Upcoming Licensing Exam and Fee Update

This update reflects our ongoing efforts to strengthen the licensing qualification process to ensure fair, secure, and high-quality exams for candidates and to enhance the labour mobility of RIBO licensees.

In recent years, we have:

• Introduced more rigorous exam standards
• Improved delivery systems
• Added new measures to protect exam integrity.

RIBO has expanded efforts in areas including technology, proctoring, candidate support, and exam development, and we remain committed to building a licensing process that is accessible and comprehensive, preparing future brokers for the demands of the profession.

Exam Fees

Starting January 1, 2026, the fee for all RIBO licensing exams will change from $300 to $325. Exams scheduled on or after will reflect the new rate. It applies universally, regardless of the exam provider or whether the exam is written online or in-person.

Level 2 and Level 3 Exams

RIBO is transitioning our Level 2 and the full Level 3 licensing qualification standards to industry designations that already demonstrate equivalent or greater competency. RIBO-specific Level 2 and Level 3 exams will be eliminated. This aligns with other provinces that recognize the CIP and CAIB industry designations for Level 2 and Level 3 licensing.

Effective Dates for Changes

• Level 2 exams (Commercial and Farm) will be eliminated as of January 1, 2026.
• The following designation would be required to satisfy the Level 2 licence: CAIB, CIP, FCIP, ACIP, and CCIB. If you hold a Level 1 licence and are currently working toward a designation, you can also apply for a Level 2 licence after completing the following courses: CAIB 1, 2, and 3 (must have completed and passed all 3 courses); or CIP courses: C130 and C131 (must have completed and passed both courses).
• Individuals with CRM, RPLU, ACII/FCII, and CPU designations can also apply for Level 2. While these designations would qualify for Level 2 licence, they will not qualify an individual for the Level 3 Accelerated Management examination.
• The Level 3 Management exam will be eliminated as of January 1, 2027.
• Successful completion of the Level 3 Accelerated Management Exam (AME) is required to obtain a Level 3 licence after January 1, 2027. Individuals with the following designations will meet Level 3 AME exam requirements: CCIB, CAIB, ACIP, FCIP, and CIP (full designation or at minimum has completed C130, C131, and C132).

For information on the CAIB and CIP programs, including course structures and enrollment, visit:

• Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO)
• Insurance Institute of Canada (IIC).

These changes emphasize education and broker competency at every level while reducing the cost of updating or maintaining exams that would not meaningfully improve competency outcomes.

By recognizing those designations, RIBO reduces duplication, aligns with other jurisdictions, and supports labour mobility across jurisdictions. This approach also reinforces a continuous learning culture, producing brokers who are better prepared and more confident in advancing their careers.

RIBO will work with education providers on an accreditation and audit process for recognized designations to maintain quality. The list of approved programs will be reviewed periodically and may evolve as industry standards change.

These changes do not affect brokers that currently hold a Level 2 or Level 3 licence.

Education providers and brokerages should begin transitioning courses or materials designed specifically for Level 2 and Level 3 exams. Use this transition period to align offerings with recognized designations and competency-based training. Expect new accreditation and competency-based training. Expect new accreditation and audit standards for approved designations. Recognition will be reviewed and updated as needed.

Principal Brokers and firms should start identifying brokers with potential for advancement early. Build career development plans that include designation pathways. Encourage and support brokers to pursue designations proactively rather than waiting for a promotion or role change. Use this transition period to integrate designation milestones into internal upskilling and succession planning strategies.