What to Expect from the CAIB Exam (Levels 1-4)

Last Updated on August 6, 2026 by Jacques Wong, B.Sc.

The Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) exams are essential for insurance professionals in Canada who want to advance their knowledge and career. These exams are divided into four levels: CAIB 1, CAIB 2, CAIB 3, and CAIB 4. Each CAIB exam level covers a different important aspect of the Canadian insurance market.

Earning a CAIB designation validates your skills, enhances your credibility, and opens doors to leadership opportunities. This guide consolidates exam information, format details, and tips to help you succeed.

CAIB Exam Structure

The CAIB program is divided into four levels, each designed to test specific aspects of the Canadian insurance industry knowledge:

CAIB 1: CAIB 1 serves as the foundational level of the CAIB program. It aims to provide aspiring insurance professionals with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to excel in the industry. This level focuses on general insurance, introducing foundational knowledge needed to serve individual clients effectively. Topics include habitational insurance, farm insurance, personal auto, professionalism, and travel insurance.

This foundational knowledge meets the educational requirements to earn your Level 1 license in most provinces (except AB & ON).

CAIB 2: This level delves further into the complexities of commercial insurance with the aim of equipping brokers and agents with specialized skills and knowledge. CAIB 2 builds on the basics by introducing commercial insurance, emphasizing commercial property coverages, crime insurance, and business interruption. This level helps candidates develop skills to assess and tailor business insurance solutions.

CAIB 3: The third module focuses on commercial liability, a topic that is vital for those in the insurance industry. CAIB 3 provides a comprehensive knowledge of commercial coverages that require a deeper understanding of policy applications and risk management strategies. Topics include risk management principles, CGL as it relates to the Canadian legal system, and especially commercial insurance, such as marine insurance.

Completion of both CAIB 2 & CAIB 3 meets the educational requirements to earn your Level 2 license in most provinces (except AB).

CAIB 4: The final module covers brokerage management, leadership, and operational strategies. This level prepares candidates for managerial and strategic roles within insurance brokerages. Topics include management principles, human resources, organization, and broker-carrier relationships. Obtaining CAIB 4 will grant you your Level 3 license in your home province.

The passing grade for all CAIB exams is 60%. Any half marks are rounded up, and exams that score close to passing but do not meet the threshold are automatically re-marked to ensure fairness.

For all CAIB exams, candidates will be given 3.5 hours to write their exam.

CAIB Exam Options

The exams are administered by provincial broker associations and can be written in person or online, depending on your location and the association’s guidelines. For those who choose the in-person option, you’ll be required to notify your broker association and submit details on your proctor administering the exam.

British Columbia (BC): Candidates have the option of choosing an in-person or online delivery method with the Insurance Broker Association of BC (IBABC). Here are the 3 options:

• Virtual proctoring service (Captus Press): if you choose this method of delivery, make sure that you have a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. Check that you have a supported browser, disable any pop-up blockers, and have a valid ID for verification.
• Accredited educational institution or government exam centre (for remote areas only)
• IBABC in-office
• Active nominee or brokerage-appointed proctor

Alberta (AB): Insurance Broker Association of Alberta (IBAA) offers test takers the both options to take the exam in-person or online. Here are some additional details:

• Virtual proctoring service (ProctorU/Measure Learning): Students can choose when and where they write their exam, provided that it’s in a quiet space. You will be asked to show your workstation and your surroundings to ensure you comply with exam integrity.

Saskatchewan (SK): Just like in BC, the Insurance Broker Association of Saskatchewan (IBAS) only offers CAIB exams online through Captus Press and an in-person exam option.

Manitoba (MB): Students taking CAIB exams will have the option to take the in-person exam at the Insurance Broker Association of Manitoba (IBAM) at their office or online through Captus Press.

Ontario (ON): From 2024 onwards, all CAIB exams will use ProctorU to proctor exams. The exam procedure is the same as in Alberta (see above).

New Brunswick (NB) & PEI: All exams for CAIB are conducted online through Captus Press. Students may choose to use an online proctor or nominate one who is either a supervisor, manager, or brokerage principal.

In-person vs Online CAIB Exams

There is no hard and fast answer on whether an in-person or virtually proctored exam is better since they’re both written on the computer. If you choose to write the exam in-person or at an exam location, take the time to plan your journey to the exam center. Use Google Maps’ “arrive by” function to accurately determine how much time it will take you to travel there on the day and allow yourself time to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of time so you can find parking and get settled down before you start the exam.

If you choose to write the exam via the virtual proctor, make sure you find a quiet place free of clutter that complies with the proctor’s exam integrity requirements. They may ask you to clean off your desk and room if there is too much clutter. Also, take the time to confirm your device meets the requirements for the virtual proctoring and test it out ahead of time so you can start the exam on time.

CAIB Exam Rewrite Policy

In the unlikely event that you are not successful on your CAIB exam attempt, you can always try again. In terms of rewrite policies, here are the rules surrounding exam rewrites:

BC: CAIB exam rewrites are $195 per attempt for each retake but it’s subject to waiting periods that vary depending on the number of previous attempts. For the third attempt, a waiting period of at least one month is required after the second attempt. For the fourth attempt and all subsequent attempts, candidates must wait a minimum of six months from their last attempt before retaking the exam. It is important to note that these waiting periods are not reset at the end of the calendar year.

AB: CAIB rewrites will be $160 for members and $210 for non-members. Candidates can rewrite as many times as needed.

SK: The rewrite fee is $150 per attempt for members and non-members. However, note that candidates can only take the specific exam up to three times before a six-month probation period is enforced, in which case, they will have to take the time to study and attempt again later.

MB: The rewrite exam fee for members is $119.05, and for non-members, it’s $142.86. An additional $26.25 applies if you plan on taking a CAIB exam online, which is offered through Captus Press.

ON: Students taking the CAIB exam with IBAO will have to pay the exam fee of either $190 if they are members and $230 if they are non-members.

NB & PEI: The rewrite fee is $143.75. Like in SK, if you fail 3 times, you will be subject to a six-month waiting period.

As another option, instead of rewriting the exam, it is also possible to challenge the exam results and request a remark. There is typically a fee ($75) involved in remarking. As a general rule, we recommend students apply for a remarking. Because the exams are short answer questions, they can be very open to interpretation and, therefore, misunderstandings on the part of the marker. Given the relatively low cost of a remark vs rewriting the exam, we highly recommend it. We have had students given a failing grade, apply for a remark and subsequently pass. We’ve even had 1 student go from a 33% to 65% by applying for a remarking.

Key Rules and Exam Format Details

CAIB 1, 2, 3 & 4 Exam Components

All three CAIB exams share the same exam components and layout:

1. 12 Key Terms: These key terms are based on the definitions found in each chapter of the course and test your understanding of core concepts. Usually, each CAIB course contains about 80 key terms. Learning and memorizing will allow you to have an easier time during the exam.
   • Our CAIB courses contain a Glossary of Key Terms covering all the possible key terms you need to know.
2. 10 Multiple Choice Questions: Read these carefully as small words like ‘not’ can significantly change the meaning. Topics from multiple-choice questions might reappear later in the exam—use this to your advantage.
3. 26 Short Answer Questions: These questions are worth 3 marks each and require concise answers. These questions assess your ability to identify or recall relevant info, explain important insurance terms or concepts, and provide examples that support the concept being tested. When studying, focus on remembering key points about major topics.
   • See our CAIB exam tips page to learn more about how to best tackle these short answer questions.

CAIB 4 Exam

Previously, the CAIB 4 exam is entirely long answer questions, with varying marks assigned to each question. To understand how to best tackle these questions, see our CAIB 4 exam tips page.

But now, with the recent curriculum update, the CAIB 4 exam follows the same standard format as all the other CAIB exams: 12 key terms, 10 multiple choice questions, and 26 short answer questions. Making the exam much more familiar and approachable.

Level 1 CAIB Exam Format

The CAIB 1 exam focuses on foundational insurance knowledge, testing your understanding of basic insurance principles and practices.

The following topics covered in CAIB 1 are:

• Introduction to Insurance
• Property Insurance
• Basics of Personal Automobile Insurance
• Personal Liability Insurance
• Farm Insurance
• Accident & Sickness / Travel Insurance
• Broker Regulations & Professionalism
• Licensing

As previously mentioned, the exam consists of 12 key terms, 10 multiple-choice questions, and 26 short-answer responses that test practical applications of theoretical knowledge. You will be expected to identify basic insurance concepts, such as deductibles and perils, define basic terms like indemnity, and analyze scenarios or concepts pertaining to personal lines.

Level 2 CAIB Exam Format

The CAIB 2 exam advances into commercial insurance concepts, preparing you to handle business clients effectively.

Here are the topics covered:

• Commercial Property Insurance
• Commercial Property Policy Forms
• Underwriting Commercial Property Insurance
• Miscellaneous Commercial Property Forms
• Crime Insurance
• Business Interruption

Like CAIB 1, the CAIB 2 exam format is exactly the same, with a focus on commercial property policies. It includes multiple-choice questions, key terms, and written responses designed to test your ability to apply knowledge to practical scenarios.

Level 3 CAIB Exam Format

The CAIB 3 exam builds on the commercial insurance concepts introduced in CAIB 2, focusing on more advanced applications.

CAIB 3 exam covers these topics:

• Commercial Liability
• Commercial General Liability (CGL)
• Commercial Auto
• Marine and Aviation Insurance
• Surety Bonds
• Risk Management

The exam format is like the previous CAIB levels, with an emphasis on more advanced and specialized commercial insurance concepts.

Level 4 CAIB Exam Format

The CAIB 4 exam shifts focus to brokerage management and leadership, preparing candidates for strategic roles in the insurance industry.

Topics tested in the CAIB 4 exam are the following:

• Planning
• Monitoring
• Organizing
• Human Resources
• Marketing
• Technology
• Broker – Insurance Company Relations
• Building Long-Term Relationship
• Financial Management

Unlike the previous CAIB levels, CAIB 4 exam questions are all long answer questions that are designed to evaluate critical thinking and problem-solving skills at a managerial level. One thing to keep in mind is that you want to make it as easy as possible for the markers. If the question asks you for two pros and cons of functional organization, make sure you give just that. Additionally, questions that are worth more points mean more details are required. You may be required to identify and provide accompanying details or explanations.

Ready to register for your CAIB exam?

Follow our step-by-step guide to book your exam with the right provincial association.

CAIB Exam Preparation Resources

Preparing for your CAIB exams can feel like a big challenge, but we’re here to make it as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Our CAIB courses are designed with students like you in mind—whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your insurance knowledge. We break down complex topics into easy-to-follow lectures and provide concise study notes and a glossary of key terms that focus on what really matters for the exams. Everything is structured to help you understand the material, not just memorize it.

One of the things our students love most is the flexibility. You can the courses at your own pace anytime and anywhere—whether you’re fitting this into a busy schedule or diving in full-time. And if you ever feel stuck or unsure about a topic, our experienced instructors are always available to guide you. We pride ourselves on offering personalized support because we know that everyone learns differently.

We also include practice quizzes and exams that mimic the real CAIB test format so that you’re fully prepared on exam day. You’ll know exactly what to expect and feel confident tackling any question that comes your way. Whether you need CAIB 1, CAIB 2, CAIB 3, or CAIB 4, our goal isn’t just to help you pass the exam—it’s to ensure you truly understand the material so you can succeed in your career.

Key Tips for Success on the CAIB Exams

Time Management During the Exam

Effective time management is key to success in the CAIB exams. Allocate time to each section based on the number of questions and their weight; for example, spend more time on written questions as they carry more marks. Use the first few minutes to skim through the entire exam and identify questions you feel most confident answering. Starting with these can help build momentum. Remember to keep an eye on the clock to ensure all sections are attempted and that you have time to answer everything (and check over your work). If you get stuck on a question, move on and return to it later if time permits. You might see something in a later question that jogs your memory as, in our experience, topics often overlap.

Effective Exam Strategies

We share more thorough exam strategies inside the course but here are a few of our best ones:

• Multiple-Choice Questions: When in doubt, eliminate incorrect options to narrow down your choices so you can increase your odds of selecting the right answer. Always choose the first answer that comes to mind if you’re unsure and stay with it unless you see something contradictory later on. I would also recommend highlighting key parts of the question so you can boil it down to it’s most simplest.
• Short Answer/Case Studies: Carefully read the scenario, underline key facts, and structure your response to address all aspects of the question. You want to make sure that you understand all aspects of the case studies and use relevant key terms to demonstrate your knowledge of the concept.
  • Pro Tip: If the question is for 3 marks, they are likely looking for 3 points.
• Essay-Style/Long Answer Questions: Where applicable, make sure you include real-world scenarios or case studies to support your argument and cite any concepts taught in the course. Also, you will want to focus on the key action words, such as “IDENTIFY”, and answer accordingly. Make sure you clearly delineate each point, keep it concise, and make sure you answer the question.

Managing Exam Stress

Managing stress is crucial for optimal performance. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, to calm your nerves before and during the exam. Maintain a positive mindset by visualizing your success, as confidence often leads to better performance. Finally, ensure you are well-rested and have a healthy meal before the exam to keep your energy levels steady throughout. Having a strategy to keep your stress level low not only enhances your mental clarity, but also improves your exam outcome.

Also, make sure you plan ahead to arrive at the exam location or get your virtual proctoring set up at least 30 minutes ahead of time so you have the leeway to take a breather and settle in before the exam starts.

Start Your CAIB Journey Today

The CAIB designation is a significant milestone for any insurance professional. It validates your expertise and sets you apart as a trusted advisor in the industry. Whether you are preparing for CAIB 1, CAIB 2, CAIB 3, or CAIB 4, PNC Learning provides the resources, guidance, and support you need to succeed.