General agent/broker licences in Nova Scotia

Level 1 licensing exams

Virtual proctoring involves the installation of software on your laptop/computer and use of a webcam, among other requirements. The virtual proctor closely monitors your activity during the exam. Visit our online exam page for more information.

Online licensing exams are subject to an additional fee, per candidate, per attempt and are subject to the IINS Rules and regulations.

Technical requirements
Virtual proctoring has certain system requirements – you can review them here.

You must have a computer with access to the internet and a webcam.
Once you’ve reviewed the system requirements and you find your computer meets the specifications, you are ready to contact us to register.

Exam availability
Online exam availability is limited, and timeslots are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you are unsuccessful with your exam and need to rewrite, you will need to get in touch to re-start the process. Please note, the earlier in the session you book, the more likely we will be able to get you registered for a later date in the same session.

Scheduling your exam

  1. Review the system requirements to determine if your computer meets the requirements.
  2. If your computer meets the requirements, submit your request to register for an online exam.
  3. A member of the Institute team will contact you within 2 business days for payment of the proctor fee to complete exam registration.

Exam rules
Examinations are routinely reviewed for irregularities and/or breaches of examination rules. Examination irregularities and/or breaches may result in disqualification of the examination and suspension of examination privileges. The regulator will be notified of all disqualifications and suspensions. Please read the exam rules and regulations.

Exam structure

The exam is two (2) hours long and is based on learning objectives and content provided in the Insurance Institute's study kit. 

The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions divided into the following categories and sub-categories. Pay close attention to the learning objectives in each study, as the exam questions are based on these. Also, ensure that you are familiar with multiple choice questions and how they need to be answered:

Nova Scotia and New Brunswick OTL exam structure

Industry Knowledge (32%)

  • Insurance and risk concepts
  • Insurance contract/policy
  • Ethics and professionalism

Automobile Insurance (30%)

  • The automobile insurance application
  • Policy coverages, conditions and exclusions
  • Statutory Conditions
  • Endorsements
  • Commercial automobile insurance

Habitational Insurance (30%)

  • Policy Coverages Liability
  • Endorsements
  • Fire Statutory Conditions

Business Insurance (6%)

  • Business property insurance
  • Business liability insurance

Claims (2%)