Examination Process & Information
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Thank you for your interest in becoming a Gettysburg Licensed Town Guide. 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 by: August 25, 2025
- Step 2 - Panel Interview- will notify after we receive your letter - September – October 15
- Step 3 - Written Examination - January 2026 - Cost $75
- Step 4 - Assignment of Mentor
- Step 5 - Oral Examination - February – March 31, 2026
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. Let us know your proposed avaibility to guide from April through Remembrance Day. Email your letter to info@gbltg.com.
- 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: 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: January 2026 - Location: Gettysburg Library - Cost $75
- Step 4: 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 5: Oral Examination
The Oral exam (90 min walking tour) must be taken by March 31, 2026. 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 after their oral exam.
If you have any questions, please contact info@gbltg.com.