The first is an intensive preparatory course covering every aspect of the collections in the Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book, Rockefeller Museum, and Ticho House. The candidate learns how the Museum functions and how collections are preserved, restored, and displayed. The activities of the Youth Wing are surveyed. Special attention is paid to the public relations aspect of the tours. The second area of training is under the heading of hishtalmut , an ongoing program of lectures given by curators or by experts from outside the Museum.
Attendance is compulsory for guides.
After the training period, the candidate is required to lead tours in the presence of guides or members of the Museum staff, or both. This informal presentation helps both the candidate and the staff to clear up any difficulties. Upon completing the training course and passing the testing session, the candidate is qualified as a volunteer guide and begins the three-month trial period. The purpose of evaluation is to provide feedback and create opportunities for individual improvement. Guides are re-evaluated every three years.