French Tourism Code

The national guide-interpreter diploma confers on its holders the qualification required to obtain the professional card provided for in article R. 221-1.

The national guide-interpreter diploma is a national diploma of the second cycle of higher education, within the meaning of articles L. 612-5 et seq of the Education Code. The duration of studies leading to this qualification is set at one academic year, subject to any timetable adjustments that may be granted to students enrolled in continuing vocational training.

The following are authorised to submit an application with a view to taking the admission tests 1° Holders of a national or state diploma certifying two years’ study after the baccalauréat in one of the following fields: art history, archaeology, cultural mediation, communication and tourism-leisure-accommodation-entertainment; 2° People who may or may not be working after validation of their studies, professional experience or personal achievements.

The national guide-interpreter diploma is awarded by higher education establishments authorised for this purpose for a renewable period of four years, under the conditions set out in Articles L. 613-1 to L. 613-4 of the Education Code.

Admission to the course is granted by the head of the accredited establishment, on the recommendation of an admissions panel. The admission tests take the form of an interview designed to assess the candidate’s general knowledge and his or her ability to speak two foreign languages. The jury is made up of teacher-researchers and teachers involved in the course as well as representatives of the professional world chosen for their…

The terms of training and the conditions for awarding the national guide-interpreter diploma are defined by order of the minister responsible for higher education, after consulting the National Council for Higher Education and Research.