Uzbekistan to Introduce Qualification Categories for Guides

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan will introduce a system for assigning qualification categories to guides and guide-interpreters from 1 December 2026.

The measures are provided for by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 468 dated 4 September 2026, “On Measures to Further Improve Excursion Services in the Republic of Uzbekistan.”

The Research Institute for Tourism Development under the Tourism Committee will be authorised to assign qualification categories to guides at their request. Qualification certificates will be issued for an unlimited period.

At the same time, guides and guide-interpreters who have not practised professionally during the previous two years will be required to retake the qualification examination.

The qualification category will be assigned on a voluntary basis. The absence of a category will not restrict a guide’s right to work if they hold a qualification certificate obtained in accordance with the procedure established by law.

The resolution approved regulations governing the assignment of qualification categories. The document provides for four categories: amateur guide, specialised guide, professional guide and “Golden Fund” guide.

The category will take into account professional knowledge and practical skills, the ability to organise and conduct excursions, knowledge of sightseeing sites, communication skills with tourists, foreign-language proficiency and compliance with professional ethics.

The category will be determined based on the results of a professional examination. A score of 56% to 70% corresponds to the amateur guide category, 70% to 85% to the specialised guide category, and 86% to 100% to the professional guide category.

The new procedure therefore establishes a voluntary qualification categorisation system for guides while maintaining the ability to work on the basis of a valid qualification certificate.