Overview - the Fundamentals of Insurance pre-licensing course.

The Fundamentals of Insurance is recognized in most Canadian provinces as the premier pre-licensing course for beginning general insurance brokers.

Starting with the history of insurance, this course will guide you through definitions, functions, major classes of and the organization of insurance. Topics include; insurance contracts, the fire policy, residential and commercial property insurance, an introduction to liability insurance, accident and sickness insurance and ICBC's Autoplan insurance.

The Fundamentals of Insurance course is different from other courses offered. It is not an in-depth study of insurance wordings presently in use; it focuses primarily on the insurance needs of the consumer. You will follow the lives of the Butlers, a hypothetical family, who serves as an example to illustrate the workings of various insurance concepts. The intent of this strategy is to break down the barriers of learning that are inherent in technical or specialized disciplines such as insurance.

How To Register

You can download the Fundamentals Registration Form [39K PDF] and fax with a credit card payment to 604-683-8497, email as PDF to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or send by mail with a money order, company or certified cheque.

You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view registration forms in PDF file format. Click here for a free download.

Options for Study

You can complete the Fundamentals of Insurance in one of two ways:

1) Self Study method - $95 for the textbook payable to IBABC and Captus online registration for $150. Click here to register for the exam online.

Self Study information and registration

2) Fundamentals of Insurance Immersion - $445 for Association Members*/$595 for non-members

One-Week Immersion class information and registration

*Member Price applies only to students who are employed by a brokerage who pays annual membership dues to IBABC.

Please be aware that IBABC does not endorse and is not associated with any private institutions offering insurance education. We strongly encourage all students to research the institution of their choosing carefully in order to ensure that they receive the best possible education

For study tips and planning, click here

Information about Licensing

Passing the Fundamentals of Insurance exam qualifies you to be licensable for a Level 1 General Insurance Salesperson's License in B.C. This includes the sale of ICBC's Autoplan.

Once you have completed the Fundamentals of Insurance, you may then attain your Level 2 License by completing CAIB 2 and CAIB 3. For further information about the licensing process, please visit the Insurance Council of BC's website .

Current Textbook Edition

Fundamentals of Insurance - 2011 Edition.
Both the 2005 edition and the 2011 edition of the Fundamentals of Insurance textbook are applicable to the current exam.

Exam Details and Registration

100 multiple-choice questions.
2½ hours to write the exam.
Pass mark 70%

Taking the exam in Metro Vancouver

Taking the exam outside Metro Vancover

Proctor nomination form for Abbotsford, Kelowna and Mission

Proctor nomination form for all other BC locations

Exam Re-write Policy

The period between re-writes is dictated by the number of times you have written the exam previously:

2^nd attempt - You may re-write immediately with no waiting period.
3^rd attempt - A waiting period of no less than 1 full month
4+ attempts - 6 month waiting period between exams.

Each time you re-write the exam you will be charged the associated fee of $150.

These waiting periods are not meant as a penalty. They are in place to ensure that your knowledge at the time of testing is accurately measured. The wait times are decided by the Insurance Council of BC.

Contact

Contact Julie McKinlay regarding the Fundamentals of Insurance at 604-606-8005, by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or click here.