In Italy, tourism is considered a profession and all individuals in the tourism industry such as hotels, travel agencies, and tour guides must be licensed by the Italian Government. In order to be presented with authorization and licensing by the Italian Government all individuals wishing to obtain the license must undergo several tests and be examined by the National Committee comprised of Tour Operators, Mother Tongue experts, Archaeologists, Art Historians, Foreign Language Tourist Legislation Specialists, and Hotel Managers. The tests are given in oral and written form. In most cases only one candidate out of 10 are licensed.
How can you tell who is a licensed Rome tour guide, ask. All official licensed tour guides will carry they license on their person many wearing the license so as to ensure that everyone realizes they have a license.
When you utilize the expertise of a licensed Rome tour you can rest assured you have one of the most knowledgeable people as your leader. All others without an official license are operating against the law.
This license will allow the tour guides to provide you with a personal guided tour that you know will be a detailed and in-depth tour so you can truly feel the passion of Rome.
Another thing to remember is that in Italy, a driver is a driver and a tour guide is a tour guide. All licensed drivers to provide tours are not tour guides they are only allowed to drive tourists around the popular destinations or provide you with the transportation to meet your personal tour guide.
Do not settle for less than the Italian Government wants you to have - an official and licensed tour guide.