Careers
How to become an insurance broker in Ontario.
Insurance broking is one of the most accessible regulated careers in Ontario. There is no degree requirement, no prior insurance experience required, and the licensing path is a single entry-level exam through RIBO. Here is exactly what the process looks like, what it costs, how long it takes, and what you can expect to earn.
The short answer
- Be 18+, an Ontario resident, and legally entitled to work in Canada
- Study the RIBO Entry Level Broker Study Guide, usually four to eight weeks
- Pass the RIBO Level 1 exam with 75 percent or higher
- Register your licence through an employing brokerage
- Work supervised at Level 1, then advance to Level 2 and beyond
18+ and Ontario
Residency and legal right to work in Canada are the only entry gates
4 to 8 Weeks
Typical study time for the RIBO Level 1 entry exam
75% Pass Mark
The score required on the RIBO entry-level examination
No Experience
Prior insurance or Canadian work experience is not required
$45k to $75k
Typical base range for licensed Ontario personal lines brokers
Uncapped
Commission earnings above base as your book of business grows
The process
Six steps to your Ontario broker licence
Licensing is administered by RIBO, the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario. The insurance sector itself is regulated provincially by FSRA.
Step 1
Confirm you meet the basic requirements
You must be at least 18, a resident of Ontario, and legally entitled to work in Canada. No prior insurance experience and no Canadian work history are required. A clean background is expected, and RIBO reviews any criminal or financial disclosures case by case.
Step 2
Study for the RIBO Level 1 entry exam
RIBO (the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario) publishes the Entry Level Broker Study Guide covering auto, property, liability, and broker ethics and regulation. Most candidates study for four to eight weeks. Self-study, IBAO courses, and brokerage-led training are all accepted paths.
Step 3
Write and pass the RIBO Level 1 exam
The entry-level exam is written in person or through approved proctoring. The pass mark is 75 percent. Exam and registration fees typically total a few hundred dollars, and rewrites are permitted if you do not pass the first time.
Step 4
Get hired and registered under a brokerage
An Ontario broker licence must be held through a registered brokerage. Once you pass, your employing brokerage sponsors your registration with RIBO. Many brokerages, BrokerUnion included, hire candidates before they are licensed and support them through the exam.
Step 5
Work as a Level 1 broker under supervision
A Level 1 broker deals with clients under the supervision of a Level 2 or principal broker. This is where you learn quoting, underwriting rules, endorsements, renewals, and claims support on real files.
Step 6
Progress to Level 2 and beyond
After qualifying experience you can write Level 2 to work unsupervised, then Level 3 or principal broker to manage a brokerage. Every licensed Ontario broker also completes continuing education hours each year to renew.
Official sources: RIBO for licensing, FSRA for sector regulation, and IBAO for education and courses.
FAQ
Common questions about RIBO licensing
How do I become an insurance broker in Ontario?
To become a licensed insurance broker in Ontario you must be at least 18, an Ontario resident legally entitled to work in Canada, and you must pass the RIBO Level 1 entry-level examination with a mark of 75 percent or higher. Once you pass, you register your licence through an employing brokerage. Most candidates study for four to eight weeks using the RIBO Entry Level Broker Study Guide. No prior insurance experience or Canadian work history is required. After licensing, Level 1 brokers work under supervision, then progress to Level 2 to work independently and eventually Level 3 or principal broker to manage a brokerage.
How long does it take to get a RIBO licence?
Most people go from starting to study to holding a Level 1 licence in roughly two to three months: four to eight weeks of study, then scheduling and writing the exam, then registration through an employing brokerage. Candidates who study full time or who join a brokerage with a structured training program often move faster.
How much does the RIBO licensing exam cost in Ontario?
Study materials, the entry-level examination fee, and initial registration typically total a few hundred dollars combined. Fees are set by RIBO and are updated periodically, so confirm current amounts at ribo.com. Some brokerages, including BrokerUnion, help offset licensing and continuing education costs for new brokers.
Do I need experience or a degree to become an insurance broker in Ontario?
No. There is no degree requirement and no prior insurance experience requirement for the RIBO Level 1 licence. This makes insurance one of the most accessible regulated careers in Ontario, including for newcomers to Canada and for people changing careers.
How much does an insurance broker make in Ontario?
Licensed personal lines brokers in Ontario typically earn a base of about $45,000 to $75,000 per year, with commission-based producers earning meaningfully more as their book of business grows. Commercial lines brokers, branch directors, and branch owners earn more again, based on book size and branch profitability.
Does BrokerUnion help new brokers get licensed?
Yes. BrokerUnion has a full-time dedicated training specialist, in-house RIBO licensing support, a centralized training platform, and AI-powered broker support tools. Candidates can be hired before licensing and supported through the exam, then mentored on live files by experienced producers and branch directors.
Start your broker career here
BrokerUnion hires candidates before they are licensed and supports them through the RIBO exam with a full-time training specialist. Send your resume or a short note and we will walk you through the path.
Careers inbox: careers@brokerunion.ca