Last Updated on July 22, 2025 by Jacques Wong, B.Sc.
Obtaining the Ontario Agent – Other Than Life (OTL) license is crucial if you are interested in pursuing a career as an insurance agent in Ontario. This license allows individuals to sell various types of insurance, excluding life insurance. This article will provide you with a detailed guide on OTL exam registration.
What’s the difference between an insurance broker and an insurance agent?
Although the terms are used interchangeably in real life, there are some technical differences between the two. They’re both in the business of selling and advising the public on insurance matters, but the key differences are:
- An insurance agent works for only 1 insurance company and can only represent and sell products from that company.
- An insurance broker works at an independent brokerage and can represent and sell products from many insurance companies.
One isn’t necessarily better than the other, and the license you need to get depends on the job you’re looking for.
You can also easily switch between the two. Someone with an OTL license working as an insurance agent just needs to take a small 20-question RIBO Equivalency exam to get their RIBO license and work as an insurance broker in Ontario.
Understanding the Requirements
Before proceeding with the registration, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria and requirements for the OTL license. Ensure that you meet the prerequisites, such as having sponsorship from a licensed insurer. Understanding the requirements beforehand will save you time and effort during the registration process. More on that here.
OTL Exam Exemptions
If you hold a CIP Designation, you may be exempted from writing the exam.
If you hold an insurance license from another province, you may also be exempted from the OTL exam but may be required to write a smaller auto insurance equivalency exam.
Registering For The Exam
Registering for the OTL exam is done on the Insurance Institute of Ontario website. Here’s an outline of the steps:
- Create an account with the Insurance Institute. They will ask for information like your email, contact information & email address. Make sure to answer these accurately and create a strong password to secure your account.
- Log in to your account and look for the menu option related to licensing exams – especially the OTL exam. Click on it to proceed with your OTL exam registration.
- Make sure you review the exam rules & regulations, policies, and system requirements (if you are using a virtual proctor).
- Pay the $250 + HST exam fee via credit card.
- Once you have made the payment, you’ll soon receive an email containing your exam confirmation and next steps on how to book the exam and choose your preferred exam dates/times.
You have the option to write the exam at one of the Institute’s offices, at a 3rd party exam center, or online via a virtual proctor.
Exams are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you register early to lock in your preferred time.
Scheduling the Exam
After completing the registration process, you will receive an email requesting you to schedule your exam. To proceed, follow the link provided and log in to the Insurance Institute of Canada’s (IIC) exam portal. Within the portal, you can choose your preferred exam format, either “In-person” or “Online proctored.” Upon selecting your preferred format, you will be able to view available dates, locations, and sitting times. Choose the option that best suits your schedule and convenience. Keep in mind that availability may vary, so it is advisable to register well in advance to secure your desired slot.
Once you have successfully booked your exam, an important email titled “Exam Booking Confirmation” will be sent to you. It contains crucial information and detailed instructions for the day of your exam. It is imperative that you save this email for future reference and carefully review its contents.
If you are in Toronto, the OTL exams are held every Monday and Wednesday morning, except on holidays.
If you are outside Toronto, they are held on the 3rd Monday of each month in Hamilton, Kingston, Kitchener, London, Owen Sound, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Timmins.
Rescheduling the Exam
In the event that you need to make any changes to your exam schedule or format, you are permitted to reschedule or modify it up to 24 hours before your booked time. This flexibility allows you to adjust your plans as needed, providing convenience and ensuring that you can adequately prepare for the exam.
OTL Exam Format
The OTL is a closed book exam containing 110 multiple choice questions (10 of these are pilot questions and not graded) to be answered within a 2-hour and 15-minute time limit. Students need a 75% to pass.
The exam is heavily focused on personal insurance (think: home and auto), and the breakdown is as follows:
- Industry Knowledge (30%): this section covers things like ethics/professionalism, risk management, claims handling, insurance contracts, and the laws governing insurance (Insurance Act).
- Habitational Insurance (32%): this section covers the different habitational insurance policies, endorsements, liability insurance, etc.
- Commercial Insurance (5%): this section is small and covers commercial property and liability insurance (CGL).
- Automobile Insurance (33%): this section covers auto insurance policies, endorsements, and conditions.
If you do not pass the first time, that’s OK. You can rewrite as many times as you want or need.
How Should I Prepare Myself for the OTL Exam?
To prepare for the OTL exam, you should ensure that you have background knowledge. We suggest either learning on your own or taking a course in person or online.
We understand that finding time in your busy schedule to study can be challenging. With our OTL exam prep course, you can have the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Our course includes lectures, notes, practice exams, exam tips, and more.
Curious to learn more? Visit our OTL course here.
What Should You Bring to The Exam?
You are allowed to bring a copy of your exam confirmation, a pencil/pen/eraser, a non-programmable calculator (no graphic calculators), and some government-issued ID with a photo, like a passport or driver’s license, to verify your identity.
Summary
Registering for the OTL exam is an important milestone on your journey to becoming a licensed insurance agent in Ontario. By following this comprehensive guide, you can easily navigate the registration process. Remember to review the eligibility requirements, create an account, select your exam date and location, pay the exam fee, and leverage the study resources provided.