Examination Process & Information

NOTE: The examination process will NOT be offered for new perspective guides until 2026.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Gettysburg Licensed Town Guide. We are currently only looking for individuals who can work a minimum of four, five hour weekday shifts each month, from April through Remembrance Day.

The entire examination process involves a series of steps that is transparent, open, comprehensive and challenging. The object of this process is to find the most qualified, knowledgeable and professional individuals, who will be able to walk the streets of Gettysburg and communicate their knowledge about the Battle of Gettysburg’s effect on the civilian population of Gettysburg and President Lincoln’s Visit to the visiting public in an engaging manner.

If you wish to become a Guide you are required to successfully complete each step within one examination period. The complete process includes:

  • Step 1 - Letter of Intent - due August
  • Step 2 - Panel Interview - will notify after we receive your letter
  • Step 3 - One day Seminar - Early to mid-October - Cost TBD
  • Step 4 - Written Examination - Mid-January - Cost TBD
  • Step 5 - Assignment of Mentor
  • Step 6 - Oral Examination - Date Early to mid-March

Failure to successfully complete any one step means a failure of the entire examination process.

  • Step 1: Letter of Intent

You must send a Letter of Intent describing yourself, including relevant background and experience and why you are interested in becoming a GBLTG. You must also confirm your availability to work a minimum of four, five-hour weekday shifts each month, from April through Remembrance Day. You can email your letter to info@gbltg.com or mail a hard copy to GBLTH P.O. Box 3245 Gettysburg, PA 17325.

  • Step 2: Panel Interview

A major area of a guides' expertise is the ability to communicate the Gettysburg story to the visitor in an engaging, professional and understandable manner. In Step 2 you will be evaluated on your interpersonal communication skills by three Senior Guides. They will pose questions and engage you in dialogue for approximately 30 minutes. During this time you will have the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of both oral and interpersonal communication skills. Your ability to listen and relay relevant and accurate answers; appropriate eye contact; voice tone tempo and level of projection; and use of correct grammar and pronunciation and demeanor exhibits your ability to connect with the interviewers/visitors. We will look for qualities of enthusiasm, friendliness, neat, clean and professional appearance and good posture. We will also be giving you additional information. After the 30 min. dialogue you will be given some time to ask questions of the Panel.

  • Step 3: One day Seminar

Candidates who have completed Steps 1 & 2 will be required to attend a 1 day Seminar at the Gettysburg Library. This seminar will include some discussion of all the following topics:

  • History of Gettysburg from settlement to the Civil War
  • Gettysburg in the context of Lee’s invasion of PA and the 3 day battle.
  • Gettysburg in 1863 (population, economy, life for the average resident, etc)
  • The aftermath and the town’s response to the battle
  • Lincoln’s Visit; Gettysburg Address; Civilians’ role in the creation of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery
  • Gettysburg’s black community (before, during and after the battle)
  • Political, social and economic development of the borough of Gettysburg from 1786 to 1860.
  • Creation of the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Assoc and it relation to the current National Park.
  • Bringing the railroad to Gettysburg
  • Identify pictures of important Gettysburg figures and borough buildings and monuments.
  • Causes of the Civil War;
  • Underground Railroad and Gettysburg Civilians;
  • Knowledge of Gettysburg National Military Park

**Date: Early to mid-October - Location: Gettysburg Library - Cost: TBD **

  • Step 4: Written Examination

The written examination starts at 9:00 am and end at 12:00 noon. The exam will contain fill-in-the-blank objective questions, identification of pictures, and essay questions. A 90% is considered passing, but the GBLTG will determine the number of guides needed and rank the applicants on the basis of test scores.

**Date: Mid-January - Location: Gettysburg Library - Cost TBD **

  • Step 5: Assignment of Mentor

If you have successfully passed the written test you will be assigned a mentor who will help you prepare for the Oral exam. You will have to prepare an outline of an effective 90 min guided tour of the town of Gettysburg. Your mentor will assist you in this assignment and help you polish your tour stops and storytelling. Candidates will have until Mid-March, to prepare a 90 min tour. Candidates are required to conduct a practice oral exam with their mentor prior to scheduling their official Oral Exam.

  • Step 6: Oral Examination

The Oral exam (90 min walking tour) must be taken by Mid-March. Examiners will be 3 Senior Guides. Each candidate will have a maximum of two opportunities to complete the oral exam. If a candidate is unsuccessful at the first attempt, a second oral exam will be scheduled within 30 days. Candidates will receive an oral evaluation immediately after their oral exam.

If you have any questions, please contact info@gbltg.com.