Written by AI from public information on 2026-10-26. Fees and rules change and vary by province — confirm with the official body before relying on anything here.
Typical cost
about CA$1,000 to CA$2,000
an estimate in Canadian dollars
Time to earn it
about 3 to 6 months
Issued by Provincial insurance regulators (Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators)
Required to start: Selling life insurance needs a provincial life licence, for which this course and exam are required.
About
The Life Licence Qualification Program, known as the LLQP, is the national standard for training people who want to sell life insurance. It covers life insurance, accident and sickness insurance, and segregated funds. It also teaches the ethics and legal rules that protect consumers.
The program is set up with the Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators, but the licence itself comes from each province or territory. Passing the LLQP does not give you a licence on its own. It is the main requirement you must meet before you can apply for one.
People who sell property insurance, such as home or car coverage, need a different provincial licence. The LLQP is only for life and health products. Many people in sales, brokerage and banking roles hold it because it lets them advise clients on protecting their families and finances.
How to get it
Choose a course provider
Find an LLQP course that is approved in the province or territory where you plan to work. Courses are offered online, in a classroom, or as a mix of both.
Complete the course
Work through the study material at your own pace or in a set schedule. Most people need a few months of study, depending on how much time they can give each week.
Pass the provincial exam
Book your exam through the provincial regulator or its approved exam provider. You must pass before you can apply for a licence.
Get sponsored by an employer or agency
In most places you need an insurance company or agency to sponsor your licence application. Some provinces also ask for a background check.
Apply for your provincial licence
Send your application and any required documents to the provincial insurance regulator. Once it is approved, you can legally sell life insurance.
The exam
The exam is a written test that checks what you learned in the course. It covers insurance products, how they work, and the rules and ethics of selling them. You will need to study carefully and practise with sample questions before you sit it.
Licensed by each province
Each province and territory issues this itself, under its own rules. Each province and territory issues its own licence and sets its own rules for fees, sponsorship, exam booking and renewal. The core LLQP training is shared across the country. However, if you move, you will usually need to apply for a new licence in your new province or territory, and some extra steps may apply.
Keeping it
Your licence must be renewed on a regular schedule set by your province or territory. You will usually need to complete continuing education courses to stay current. You must also keep your sponsorship in place and follow the conduct rules set by the regulator.