ISTM Certificate of Travel HealthTM

  • Developed by an international panel of travel medicine experts representing a variety of professional disciplines, the Certificate will be awarded to eligible professionals who pass the Certificate of Knowledge Examination. The Certificate is a symbol of your achievement in the field – proof of your commitment to excellence. Those passing the examination will receive a Certificate of Knowledge and will be granted a “Certificate in Travel Healthâ„¢” or “CTH®” that must be maintained every ten years to remain active.
  • The Certificate recognizes individual excellence in knowledge in the field of travel medicine, associated with pre-travel care and consultation. It is the first step in the ISTM Travel Medicine Continuous Professional Development Program. The exam focuses specifically on the level of knowledge that is necessary to practice travel medicine.
  • CTH® renewal process: To maintain CTH® credentials, candidates who have received a Certificate must complete required activities and apply for renewal every 10 years. Learn more about CTH® renewal.

Upcoming CTH® Examinations

  • 4-8 May 2026 (Registration will open 16 January 2026)
Exam Information Exam Application

FAQs

When does registration open for the May 2026 CTH® Exam?

  • Exam Dates: 4–8 May 2026
  • Early Bird Deadline: 9 March 2026

What are the benefits of earning the CTH®?
✓ International recognition of travel medicine expertise
✓ Enhanced professional credibility with continued professional development
✓ Tools to promote your travel clinic
✓ Listing on the ISTM Global Travel Clinic Directory (ISTM Members Only)

Who is eligible to take the CTH® examination?
Applications are welcome from licensed healthcare professionals who provide travel health–related services, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants and other licensed healthcare professionals.

While not required, ISTM strongly recommends that candidates have at least three (3) years of experience in travel medicine and/or formal education or training in the field.

How do I apply?
Applications can be completed online. Applications must be submitted no later than 30 days before the exam date and require:

  • Completion of the application questionnaire
  • Agreement to terms and confidentiality policies
  • Upload of a valid government-issued photo ID

After your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email from ISTM and an email from Meazure Learning 3-4 weeks before the exam with instructions on scheduling your exam and what to expect on exam day.

Will the Exam be online or in-person?
Candidates have two options through ISTM’s testing partner, Meazure Learning:

  • Online ProctorU (remote, live-proctored exam)
  • Testing Center (over 1,400 sites in 110 countries; additional fee applies)

What are the examination fees?

Online ProctorU

  • ISTM Member (Doctoral Level):
    • Early Bird: USD $475
    • Regular: USD $575
  • ISTM Member (Non-Doctoral Level):
    • Early Bird: USD $350
    • Regular: USD $450
  • Non-Member:
    • Early Bird: USD $690
    • Regular: USD $790

Testing Center

  • ISTM Member (Doctoral Level):
    • Early Bird: USD $550
    • Regular: USD $650
  • ISTM Member (Non-Doctoral Level):
    • Early Bird: USD $425
    • Regular: USD $525
  • Non-Member:
    • Early Bird: USD $765
    • Regular: USD $865

Are discounted exam fees available?
Yes. Associate Members of ISTM who reside in low- and low–middle-income countries (LMIC), as defined by the World Bank, are eligible for discounted examination fees. If you qualify, the discounted rate will automatically appear in your online registration form.

Discounted Fees for Associate Members

Online ProctorU

  • Doctoral Level: USD $200
  • Non-Doctoral Level: USD $100

Testing Center

  • Doctoral Level: USD $275
  • Non-Doctoral Level: USD $175

What if I need special testing accommodations?
Candidates may request accommodations due to disability or other qualifying conditions. Requests must be submitted at least 30 days before the exam with appropriate medical documentation. ISTM will make reasonable accommodations where possible.
 
What are the cancellation and deferral policies?

  • Cancellations or deferrals are allowed up to 45 days before the exam start date.
  • A refund will be issued minus a USD $75 application fee.
  • One free deferral to the next exam date is allowed.
  • Emergency deferrals after 45 days require documentation and approval.

What is the format of the examination?

  • 220 multiple-choice questions
  • 200 scored questions and 20 unscored pilot questions
  • Four answer choices per question
  • Single testing session lasting 4 hours and 45 minutes
  • Administered in British English

How should I prepare for the CTH® examination?
Helpful tools to prepare for the CTH Exam, such as reviewing the ISTM Body of Knowledge for Travel Medicine, the CDC Yellow Book 2026: Health Information for International Travel and participating in the 2026 Travel Medicine Review and Update Course can be effective ways to prepare for the examination. ISTM members are also encouraged to create discussion boards or study groups to support collaborative learning. 
 
Will I receive my numerical score?

  • If you pass: You will be notified that you have successfully completed the CTH® examination (numerical scores are not provided).
  • If you do not pass: You will receive your score, the minimum passing score and a diagnostic report by content area to help guide future study.

When will I receive my exam results?
Results are emailed within 8-10 weeks after the examination date. Results are sent only to the email address provided during application.

How long is the CTH® valid?
The CTH® designation is valid for five (5) years. A renewal fee will be required as the expiration date approaches.

Can I retake the examination if I do not pass?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of times you may retake the examination. A new application and full examination fee are required for each attempt. The examination is only held twice a year.

Does the CTH® guarantee professional competence?
No. The CTH® recognizes demonstrated knowledge but does not guarantee clinical competence. Due to the evolving nature of travel medicine, examination content may not always reflect the most current guidelines.

CTH Exam Brochure
For more detailed information, please review the CTH® Exam Brochure. If you have further questions please email ISTM.