How to become a licensed life insurance agent
A Career as a Life Insurance Agent begins with the HLLQP course (formerly the LLQP course). This is a fantastic industry with literally unlimited income potential. In Ontario there is a straightforward four step process to get your life insurance agent's license that begins with the HLLQP course (formerly the LLQP course).
The costs to becoming a life insurance agent / life insurance sales person can vary. Typically starting your new career should cost you approximately $1,000 to $1,500. This amount consists of the HLLQP course (formerly known as the LLQP course), licensing fees and costs charged by the insurance brokerage for E & O insurance, as well as other related costs.
In comparison to your unlimited income potential this a fantastic investment. In Ontario there is a straightforward four step process to get your life insurance agent’s license that begins with the HLLQP course (formerly known as the LLQP course). Here are the steps:
Step 1: Pass the approved course for licensing (offered by REMIC)
This qualifies you to write the 4 provincial licensing exams. The course was previously called the Life License Qualification Program (LLQP course) but has been changed to the Harmonized Life License Qualification Program (HLLQP course). HLLQP providers are now offering the same course across the country. While licensing is still different in each province, the HLLQP course is the same nationwide. Once you pass this course you qualify to write the provincial licensing exam. You can take the HLLQP course (formerly known as the LLQP course or LLQP program) online or in class.
There are several HLLQP course providers in Ontario. REMIC offers the least expensive program to complete the HLLQP course. In our opinion REMIC has the most detailed program available. You can view the course options here or use the specific links below:
Passing the course means passing the 4 HLLQP Online Certification Examinations that are PROCTORED online, with webcam and microphone required. These consist of Life Insurance, Ethics and professional practice, Accident and Sickness and Segregated Funds.
Each online examination consists of 30 multiple choice questions (except the Ethics and professional practice examination; it consists of 20 multiple choice questions). Passing the course requires scoring at least 60% per online examination. In addition students have 75 minutes to complete each exam. For more detailed information please click here.
Step 2: Pass the 4 HLLQP provincial licensing exams
You must pass the 4 provincial licensing exams (formerly known as the LLQP licensing exams) within 1 year of passing the HLLQP course. Passing the REMIC HLLQP course certifies you to write the provincial licensing course. In Ontario Durham College administers the HLLQP licensing examinations.
The four licensing examinations are in the same format as the REMIC Certification Examinations. Each examination consists of 30 multiple choice questions (except the Ethics and professional practice examination; it consists of 20 multiple choice questions). Passing the course requires scoring at least 60% per examination. In addition students have 75 minutes to complete each exam. In Ontario Durham College administers all provincial licensing examinations are proctored online or in-person.
Step 3: Get hired/sponsored by a life insurance company
A life insurance company hiring/sponsoring you is the next step in the licensing process. You can view Ontario’s licensing requirements here.
Step 4: Apply for your license
Getting your license WITHIN 1 YEAR OF PASSING THE PROVINCIAL EXAMS. Your sponsoring life insurance company will apply for your license. The Financial Services Commission of Ontario sets the requirements in order to become licensed after completing the HLLQP course. Click here to view them all.
After passing the provincial HLLQP licensing examinations (formerly known as the LLQP) the life insurance company applies to the provincial regulator (FSCO in Ontario) for your license. You must apply for a license within 1 year of passing the provincial licensing exams OR YOU WILL HAVE TO RETAKE THE HLLQP COURSE.
