a considerable amount of learning. Remember though that being a guide is not all about knowledge. It is about delivery of knowledge - the "art" of guiding.

Do you need to be able to speak another language?
Some guides will only speak and work in English. Your chances of getting accepted on the course are greater if you are fluent (or could be with practice) in other languages. Many guides will have a mother tongue that is not English and they will work only in that language.

What characteristics make a good guide?
The people that become guides obviously vary widely. The one essential characteristic they share is that they enjoy working with people. Understanding and being sympathetic to the stresses and strains of the traveller (jet lag, nervousness of a large city, not being able to understand the language) is essential. The guide is often the first local human contact.

How much do guides earn?
Earnings depend on how much a guide works, given that most guides work for a day fee. Like many new business ventures it will probably take a couple of years or more to build up a good client base. Remember also that the tourist industry is seasonal in London with less work in the winter and more in the summer months. Having said that, many guides in London do make a living from the profession.

What kind of people become guides?
Many guides have a professional background e.g. teachers, accountants, lawyers. Others will have had a theatre background or come from the tourist industry. We also have ex-housewives, taxi drivers, horticulturists, policemen - a diverse variety. Although some guides will offer specialist tours, if the intention is to earn a living, then all types of work will usually need to be accepted and the corresponding research work carried out.

How can I experience the work of a Blue Badge Guide?
Find out about the work of a Blue Badge guide in London by:
1.Taking a guided coach tour around London. (Evan Evans, Frames Rickard and Golden Tours use Blue Badge guides. The open top buses do not.)
2.Take a highlights tour of the British Museum, Somerset House, Spencer House or during August/September, the Palace of Westminster - all use Blue Badge guides.