Level 3 Licensing

A RIBO Level 3 Licence allows a broker to manage a firm’s operations and compliance with regulatory requirements. Level 3 licensees are eligible to be appointed as a Principal Broker, Deputy Principal Broker or Supervising Broker (Principal Broker and Deputy Principal Broker) of a firm. In doing so, you will oversee all other licensees in your firm, ensuring they adhere to RIBO regulations and provide ethical, professional service to clients.

Level 3 Brokers May Also:

• Act as a Principal Broker, responsible for all insurance-related operations in the brokerage.
• Supervise brokers with Level 1 and Level 2 Licences.
• Manage regulatory compliance and ensure brokers are following RIBO’s guidelines, while acting as a key point of contact with RIBO for all matters related to the firm.

Once you hold a RIBO Level 3 Licence, you can take on leadership roles within your brokerage, including:

• Principal Broker – Responsible for overseeing the entire brokerage’s operations, ensuring compliance with RIBO regulations, and managing other brokers.
• Deputy Principal Broker – Assists the Principal Broker in managing the firm and takes over responsibilities in the Principal Broker’s absence.
• Supervising Broker – Oversees brokers with Level 1 and Level 2 licences, ensuring they adhere to industry best practices and regulations.

Additionally, holding a Level 3 Licence allows you to play a more strategic role in the growth and management of your brokerage, giving you authority over business decisions and broker training.

To qualify for a RIBO Level 3 Licence, there are two paths.

Path 1: For RIBO Licence Holders

For those with an active RIBO Level 1 or 2 Licence, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Hold an Active RIBO Level 2 Licence

To be eligible for the Level 3 Licence, you must already hold a RIBO Level 2 Licence (and have been actively licensed for two or more consecutive years), demonstrating that you have the technical and commercial knowledge required for more advanced roles in the insurance industry.

2. Pass One of the RIBO Exams

To obtain a RIBO Level 3 Licence, you are required to pass either the Level 3 – Management or, if eligible, the Level 3 – Accelerated Management (AME). Both paths assess your ability to manage a brokerage and ensure regulatory compliance. Visit the respective exam pages for more detailed information on exam fees, structure, content, format, registration, and eligibility criteria.

The Level 3 Management Exam is being retired as of January 1, 2027, and you would need to qualify for the Level 3 Accelerated Management exam. The following designations would qualify to write the exam:

• CCIB, CAIB (CAIB 1, 2, and 4)
• ACIP, FCIP, CIP (without C132)
• Completed the following courses: C130, C131, and C132.

3. Industry Experience

You are expected to have a minimum of two years of cumulative work experience as an insurance broker before applying for a RIBO Level 3 Licence.

4. Submit Required Documents

When applying for your RIBO Level 3 Licence:

• Email licensing@ribo.com.
• Quote “Level 3 Licence Upgrade – Your Name – Your RIBO Licence Number” in the email subject line.
• Include exam results as proof that you meet the eligibility requirements.

Path 2: For Non-RIBO Licence Holders

If you hold an appropriate licence in another province that would qualify you to act as a Principal Broker, Deputy Principal Broker, or Supervising Broker, you may be eligible for the Level 3 – Management or Level 3 – Accelerated Management (AMF). Additionally, you must take the RIBO Ontario Automobile Equivalency Exam, as it covers Ontario-specific auto insurance regulations.

Licensees sponsored by certain RIBO licensed firms that do not sell auto insurance in Ontario may be able to apply for a licence with special conditions. If this situation applies to you, please contact licensing@ribo.com for more information.

Visit the RIBO Equivalency webpage to check your eligibility and how to apply.

For non-RIBO licence holders only and upon successfully passing the appropriate exam, you can proceed with registration, subject to meeting the suitability requirements, as an insurance broker with a RIBO-registered brokerage firm.

We strongly recommend checking the Registration Checklist before taking the exams. Candidates are responsible for verifying their eligibility for licensure prior to taking any exam.

Please note that 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.

Even before beginning the RIBO Level 3 Licence process, candidates are encouraged to consult the licensee resources. This manual provides essential compliance tools, resources, and guidance that are helpful in preparing for the Level 3 Management Exam and Level 3 – Accelerated Management Exam, and later in practice as a Principal Broker, Deputy Principal Broker, or Supervising Broker. It is strongly recommended that candidates review this manual early in their licensing process to familiarize themselves with RIBO’s regulatory expectations.

To maintain your licence, RIBO requires you to complete Continuing Education (CE) credits annually. These credits ensure you stay updated with industry standards and regulations. For more information on the specific CE requirements, visit RIBO’s Continuing Education webpage.

Your RIBO licence must be renewed annually to remain active. Licence renewal requires completing the renewal form, submitting CE credits and the payment of renewal fees. To learn more about the renewal process and deadlines, visit our Renewing Your Licence webpage.