All individuals must meet the “qualifications” outlined in Section 5 of Ontario Regulation 991 of the RIB Act. This includes, but is not limited to:
Passing the licensing exam is the first step to becoming a registered insurance broker in Ontario. Developed and overseen by the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) and administered through our approved Exam Service Providers (ESPs), these exams are designed to ensure that all brokers meet the necessary knowledge and competency standards to serve the public with professionalism and integrity.
This page outlines what you need to know about the examination process, including registration, schedules, study resources, and policies.
Review the information below to prepare for your exam and stay current on important changes and procedures.
The Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) has established an Exam Administration and Academic Integrity Policy to inform examinees, the profession, and the public of the measures RIBO employs to ensure the integrity of the exam results. These measures protect the credibility of the examination process and also to uphold the reputation of RIBO and the qualifications it confers.
RIBO exams are intended to assess individuals’ understanding and mastery of the subject matter required to act as a licenced insurance broker in Ontario. As competency evaluation tools, exams support consumer protection by ensuring that licensed brokers meet the requirements for admission into the profession both academically and ethically.
RIBO is resolute in its dedication to providing a fair and equal exam process for all examinees, where genuine mastery of the subject matter is accurately assessed without any external aids or unauthorized assistance.
Exam service providers are third-party organizations approved by RIBO to administer and grade in-person and virtually proctored licensing exams on its behalf.
They are integral to ensuring exam integrity and to assist in detecting academic dishonesty.
Exam service providers have a wide array of tools at their disposal to detect any academic integrity violation or exam misconduct.
Exam service providers, whether directly or through proctoring vendors, are required to collect personal information of those individuals seeking to write RIBO examinations and are required to confirm the identity of the test takers. Examinees consent to the collection and use of their personal information, including for the purposes of satisfying this academic integrity policy.
Exam service providers are responsible for overseeing the examination process, including administering the registration and examination process, monitoring for exam integrity, reporting irregularities or breaches, making decisions regarding exam nullification, and enforcing RIBO’s academic integrity policy.
Exam service providers administer computer-based based in-person and/or virtually proctored online exams. In both cases, exams are proctored. Proctors are observers who monitor compliance with exam-taking rules. Proctors are responsible for monitoring and reporting any exam breaches to the exam service providers with details regarding breaches of examination rules.
Online exams are those that are conducted on web access-enabled devices, such as laptops or desktop computers, and are invigilated by a live, virtual proctor.
Virtual proctoring is an online procedure that uses people and technology to monitor the examinees remotely through video, audio, and screen monitoring to detect any irregularities or breaches of examination rules.
Exam service providers are responsible for confirming the occurrence of any breaches of examination rules. They are authorized by RIBO to use standardized methods and techniques to ensure exam integrity, which include, but are not limited to, reviewing examinees’ exam sessions, incident reports, recorded videos, and response patterns.
RIBO and its exam service providers may also use a range of advanced technologies, including automated tools, AI, data analysis, and other methods to support item development, monitor exam sessions, and flag potential irregularities or misconduct. These tools work in tandem with human review and proctoring to maintain the integrity of the exam process.
The examinee may be interviewed by their exam service provider (either in-person, over the phone, or over a virtual platform) should they feel this is warranted.
Exam service providers are required to report any level of exam breach or misconduct to RIBO, which will be further reviewed and addressed in accordance with this policy.
Exam service providers have the responsibility to grade and confirm exam results. They also have the responsibility of nullifying exam results in cases of exam misconduct or irregularity.
Nullification refers to an exam result that has been declared invalid or void by an Exam Service Provider, due to irregularities, breaches of examination rules, or issues that could compromise the fairness or integrity of the assessment.
Any nullified exam would be deemed ineligible despite the grade achieved on the examination. An exam that is nullified is recorded by the Exam Service Provider and RIBO as an exam attempt for the purpose of this Policy.
Future exam registration requests of Candidates who have an exam nullified may be approved as long as all future exams are written in person.
Examinees will receive clear and timely notifications from the Exam Service Provider regarding nullification of exam results. These notifications will be sent through official channels, and the reason for the nullification will not be included.
The Exam Service Providers will also provide the same clear and timely notification to RIBO, which will be kept on file for the potential candidate.
As per RIBO’s Academic Integrity Policy, RIBO considers all decisions in respect of exam grading, and the nullification of all exams made by the Exam Service Providers and suspension made by RIBO to be final. Should a licensee wish to request that such record of an exam nullification be expunged from their examinee records, they may request the Qualification & Registration Committee of RIBO to review their record.
RIBO has established exam rewrite policies as part of its General Exam Rules. Individuals are allowed two attempts at any RIBO exam in any eight-month period per Exam Service Provider. After two failed attempts with the same service provider, examinees must wait eight months from the date of their last attempt before attempting the examination again with that same service provider.
An individual is eligible to rewrite the exam with a different exam service provider without waiting the eight-month period.
Nullified exams count as an exam attempt and follow this same rewrite policy, however, further restrictions or terms regarding the writing of the examination by RIBO and administered by the exam service providers might apply.
RIBO can set restrictions or terms that are administered by exam service providers that include the suspension of exam privileges for a set period of time, virtually proctored online examination privileges, adjusted waiting periods for examination retakes, assigned seating arrangements for in-person examinations, varied question sets, and technology-driven monitoring of behaviour during exams. The Exam Service Provider may impose any restrictions in accordance with their own policies.
The Academic Integrity Policy outlines the guidelines and consequences regarding academic dishonesty displayed by examinees writing any RIBO exams. Academic integrity is a fundamental principle, and all examinees are expected to uphold it before, during, and after their exam period.
Academic integrity is defined as the practice of being fair, honest, respectful, responsible, and trustworthy in the examination context. Having integrity means engaging in the highest level of honesty, professionalism, and writing exams in an ethical way. It also means respecting exam content and the entire exam process.
Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of dishonest behaviour undermine RIBO’s commitment to protect the public by ensuring that only qualified, suitable, and competent individuals are authorized to provide insurance advice.
There are different types of exam breaches and misconduct, which range from low-level breaches to high-level academic misconduct and systematic cheating.
An exam rule violation or low-level breach is a failure to follow the preestablished exam administration procedures that could alter the exam result of one or more examinees and compromise exam integrity.
Exam misconduct is more serious and can include any action or attempted action by an examinee or a group of examinees that may result in creating a false evaluation for the examinees or any conduct that could gain oneself or other examinees unearned advantage or benefit in evaluation.
This includes any conduct occurring during exam registration, as well as conduct that occurs before, during, and after the administration of an exam that may amount to cheating or abuse of the exam rules. In the context of an in-person exam, misconduct also includes any disruptive action that prevents other examinees from performing as they should.
Exam misconduct and any other unethical behaviour in the exam process amounts to, at minimum, academic dishonesty and could be considered fraud or another criminal offence.
Types of exam irregularities and academic dishonesty include but are not limited to:
This list is not meant to be exhaustive but is illustrative of the wide variety of behaviours considered academic dishonesty. The table below is also not exhaustive, nor does it represent the only actions that can be taken. It is intended to illustrate some examples of these breaches and their potential outcomes.
Infractions that violate RIBO Exam Policies and/or exam service providers’ policies (IIC, IBAO) but do not amount to exam misconduct.
Issuing a verbal and/or written warning by the exam service provider.
Shutdown if the action continues with a grade of zero. The violation counts as a first attempt.
Examinees may reattempt the exam at their own cost and the exam can be delivered in a virtually proctored format.
Decisions concerning the nullification of any exam is made based on a set of factors that RIBO and its exam service providers have agreed upon.
Factors include, but are not limited to: data reviews which suggests the examinee falls outside the norm of an exam taker, as well as other observed irregularities in test-taking behaviour.
Nullifying the exam result to which the misconduct or rule violation refers, and a notation of an attempt logged on the examinee’s file.
Re-write an exam in person, on a date, time, and location specified by the exam service provider.
Once exam results have been nullified by a service provider, RIBO requires any future re-attempts to be administered in-person.
The initial rewrite will count as a second attempt and is at their own expense, and individuals are provided 90 days to schedule their rewrite.
Future license applications of examinees may be automatically referred to the Qualification & Registration Committee for review at any time.
Impersonating another person in a test or exam or using another person to take an exam for you; Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids.
The unauthorized possession of examination materials.
Nullifying the exam to which the misconduct or rule violation refers and a notation of an attempt logged on the examinee’s file.
Licensees: Individuals would have their registration referred to the Qualification and Registration & Committee review with a recommendation to revoke their registration.
RIBO Candidates and Licensed Examinees: Prohibition from participating in the exam process for a period of two years (from the date of the decision) and RIBO license application cancellation.
An examinee whose exam results have been nullified as a result of a high violation, is required to write all future RIBO exams in-person. These exams would be written at their own expense.
Writing of all future exams at the exam service provider’s specified date, time, and location.
Any future applications for RIBO registration would be automatically referred to the Qualification & Registration Committee for review.
RIBO has a public duty to ensure that candidates for admission and licensees have the educational and ethical qualifications to act as an insurance broker in Ontario.
Exam service providers are tasked with making the determination with respect to whether any irregularities, violations or misconduct have occurred and will provide notice to the examinee and to RIBO in accordance with those findings.
In addition, RIBO uses advanced data analytics, automated review tools, AI, and other technology-driven methods to assess whether past exam response patterns or behaviour indicate potential academic dishonesty. These same technologies may be applied during item development and quality assurance processes to help ensure exam consistency and integrity.
If academic dishonesty is identified, whether before, during or, after the exam, the exam will be nullified by the exam service provider and appropriate sanctions will follow in line with this policy.
A RIBO Candidate examinee refers to an examinee not yet granted a certificate of registration by RIBO and is therefore not currently licensed as an insurance broker in Ontario.
If a candidate examinee is found to have committed a low-level violation, they will have their results nullified by the exam service provider. The exam cannot be used for application for a RIBO license.
If a candidate examinee is found to have committed exam breach or misconduct, the examination is nullified and, once eligible, upon successful completion of in-person examination(s), any future registration application will be referred to the Qualification and Registration Committee to review whether the candidate meets the educational and ethical standards for admission into the profession.
Exam nullification for any RIBO exam may occur after the licensee has already applied for and been admitted to the profession. If their qualifying exam is nullified, they will be suspended under RIBO By-Law No. 3 until such time as they receive a passing examination and receive confirmation that the suspension has been lifted.
Upon successfully passing the required exam, the licensee would be required to submit an application for the removal of suspension on their registration, which may be referred to the Qualification and Registration Committee for review. A complaint may also be filed for investigation by RIBO. If the licensee’s registration has been cancelled, a new application will be required.
The powers and duties of the Qualification and Registration (Q&R) Committee are outlined in the Registered Insurance Brokers Act (RIB Act)
The Q&R Committee is tasked with determining the eligibility of individuals applying for a certificate of registration or renewal in accordance with Regulation 991 made under the RIB Act, including determining whether the individual:
(i) has attained the age of majority,
(ii) is of good character and has demonstrated reasonable grounds for belief that he or she will carry on business in accordance with law, integrity and honesty,
(iii) has not been convicted of any offence the nature of which renders him or her unfit to act as a broker,
(iv) has not been refused a license under the Insurance Act or had a license suspended or revoked for a reason that renders him or her unfit to act as an insurance broker,
(v) satisfies the educational and experience requirements established by the Qualification and Registration Committee, and
(vi) has complied with the provisions of this Regulation.
The findings, decisions and reasons of the Qualification and Registration Committee are publicly available and may be published in accordance with the RIBO Publication Guidelines.
RIBO may collect directly, and require its service providers to collect, such information about individual examinees as may be necessary to complete or verify the information contained in any application to become a registered insurance broker.
Exam nullification history, instances of ‘Academic Dishonesty,’ and suspensions will form part of an examinee’s file, which also becomes part of their registration file if they are RIBO licensed. If an examinee wishes to have any of these records removed, an application can be made in writing to the Qualification & Registration Committee of RIBO Council.
The letter should explain the reason for the request, what the examinee has learned from the experience, and what they have done to ensure violations of academic integrity will not occur again. Such applications may not be initiated before two years have passed. The decision to remove the notation is at the discretion of the Qualification & Registration Committee, and they may consider various factors in their decision-making process. Failed exams will not be removed from records.
In the event that an examinee’s exam(s) is nullified for reasons of academic dishonesty, RIBO reserves the right to share this information, including the reasons for disqualification, with other examination providers or provincial regulatory bodies for the purpose of maintaining the integrity and ensuring that disqualified individuals do not gain unauthorized access to future examinations.
Where allegations of serious exam misconduct and/or fraud has occurred, RIBO may refer the allegations to the relevant authorities including but not limited to local police departments and/or other professional regulatory bodies.
All RIBO exams and educational materials are protected by copyright. Commercial or for-profit redistribution of the materials, in part or in whole, is prohibited except with the written consent of RIBO.
All RIBO exams, educational materials, and related resources are original and copyrighted works, owned by RIBO, and are afforded the protection of copyright laws. The copyright protection serves as a shield against unauthorized use or distribution that could compromise the quality and accuracy of the educational content.
Examinees shall not engage in actions such as capturing screenshots or attempting to replicate images, copies, downloads, and shall not discuss exam content or any components of the exam infrastructure. Similarly, any attempts to reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any part of the exam infrastructure are strictly prohibited. Any answers, responses, or documents submitted by persons in the context of RIBO exams become the property of RIBO.
Download the Exam Administration and Academic Integrity Policy PDF.
At RIBO, we collaborate closely with our exam service providers to uphold the integrity of our examinations. This commitment is exemplified through routine reviews of exam results to detect any irregularities. If such irregularities are found, the affected exams will be nullified, and individuals impacted will be promptly contacted by their exam service provider and/or RIBO.
When taking a RIBO exam, it is imperative to diligently adhere to the RIBO Exam Rules, as any violation of these rules will lead to immediate nullification, potentially affecting an applicant’s eligibility to hold a license.
Last updated: January 15, 2025
1.1. Examinees must ensure they are eligible for the exam(s) they intend to take before registration. Individuals with an active license (OTL or licensed in another jurisdiction) are required to do a self-check on their eligibility on RIBO’s Equivalency. All other individuals must obtain RIBO approval to waive the Level 1 exam requirements and be eligible to write the equivalency exams.
1.2. Original, valid (non-expired) government-issued photo identification (e.g., passport, Canadian driver’s license, Canadian health card, Canadian Permanent Resident card) is required for identity verification before taking the exam. Digital copies or photocopies are not accepted. Failure to provide valid identification will result in rescheduling, at the examinee’s own expense.
1.3. The name and date of birth on the government-issued photo identification must match exactly with the name and date of birth used for exam registration. Any discrepancies will require rescheduling, at the examinee’s own expense.
1.4. Examinees with score reports issued in a name other than their legal name must request a new score report verified against their government-issued ID from their exam service provider. Service fees may apply.
1.5. Candidates must register for their RIBO exam(s) directly through the Insurance Institute of Canada (IIC) or the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO). They are the only two RIBO approved exam service providers.
1.6. RIBO and its exam service providers reserve the right to refuse access to an exam, terminate, pause, postpone, or add conditions for any reason, including but not limited to, security concerns, ethical considerations, conflicts in current licensing status, unpaid/disputed exam fees, or any other circumstances deemed necessary to uphold the integrity and security of the examination process.
2.1. Only the registered examinee is permitted to take the exam.
2.2. Examinees are strictly prohibited from accessing physical or digital resources, including but not limited to, books, notes, cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and headphones.
2.3. Recording or copying of exam content, including writing, copying and pasting, taking screenshots, photos, or recordings of questions and answers, is strictly prohibited.
2.4. Sharing of exam content or discussing it with anyone is prohibited, both before, during, and after the exam. Posting exam content online or sharing it in person is also strictly prohibited.
2.5. Only tools and resources provided within the examination interface, such as an online calculator and/or note-taking section, may be used during the exam.
2.6. Communication with anyone other than authorized personnel (e.g., proctor) is not allowed during the exam.
2.7. All written responses must be expressed using the examinee’s own words. Submitting content that is identical to passages in textbooks, or to any other source, is strictly prohibited.
2.8. Examinees are not allowed to hide or place any prohibited materials in the test-taking area that could be viewed or accessed during the exam.
2.9. Reading, copying, or attempting to/from any other person is prohibited.
2.10. Food is not allowed in the examination area.
2.11. Drinks are allowed but must be in a clear container with no markings, labels, or branding. For In-person examinations, the bottle or container must have a lid which may be non-transparent.
2.12. Leaving the examination area requires permission from the proctor. Unauthorized breaks will result in termination of the exam and nullification of the results.
2.13. Examinees must maintain professionalism and courtesy with the proctor at all times.
2.14. Examinees must follow all proctor instructions and warnings.
2.15. Examinations are routinely reviewed for irregularities and/or breaches of exam rules. Candidates whose examinations indicate irregularities and/or breaches of examination rules may have their examination nullified by their exam service provider. If the examination is determined to be null and void, the examination fee will automatically be forfeited.
2.16. Candidates must remove and place out of reach any head coverings that are not deemed essential for their identity or self-expression (e.g. religion, cultural identity) such as hats, watches, sunglasses, and other head coverings.
2.17. Candidates are responsible for verifying their eligibility for licensure prior to taking the exam. Passing the exam does not guarantee full eligibility, as additional background checks (including but not limited to, criminal records and conflicts of interest with other licensing bodies) will be conducted during the formal licensing application process.
2.18. Examinees are not allowed to retake an exam for two weeks after their failed attempt. Doing so will result in nullifying your exam results.
2.19. Remarking for exams written are only available for Level 2 Technical and Level 3 Management exams as they contain constructed questions. All exams with 100% multiple choice questions don’t qualify for a remark or an appeal.
2.20. Candidates are eligible to write the exam twice per exam provider. After two failed attempts they are subject to an 8-month waiting period following their second failed attempt with the same service provider. If a candidate takes the exam during this 8-month period, the waiting period will reset from their most recent attempt, the results will be nullified, and additional restrictors might apply.
3.1. The examination area must be free of prohibited materials, including but not limited to books, notes, cell phones, electronic devices, and smartwatches, for the entire duration of the exam, including breaks.
3.2. Multiple monitors or TV screens are not permitted near the examination area.
3.3. Actions that may be interpreted as attempts to communicate with others or consult unauthorized resources, including but not limited to the actions listed here, are strictly prohibited.
3.3.1. Repeatedly/excessively looking off screen
3.3.2. Obstructing their face with anything such as papers or hands
3.3.3. Speaking to someone else in the room
3.3.4. Speaking, whispering, or singing in any language
3.3.5. Moving outside of camera view, turning off their camera, or turning off their microphone
3.3.6. Interacting with another person, other than the proctor, in any way
3.3.7. Accessing any content, software applications, or websites during the examination other than the examination platform
3.3.8. Excessive noise in the environment or playing music
3.4. Rescheduling due to technical issues on the examinee’s end (excluding software incompatibility) is allowed, with a potential rescheduling fee, and will not count as an attempt.
3.5. If there is any loss of video, audio, or screen for a period exceeding 5 minutes during the exam, it will result in the termination of the exam and nullification of the results.
3.6. One short break of 5 minutes or less is permitted during the exam, with prior approval from the proctor. Prohibited materials must not be accessed or used during this break. The exam timer continues during the break.
3.7. Any attempt to tamper with or manipulate the examination software, including but not limited to unauthorized access to system settings or other software during the exam, is strictly prohibited.
3.8. Examinees should ensure that their webcam is properly positioned to capture their entire face, head, and shoulders for the entire duration of the exam.
3.9. Examinees are responsible for ensuring that they have the necessary technical equipment, including a computer and a stable internet connection, to participate in the Virtually Proctored Examination. Technical disruptions due to internet instability may lead to exam termination and nullification of exam results.
3.10. Examinees should perform a system check before the scheduled exam time to ensure that their computer, webcam, microphone, and any required software are functioning correctly and up to date. Failure to do so may result in delays and could affect the examination experience.
3.10.1. Equipment Requirements
3.10.2. What Operating Systems/Devices Are Supported?
3.10.3. Online Proctoring FAQ
4.1. Examinees must arrive at the examination center no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled examination start time.
4.2. Examinees who arrive less than 30 minutes after the exam start time will be able to write their examination with no additional time given. Examinees who arrive 30 minutes or more after the exam start time may not write the examination.
4.3. Examinees may not leave the examination room within the first 30 minutes of the exam.
4.4. Examinees must comply with specific rules regarding personal belongings, behaviour, and interactions during in-person proctored examinations set by the exam center and the exam provider.
5.1. Examinee Data: During the examination process, certain personal information may be collected, including but not limited to, the examinee’s name, date of birth, member ID, address, email address, and other relevant identifying details.
5.2. Exam Grade: Information regarding the examinee’s exam performance, such as grades and scores, will be recorded and stored.
5.3. Technical Data: To ensure the integrity of the examination process, technical data such as IP address and device ID may be collected.
5.4. Exam Footage: In the case of virtually proctored examinations, video and audio footage of the examinee during the exam will be recorded.
5.5. Other Pertinent Information: Any other data deemed necessary for the administration and security of the examination may also be collected, stored, and analyzed.
6.1. All collected data will be securely stored by the RIBO and their exam service providers in accordance with relevant privacy laws and regulations.
6.2. RIBO exam service providers may share this data with other relevant parties for the purposes of exam administration, security, compliance, and data analysis.
6.3. Examinee data may also be used for statistical and research purposes, with any personally identifiable information anonymized to protect examinee privacy.
6.4. The handling and sharing of examinee data will be done in strict compliance with applicable data protection and privacy laws.
7.1. Please refer to RIBO exam service provider exam policies for information on eligibility, withdrawal, rescheduling, rewrite policy, transfer, absence, technical issues, legal name, failure to book the exam, and accommodations.
7.2. Examinees are responsible for familiarizing themselves with these rules and policies. Violations may result in forfeiture of exam fees, disqualification, or other consequences as deemed appropriate.
7.3. Examination irregularities and/or breaches of examination rules may result in suspension of examination privileges, refusal of the individual’s registration application, a suspension of the registration, a review by the Qualification & Registration Committee which may result in the individual’s licence being revoked, and/or legal action taken against the candidate.
8.1. RIBO is committed to accommodating different needs and the Exam Service Providers are required to make every effort to accommodate examinees with documented disabilities/impairment or needs relating to a protected ground and who may require alternative arrangements to write an examination.
8.2. Examinees can seek an accommodation by submitting a request form and supporting documentation, if applicable, to their exam service provider in accordance with the Exam Service Provider’s policies.
The RIBO Exam Rules (PDF) is also available.
RIBO has established partnerships with the Insurance Institute of Ontario (IIO) and the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO), to administer RIBO examinations.
We recommend that individuals planning to take an examination carefully review the RIBO Exam Standards applicable to their specific exam.
Furthermore, it is vital to adhere not only to RIBO Exam Rules but also those set forth by our exam service providers to ensure a smooth and successful examination experience.
You can register for a RIBO exam with the following exam providers:
Insurance Institute of Canada (IIC)
Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO)
If you are applying for an equivalency exam, please review RIBO’s equivalency guide.
In some cases, you may be required to request an equivalency review based on your qualifications. Please contact equivalency@ribo.com for more information.
All official results will be issued to candidates by the exam service provider within two weeks of writing the examination.
Re-marks are available for the Level 3 Management examination only.
All examination results are valid for 12 months from the date of the examination. Results must be used within this period to support a new licence application or a licence upgrade.
Candidates are eligible to write the exam twice per exam provider. After two failed attempts they are subject to an 8-month waiting period following their second failed attempt with the same service provider. If a candidate takes the exam during this 8-month period, the waiting period will reset from their most recent attempt, the results will be nullified, and additional restrictors might apply.
The Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) does not create, accredit, or review educational courses or study kits designed to prepare candidates for RIBO exams. RIBO exclusively accredits Continuing Education (CE) courses and does not accredit preparatory educational materials provided by third parties. Any preparatory courses are offered independently of RIBO and are undertaken at the candidate’s own risk. RIBO assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, authenticity, or quality of content provided by such preparatory materials. Candidates are advised to independently verify the relevance and reliability of any preparatory resources they use.