Last Updated on November 8, 2025 by Jacques Wong, B.Sc.

OTL License Requirements: How to Become a Licensed Insurance Agent in Ontario 

If you’re thinking about a career in insurance sales, you’ve probably heard about an Other Than Life (OTL) license. In Ontario, the OTL license is the entry-level license required to sell property and casualty (P&C) insurance products, such as home, auto, and commercial policies. 

Our guide walks you through all of the OTL license requirements in Ontario. You’ll learn about eligibility, education, exams, costs, timelines, and what kinds of career paths open up once you earn your OTL Ontario license. 

What Is the OTL License?

The Other Than Life license is issued by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). It allows you to sell property and casualty insurance products, such as auto, home, renters, or business coverage. 

It’s important to note that:

• The OTL license does not cover life insurance products
• If you want to sell life insurance, health insurance, or investment products, you’ll need the LLQP license
• The OTL license is also different from the RIBO license, which is required for insurance brokers
• The OTL license is for agents who represent one insurer 

Think of the OTL as an entry-level license for new insurance professionals in Ontario. 

OTL License Requirements in Ontario

Here’s a breakdown of the requirements set by the FSRA, the regulatory body that oversees the OTL license. 

Eligibility Requirements

Before you can apply, you’ll need to meet some basic eligibility criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old and a Canadian resident
• Be of good moral character, with no major criminal or regulatory offences 
• Be willing to undergo a background check

If you can meet these minimum standards, it’s time to start preparing for your OTL insurance exam. 

Education Requirements

You should complete an OTL course before registering for the exam. These courses are designed to prepare you for the regulatory exam and typically cover the following topics:

• Auto, home, and liability insurance basics 
• Professional ethics and conduct
• Ontario insurance regulations

PNC Learning’s OTL course is structured in plain language and comes with flexible online study options, which makes it easier to balance prep alongside work or family obligations. 

Once you sign up for a PNC Learning OTL course, you’ll have access to all of the study materials you’ll need. Our insurance training course includes accessible tutors to offer support during your exam prep journey.

Exam Requirements

The OTL exam is administered by the Insurance Institute of Canada and consists of multiple-choice questions that test your understanding of insurance products, laws, and professional practices. Here are the key details you need to know about the 2025 exam:

• There are 110 multiple-choice questions
• You’ll have 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete the exam
• The passing grade is 75%
• You must pre-book your exam appointment
• In-person and virtually proctored sessions are available 

After you pass your exam, you can move to the application process. 

PNC Learning provides exam prep support, including practice exams, tutors, and structured study guides, to set you up for success. Check out our ultimate guide to the OTL license to learn more. 

Application Requirements

After passing the exam, you must request license approval through FSRA. Here are the final licensing steps:

• Find an employer or job to sponsor you
• Pay the $150 new general license application fee
• Complete the OTL exam
• Maintain an Ontario mailing address
• Have a personal email address so that FSRA can communicate with you
• Meet other basic eligibility requirements 

Your sponsoring insurer will send you an email, which should include two links. One of these links will guide you to complete a criminal background check through an FSRA-approved vendor. The second allows you to complete your OTL application. Once approved, you’ll officially be licensed to sell P&C insurance in Ontario. 

Timeline and Costs for Getting an OTL License

Most students complete the licensing process in a matter of weeks. However, your timeline will vary based on how much time you can devote to studying and when you can schedule your exam. Here’s a typical breakdown:

• Course completion: 2 to 4 weeks
• Exam scheduling and results: 1 to 2 weeks 
• Application approval: 2 to 4 weeks 

The cost of your OTL license includes licensing fees, educational courses, and the exam fee. 

The exam fee for 2025 is $250, and the FSRA application fee is $150. PNC Learning’s OTL course costs $249. In total, expect to pay a little over $650 for the entire OTL insurance licensing process.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

The OTL exam is not exceedingly difficult, but it’s not a breeze either. You need to set yourself up for success by investing in high-quality educational content and hitting the books. 

Here are some common challenges you may encounter along the way and some tips for how to overcome them: 

• Difficulty understanding exam material: Use PNC Learning’s plain-language prep course to cut through this barrier 
• Balancing work and study: Turn to online courses that offer enough flexibility to study on your terms 
• First-time exam failure: Seek out tutor support, structured study resources and practice questions to increase your odds of passing on the first attempt

The OTL exam costs $250 per attempt, which is a big reason to be well prepared. You don’t want to waste hundreds of dollars taking the test a second or even third time. 

With adequate preparation and the support of a trusted educational provider like PNC Learning, you can increase your chances of passing on the first attempt. 

Career Paths With an OTL License

Once you’re licensed, you’ll enjoy access to a wide range of insurance career opportunities, including the following: 

• Insurance Agent: Sell auto, home, and commercial insurance directly to clients 
• Customer Service Rep: Provide policy servicing and renewal support
• Broker Assistant: Gain experience before pursuing a RIBO license

With experience, you can move into management, specialized insurance sales, or training roles. The OTL license is also a stepping stone if you later decide to transition to a career in life insurance or want to obtain brokerage credentials. 

Prep for Your OTL Exam With PNC Learning

Getting your OTL license in Ontario involves completing a set of structured steps: meet the eligibility requirements, complete an approved course, and ace your exam. Once you pass, apply for your license through FSRA. 

The rewards of obtaining your OTL license include stable employment in the insurance sector and opportunities for advancement, and the path to success begins with choosing the right learning solutions provider to prepare for your exam. 

PNC Learning stands out as a trusted option with engaging, accessible content. Start your OTL prep today and take your exam with confidence. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost to Get Your OTL License in Ontario?

The total cost to get your OTL license in Ontario is around $650 to $700. This figure includes the application fee, the exam fee, a background check, and approximately $250 for your educational course. 

Some programs don’t have all of the study materials and resources you need. PNC Learning offers an all-in-one bundle, which includes tutor access, practice tests, and plain-language content. Our digital platform gives you the freedom and flexibility to study from anywhere or any device, including your computer, tablet, or smartphone. 

Is the OTL Exam Difficult?

The OTL exam is about as difficult as other insurance licensing exams. That’s because most of the educational standards are uniform across all Canadian provinces. It’s not significantly more difficult than RIBO or any other entry-level insurance advisor licensing exam. Additionally, the questions are all multiple choice. 

The key to success is becoming comfortable with the language used on the exam. Specialized terms can be confusing if you are new to the insurance world. Choosing a plain-language course from PNC Learning is a great way to ease into the terminology used in the insurance industry. Our content bridges the gap so you can focus on building a strong foundation. 

What Is the Difference Between OTL and RIBO?

The OTL license allows you to work as an insurance agent representing a single company. You can sell property and casualty products like auto, home, and business insurance, but only for that insurer. The RIBO license is for brokers who are independent and can sell products from multiple insurance companies.

As an OTL insurance agent, you’ll be locked into one company. On the other hand, RIBO brokers act on behalf of their clients and can present more product options. Both licenses are regulated in Ontario, but they serve different roles within the insurance industry and require different exams. 

Which Insurance License Is Hardest to Get?

The Life License Qualification Program is one of the toughest licenses to obtain. That’s because it covers a wider range of topics, including life insurance, health insurance, investments, and annuities. The RIBO license can be challenging as well, since brokers must demonstrate broader knowledge of their field. The OTL exam is about as difficult as the RIBO exam, but the scope of information is narrower, making it arguably easier.