Insurance brokers in Ontario need their RIBO license to do their job. If you are doing some online research on how to become an insurance broker in Ontario or want to learn more about RIBO licensing, the RIBO exam, and the whole process, this guide will explain everything.
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
This guide will cover everything you need to know about RIBO and being an insurance broker in Ontario. Throughout this guide, you will find links (in RED) to other resources that provide you with more details on those topics. If you cannot find answers to your questions in this guide or using the links below, you can also read our PNC Learning FAQ page or use the search function to find what you are looking for on our website.
WHAT IS RIBO?
According to their website, RIBO means “Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario”. They are the organization responsible for regulating, licensing, and disciplining general insurance brokers licensed in Ontario. They also helped create the RIB Act.
Part of their work is to set educational standards for general insurance brokers and administer exams to ensure all brokers have met these standards. To do this, they have created 3 levels of RIBO license that allow you to do different things.
RIBO LICENSE LEVELS
RIBO LEVEL 1
This is the first step everyone has to take if they want to sell home, car, business, or travel insurance in Ontario. To get this license, it is a very simply 3 step process:
Step 1) Study our RIBO 1 course
Step 2) Register for the RIBO 1 exam and pass the RIBO 1 exam
Step 3) Apply for RIBO entry level jobs and get your license. After passing the exam, you new employer will sponsor your license application. You now have your RIBO designation.
After you get this license, you can start to work as an insurance broker sell all types of general insurance such as home, car and auto. This is all you really need and the other licenses are optional.
RIBO LEVEL 2 UNRESTRICTED TECHNICAL
After you get your RIBO Entry Level 1 license, you can start to consider getting your RIBO 2. This license will allow you to work independently without a supervision of a Level 2 or 3 broker.
The steps to get your RIBO 2 license is the same as with Level 1. You study the Level 2 course, complete the RIBO application form and pass the exam.
RIBO LEVEL 3 UNRESTRICTED MANAGEMENT
This license allows you to run your own insurance brokerage as the Principal Broker responsible for supervising those under you and the steps are the same: study the Level 3 course and pass the RIBO Management exam.
You need at least 2 years of experience before you can take this exam and get the Management license.
RIBO EXAM FEES
The RIBO exam fee is $180 but please read our RIBO license cost guide for more information on the total cost of RIBO licensing including annual license renewals.
RIBO AND OTL
Many students are confused about RIBO vs OTL. Both licenses are related to general insurance but the RIBO certification is for insurance brokers and OTL is for insurance agents. Unless you have a specific job in mind that requires an OTL license, most students will benefit more from getting a RIBO license instead of an OTL.
If you currently have an OTL or license in another province, you can get your RIBO by completing a RIBO Equivalency Exam.
HOW TO GET YOUR RIBO LICENSE
As we explained above, getting your RIBO certification is quite simple. You just need to study (you can take our exam prep course, study the books by yourself, or take classes if you need more help), pass the exam and then apply for jobs and licensing.
One of the most important things to help you on the exam is to get used to practice the exam questions because many people find the case study questions challenging.
RIBO LICENSE CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Once you have your license, you need to make sure you meet RIBO’s continuing education requirements each year to renew your license. For most brokers, that means getting 8 hours of CE credits each year from RIBO accredited courses between September 30th and October 1st.
