RIBO Exam Registration

Last Updated on October 12, 2026 by Jacques Wong, B.Sc.

A RIBO Entry Level 1 License is what everyone who wants to become an insurance broker in Ontario starts with. This license lets you sell home insurance, business insurance, auto insurance, travel insurance, and liability insurance policies in Ontario. But to get your RIBO license, you need to pass the RIBO Level 1 exam.

RIBO Exam Eligibilities

Like most provinces, RIBO has 3 levels of licensing which allow the holder varying levels of authority and freedom. A RIBO 1 license lets you work as an insurance broker in Ontario but you have to work under supervision. As a RIBO Level 2 licensee, you can operate more independently. And if you hold a RIBO Level 3 Management license, you are able to own and manage your own brokerage.

RIBO 1 Exam Eligibility

RIBO 1 is the starting point for anyone wanting to become an insurance broker in Ontario. Because this is the starting point, there are no formal eligibility requirements to write the exam. But in order to get your license, you must meet the following prerequisites:

• Age of Majority: You must be at least 18 years of age.
• Able to Work: You need to be legally eligible to work in Canada (you do not have to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident).
• RIBO 1 Course Completion: Ensure that you have completed the appropriate course work prior to sitting the RIBO 1 exam. These courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do the work of an entry-level insurance broker.

For those that want to become insurance agents in Ontario, the OTL exam is more suitable. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, we have a separate article breaking down the differences between OTL & RIBO licensing. If you’re not sure, I recommend starting with RIBO because it is a more flexible license and opens up more opportunities.

RIBO 2 Exam Eligibility

To qualify for a RIBO Level 2 licence in Ontario, you must first hold an active RIBO Level 1 licence (or an equivalent general insurance broker licence from another Canadian jurisdiction).

Once you hold a Level 1 licence, you must complete one of RIBO’s approved education pathways to earn your RIBO 2 license. One approved pathway is: passing CAIB 1, 2, and 3.

There is no standalone RIBO Level 2 exam. Completion of the approved education pathway is what satisfies the Level 2 educational requirement.

For the most current details, please see our blog post: Important Update: RIBO Changes Licensing Requirements for Level 2 & 3 (Effective January 1, 2026).

RIBO 3 Exam Eligibility

Before embarking on your RIBO 3 exam registration, it’s essential to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Here are the key prerequisites:

1. Under the current structure, candidates pursuing Level 3 should hold a RIBO 2 license and then pass the Level 3 – Management exam or the Accelerated Management Exam (AME). Both exams test you on regulatory compliance and your ability to manage a brokerage.
2. Work Experience: Most candidates attempting the RIBO 3 exam are already employed in the insurance industry. This practical experience is invaluable for understanding and applying the advanced concepts covered in this exam.
3. RIBO 3 Course Completion: Ensure that you have completed the required RIBO courses leading up to the RIBO 3 exam. These courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the insurance brokerage field.

Registering for the RIBO Exam

Online vs. In-Person

Starting January 1, 2027, RIBO examinations will be offered exclusively in-person through two approved examination providers: the Insurance Institute of Canada (IIC) and the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO). Candidates will no longer be able to take RIBO exams remotely through online proctoring.

You can register through either provider, depending on the available dates, locations, and seats that best suit your needs. Since each provider manages its own examination bookings, review the registration instructions on its official website before scheduling your exam.

Insurance Institute of Canada – Level 1 Broker Exams

IBAO – RIBO Examinations

RIBO Exam Locations

Choosing a suitable exam location is an important part of preparing for your RIBO examination. From January 2027, all candidates must attend an authorized physical testing centers, so consider the distance from your home or workplace, transportation options, and the time needed to reach the venue.

Writing the Exam in Ontario

Candidates in Ontario can explore the examination locations offered by the IIC and IBAO. The IIC lists selected locations, including Conestoga, Hamilton, London, Ottawa, Montréal, and Toronto. The IBAO offers examinations at its Toronto Exam Center, located at 1 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario.

Available dates, times, and seats vary by provider and location. Check each provider’s website to compare your options and book an examination that fits your schedule.

Writing the Exam Outside Ontario

Candidates living outside Ontario should check the IIC’s examination schedule for available sessions at locations outside the province. The IIC has indicated plans to offer scheduled monthly sessions at selected locations outside Ontario, subject to availability and demand.

If no suitable location is available nearby, contact the IIC directly to see if they can arrange one for you. RIBO examinations are not currently available at international test centers.

Completing the Registration Form

To schedule your RIBO exam, visit the official website of the Insurance Institute of Canada (IIC) or the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO).

Until December 31, 2026, candidates can select from the available in-person and online-proctored examination appointments. Starting January 1, 2027, all RIBO exams must be taken in person at an authorized testing centere, as remote online examinations will no longer be available.

Select your preferred provider and review its available examination dates, times, and locations. Follow the provider’s registration instructions, enter your personal information accurately, and confirm your booking details before submitting your registration.

The examination fee is $325 per attempt, regardless of which approved provider you choose. After registering and paying, keep your confirmation email for reference, as it contains important details about your examination appointment.

For the latest scheduling information, visit the IIC Level 1 Broker Exams page or the IBAO RIBO Examinations page.

Deferring or Cancelling RIBO Exam

Life can be unpredictable, and circumstances may arise that require you to defer or cancel your RIBO exam. Here’s how to handle such situations:

Deferring an Exam

If you are writing with the Insurance Institute, you can modify your exam booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the exam start time. However, rescheduling requests made less than 24 hours in advance will be subject to a $50 fee. Those writing with IBAO need to submit a written notice 15 days before the exam date, otherwise, a $75 admin fee will be charged.

Cancelling an Exam

If you are writing with the Insurance Institute, you can withdraw their exam registration up to one business day before the exam start time for a full refund. Withdrawals made after this deadline will incur a $50 fee. Those writing with the IBAO need to submit a written notice 15 days before the exam date to be eligible for a refund.

Preparing For The Exam

While the exam date and location are pivotal, preparation remains the cornerstone of success. Utilize study materials provided by reputable sources, review the RIBO exam syllabus, and consider enrolling in preparatory courses if needed. Organize a study schedule that allows for thorough coverage of all exam topics and includes practice exams to gauge your progress.

Consider joining study groups or seeking guidance from professionals who have successfully passed the RIBO exam. Their insights and tips can prove invaluable as you navigate the intricacies of the insurance concepts and regulations covered in the exam.

RIBO Exam Format

The RIBO Level 1 exam consists of 115 multiple choice questions worth 1 mark each, requiring a 75% score to pass within a 3-hour time limit. Of the 115 questions, 15 are unscored pilot questions that are indistinguishable from real questions. The exam is also partially open-book, providing candidates with access to a consolidated PDF containing essential reference materials including the OAP 1 (Ontario Auto) policy wordings, RIBO By-Laws, RIB Act, and Ontario Regulations.

The exam content focuses primarily on personal lines insurance with some basic commercial coverage. Here’s the breakdown:

• General Insurance and Industry Knowledge: 25 questions
• Personal Lines Habitational: 25 questions
• Travel Health: 5 questions
• Personal Lines Automobile: 25 questions
• Commercial Lines: 20 questions

On the Day of Your Exam

Before your exam, make sure you’re familiar with your provider’s examination requirements. For online-proctored exams available before January 1, 2027, test your webcam, microphone, and internet connection, and ensure your testing space meets the proctor’s requirements. From January 1, 2027, all RIBO exams will be conducted in person, so review your booking confirmation, prepare the required identification and materials, and plan your journey to the testing center. Regardless of the exam format, follow your provider’s instructions carefully to ensure a smooth examination experience.

After The Exam

After you’ve successfully passed the exam (congratulations), you’re now qualified to become an insurance broker. This means you can start looking for jobs in the insurance industry.

SUCCESS STARTS WITH SMART PLANNING

The RIBO exam date and location are integral components of your journey toward becoming a registered insurance broker in Ontario. By carefully selecting an appropriate exam date and location, you set the stage for effective preparation and successful performance on the exam. Keep in mind that while these factors are significant, the effort you invest in studying and understanding the material will ultimately determine your success. With thorough preparation, dedication, and a clear focus, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals in the insurance industry.