Last Updated on March 28, 2025 by Jacques Wong, B.Sc.
Looking to enter Alberta’s insurance industry? Understanding the licensing structure is the crucial first step for your long-term career success. This article will focus on highlighting the different licensing levels and give you a rundown of all the Alberta insurance exam information you need to be successful.
Alberta Licensing Levels
In Alberta, there are 3 levels of licensing with varying degrees of authority and freedom:
Alberta General Insurance Level 1
This is the license held by entry-level insurance professionals. Everyone starts here. To earn this license, you are expected to have fundamental knowledge of insurance principles, products and practices. This license allows you to work in basic insurance sales and service roles under supervision by a Level 2 or 3 licensee. Obtaining this license involves completing a Alberta Insurance Council (AIC) approved Alberta General Level 1 Insurance Qualification Program (GLQP) course and passing the Alberta Level 1 Insurance Exam.
Alberta General Insurance Level 2
This license is held by more experienced insurance professionals. To earn this license, you are expected to have a deeper and broader understanding of insurance. There is a specific focus on commercial insurance products at this level. This license allows you to work independently without supervision and build your own book of business. Obtaining this license involves completing the Alberta General Insurance Level 2 course and passing the AIC Level 2 exam.
Alberta General Insurance Level 3
This is the most advanced license and focuses mostly on brokerage management. This license allows you to own or manage your own brokerage as the principal broker. Obtaining this license involves completing the Alberta General Insurance Level 3 course and passing the AIC Level 3 exam.
If being an insurance broker/agent isn’t your thing, you can also look into becoming an insurance adjuster. An adjuster is responsible for investigating, assessing and settling claims. For those that want to become adjusters, you need to take the Alberta Level 1 Adjusters course and pass the Alberta Insurance Council Adjuster Level 1 exam.
Alberta General Insurance Level 1 Exam INFORMATION
Exam Structure and Content
The Alberta General Insurance Level 1 exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within a 2-hour time limit. The exam covers a comprehensive range of topics, including:
- How insurance works
- Contract law
- Government regulations
- Risk management
- Property insurance (personal and commercial)
- Bonds
- Legal liability
- Legal liability insurance
- Farm insurance
- Marine & aviation insurance
- Accident and sickness/travel insurance
- Automobile insurance
- Broker regulations & professionalism
Questions assess your understanding of personal lines insurance, commercial coverage basics, and Alberta’s insurance legislation. Here is the breakdown of the exam components:
- 60% Technical Skills & Risk Management. Of those questions, here is a rough estimate of the question types:
- 25 Property
- 5 Liability
- 12 Automobile
- 1 Travel
- 2 Accident & Sickness
- 15 Risk Management
- 20% Ethics and Professionalism
- 20% Industry Knowledge
The exam is computer-based and administered at designated testing centers (virtual exams have been temporarily suspended until they can improve the security and integrity of the exams) throughout the province, with results typically available immediately upon completion.
Pro Tip: Use Google Maps’ “arrive by” function to plan your trip. Aim to arrive 15-30 minutes earlier so you have time to find parking and settle in before starting your exam.
Exam Requirements
To qualify for the Level 1 license, candidates must first complete the General Level 1 Qualification Program (GLQP) through an approved educational provider like PNC Learning. This prerequisite ensures you have the foundational knowledge needed before attempting the exam.
Once you have completed our Alberta Level 1 course, you will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to get certified. One thing to keep in mind is that you will need 70% to pass the exam.
If you’re ready to start preparing for the exam, check out our Alberta Level 1 online course.
When attending your exam, you’ll need to bring a government-issued photo ID. You must have your CIPR # or CIPR email address (the same one associated with your GLQP certification) and password to log in and start your exam. Electronic devices are strictly prohibited in the testing area, so leave your phone, smartwatch, and other gadgets at home or in your car.
Pass Rates and Challenges
The Alberta General Insurance Level 1 exam has historically maintained a pass rate of approximately 59%, meaning nearly one-third of candidates need to retake the test. Many find the exam challenging due to its broad scope and the application-based nature of many questions.
The Alberta Insurance Council designs questions that test not just memorization but your ability to apply insurance concepts to real-world scenarios. PNC Learning’s specialized course addresses these challenges directly, with targeted practice questions and scenario-based learning designed to boost your chances of passing on your first attempt.
Study Tips and Resources
Study Timeline and Scheduling: Start your Level 1 exam preparation at least 4-6 weeks before your test date to ensure you have ample time to cover all material thoroughly. It helps to create a structured study schedule that allocates specific time blocks for different topics, paying special attention to policy types and coverage limitations. We suggest breaking down your studying into manageable sections to prevent being overwhelmed and help ensure comprehensive coverage of the exam content.
Practice Quizzes and Exams: Complete as many practice questions as possible, as this is perhaps the most effective preparation strategy for the Alberta Level 1 exam. Practice tests not only familiarize you with the question format but also help identify knowledge gaps requiring additional attention. Many successful candidates report that regular self-testing through practice questions was instrumental in achieving passing scores on their first attempt, so do it frequently until you feel confident!
Pro Tip: Save at least 1 practice exam (ideally the one from the AIC Textbook because it’s the closest to the real thing) to do as you end your exam prep. Use it to simulate a real exam to get an accurate assessment of your knowledge and readiness to write the real thing.
Alberta General Insurance Level 2 Exam INFORMATION
Exam Structure and Content
Just like Level 1, the Level 2 exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within a 2-hour timeframe. The exam is considerably more comprehensive than the Level 1 test, covering advanced topics such as complex commercial coverages, specialized liability policies, risk management principles, and detailed underwriting concepts including:
- How insurance works
- Broker professionalism & regulations
- Personal property insurance
- Personal liability insurance
- Commercial property insurance
- Commercial liability insurance
- Farm insurance
- Personal automobile insurance
- Commercial automobile insurance
- Ocean marine, aviation, travel, and accident & sickness insurance
- Bonds
As you can see, the topic distribution on the Level 2 exam is very similar to Level 1. Here are the topic weights on the exam broken down:
- 60% Technical Skills & Risk Management. Of those questions, there’s the approximate breakdown:
- 29 Property Questions
- 8 Risk Management
- 10 Liability Questions
- 12 Auto Questions
- 1 Travel
- 20% Industry Knowledge
- 20% Ethics & Professionalism
Each question is designed to test your ability to apply insurance knowledge to complex scenarios rather than simply recalling facts. The exam is administered electronically at approved testing centers throughout Alberta, with immediate results provided upon completion.
Pro Tip: I recommend taking the Alberta Level 2 exam as soon as possible after completing Level 1. As you can see above, a lot of the topics overlap so you can start studying for the Level 2 as soon as possible, you can save yourself time by skipping the topics you still remember.
To make it easy for you, we’ve bundled the Alberta Level 1 & 2 courses together for $100 off!
Exam Requirements
To qualify for the Level 2 exam, candidates must first hold a valid General Level 1 license and complete the Alberta Level 2 course. Note that you will need 70% to pass the exam.
On exam day, you’ll need to bring government-issued photo identification. You must have your CIPR # or CIPR email address and password to log in and start your exam. Personal items, including electronic devices and study materials are not permitted.
Pass Rates and Challenges
The Level 2 exam has a higher pass rate than Level 1, hovering at a fantastic rate of 82%. The exam demands not only memorization of insurance concepts but also the ability to synthesize information and apply it to nuanced situations.
Our Alberta Level 2 course addresses these challenges with targeted instruction on the most difficult exam topics and extensive practice with application-based questions that mirror the real exam’s style and difficulty.
Study Tips and Resources
Commercial Focus and Deep Understanding: when preparing for the Level 2 exam, focus on commercial lines content, particularly commercial property and liability sections, as these comprise a significant portion of the test and is not covered as comprehensively in Level 1. There is more content here than in Level 1 so plan accordingly and give yourself more time to study. Be sure to spend the most time on sections that make up the most points on the exam or on topics you aren’t as strong in.
Scenario-Based Learning: Practice applying your knowledge through case studies and complex scenarios, as the Level 2 exam emphasizes analytical thinking over simple recall. Working through scenarios that require you to evaluate coverage options, assess risks, and make appropriate recommendations will develop the critical thinking skills necessary for success. Consider connecting theoretical concepts to practical situations you might encounter in your own life or job to make the material more relevant and memorable. We recommend going through the practice questions (especially the ones from the AIC Level 2 textbook) to get a sense of what the questions will be like during exam day.
Alberta Level 3 Exam INFORMATION
Exam Structure and Content
The Alberta Insurance Level 3 exam is designed to test your readiness for brokerage management responsibilities through a comprehensive assessment consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions. You’ll have 90 minutes to complete the exam, and you’ll need to achieve a 70% to pass.
The content is strategically divided into two major categories that reflect the real-world responsibilities of a Designated Representative (aka Level 3). Here is the breakdown:
- 70% Brokerage Management
- Insurance policy maintenance and review procedures
- Employment legislation and termination protocols
- Privacy standards (PIPEDA/PIPA) and communication standards (CASL)
- Errors & Omissions requirements and management
- Financial and operations management
- Licensing requirements and broker management systems Selection of insurers to represent
- 30% Industry Knowledge
- Legislation and implementing regulations
- Market trends and new products like cyber liability
- Roles of underwriters, adjusters, insurers, and regulatory bodies
- Concepts of reinsurance and facility, Industry associations and their roles
All questions are written at intermediate to advanced skill levels, testing your ability to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information—not just recall basic facts.
Exam Requirements
To be eligible to write the Level 3 exam, you must have held a valid General Insurance Level 2 license in Alberta for at least 24 of the last 36 months. In addition, it is recommended that candidates have some experience in a supervisory or managerial role within a brokerage, as the exam content is aligned with real-world responsibilities at that level. This experience requirement reflects the advanced nature of the Level 3 position and the responsibility it entails.
When appearing for the exam, you should bring your government-issued photo ID. A scientific calculator will be provided to you within the exam platform.
Pass Rates and Challenges
Currently, the exam pass rate stands at 20%. The Level 3 exam presents significantly more complex challenges than previous levels, with questions requiring the application of advanced concepts to realistic brokerage scenarios rather than simple recall. Many candidates struggle with the financial management and operations portions also demand additional knowledge beyond what we are used to day-to-day as brokers. PNC Learning’s specialized Alberta Level 3 Prep Course addresses these challenges through comprehensive materials aligned with the Alberta Insurance Council’s Curriculum Design Document, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and the practical applications needed to navigate the exam’s most demanding sections.
Study Tips and Resources
Establish a Structured Study Schedule: one of the biggest challenges for Level 3 exam takers is that they are often busy professionals so a sticking to a study schedule is crucial. Break down the exam content into manageable sections and create a consistent study routine that covers all topics. The 70/30 split of content means you should dedicate more time to Brokerage Management topics, particularly financial operations and regulatory compliance. PNC Learning’s structured modules can help you maintain discipline throughout your preparation journey.
Take Practice Exams Under Timed Conditions: recreate the exam environment by taking full-length practice tests within the 90-minute time limit. This helps build your stamina and improves your ability to manage time effectively during the actual exam. Analyze your performance afterward to identify knowledge gaps in both the Industry Knowledge (30%) and Brokerage Management (70%) sections.
Alberta Level 1 Adjuster Exam INFORMATION
Exam Structure and Content
The Alberta Level 1 Adjuster exam is a comprehensive assessment designed to test your knowledge of insurance adjusting fundamentals. The exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions distributed across four key areas:
- 40 General questions
- 25 Property Insurance questions
- 25 Automobile Insurance questions
- 10 Liability Insurance questions
You’ll have 2 hours to complete the entire exam, requiring efficient time management. The test evaluates your understanding of claim investigation processes, policy coverage analysis, and loss assessment techniques. To pass, you’ll need to achieve a minimum score of 70%, which demonstrates your competency in the core adjusting principles required by the Alberta Insurance Council.
Exam Requirements
Unlike the General Insurance exams, the Level 1 Adjuster exam does NOT require a General License Qualification Program (GLQP) certification before registration. This makes the entry path somewhat more accessible for those interested in claims adjustment rather than sales.
However, you’ll still need to follow the Alberta Insurance Council’s registration process to secure your exam date and location. You’ll need to bring government-issued photo identification and your exam registration confirmation for the actual exam. Make sure to arrive early on exam day, as late arrivals may not be permitted to write the test.
Pass Rates and Challenges
The Level 1 Adjuster exam presents unique challenges, with candidates often finding the technical aspects of property and automobile claim evaluation particularly difficult. The pass rate stands roughly at 59%, demonstrating the difficulty of the exam.
Understanding policy wording interpretation and the legal framework governing claims can be stumbling blocks for many test-takers. Our Alberta Level 1 Adjuster course is specifically designed to address these challenge areas through targeted practice questions and scenario-based learning. The course breaks down complex concepts into manageable segments and provides extensive practice with the types of questions you’ll encounter on the actual exam.
Study Tips and Resources
Prioritize: Since the exam covers a wide range of topics, it can be challenging to know how to approach your studies. As a general rule, focus your efforts where they test the most. After each practice session, note which areas gave you the most trouble. Focus your review sessions there—it’s more efficient than going over what you already know. For more tips beyond this Alberta Insurance Exam Information Guide, check out our course.
Build a Glossary: there’s a lot of technical language in the exam. Our course provides you with a glossary of key terms and definitions to make sure you’re fluent in the language of insurance adjusting. Remember that adjusting is a practical profession, so approach your studying from not only a problem-solving perspective but also with a solid foundation in terminology and concepts.
Pass Your Alberta Insurance Exam with PNC Learning
Navigating Alberta’s insurance licensing exams requires strategic preparation and a comprehensive understanding of the material. Whether you’re pursuing a Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Adjuster Level 1 license, we hope that this Alberta Insurance Exam information guide has been informative for you.
If you need help prepping for your Alberta insurance exams, our courses offer the perfect solution for exam candidates. Follow our structured curriculum aligned with current exam content, extensive practice questions mirroring actual test formats, and expert instruction from industry professionals. Let PNC Learning guide your journey to insurance licensing success with our comprehensive exam preparation resources and support.
With PNC Learning, you get:
- Clear, Straightforward Language – We translate complex insurance concepts into plain English, focusing on what matters for both your exam and real-world success.
- Personal Success Coach – Why struggle alone? Your dedicated licensed instructor is available by phone, live chat, or email to guide you every step of the way. Making it faster and easier to pass your exams.
- Success Guarantee – We’re as invested in your success as you are. If you complete our course but don’t pass your exam during your enrollment period, we’ll extend your access and support until you succeed. Your determination plus our expertise equals guaranteed success.
- Cutting-Edge Curriculum – Our courses evolve continuously based on industry changes, real exam questions, and student feedback to ensure you’re always prepared with the most relevant knowledge.
- Ultimate Flexibility – Study on any device, anytime, anywhere with our optimized platform, mobile app, and audio lessons that fit seamlessly into your busy life.
Interested in Alberta General Insurance information to help you register for the Level 1, 2, or 3 exams? Visit our comprehensive guide here.