Overview
The Insurance Council is proposing amendments to Rule 2(3), 2(4), 2(5) and 2(11)(c), an amendment to Rule 5(1)(p), and an adjustment to the Council Rules Course definition. We are seeking feedback from licensees and stakeholders on the proposed amendments:
Rule 2(3), 2(4), 2(5)(c) and 2(11)(c) – enables the use of a competency framework for general insurance licensure.
Rule 5(1)(p) - defines the range of fees for accrediting courses from education providers.
Council Rules Course – updates the definition to more accurately reflect current practices.
Current Status
The consultation on proposed amendments is now closed (November 14, 2025). Thank you to everyone who provided input.Council will review all input submitted when reviewing the proposed Rule amendments and determining next steps. If Council decides to submit a package of proposed amendments to the Minister of Finance, submissions containing verifiable information will be included.
Proposed Rule Wording
How to read the proposed amendments to the Rule:
Bolded text represents the addition of proposed wording.
Text that has been
struck outrepresents wording proposed for removal.
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Rule 2(3), 2(4), 2(5)(c) and 2(11)(c)
Background
In July 2025 the Insurance Council approved the complete General Insurance Competency Framework (GICF) with competencies and indicators, which establishes base skills, knowledge, and abilities for general insurance agents in BC. The framework was developed with input from industry, subject matter experts, education providers, and other regulators.
The objective of introducing general insurance competency standards is to ensure qualified, professional, and competent insurance agents meet British Columbians’ insurance needs. The Insurance Council is working with regulatory counterparts to determine how the framework could align with their requirements to support a common standard for general insurance agents and support labour mobility.
To support the introduction of the GICF, the Insurance Council is introducing amendments to Rule 2 that reflect the standards outlined in the framework. Specifically, language that broadens and clarifies courses that are eligible for licensure, introducing education currency requirements, and new requirements to be eligible to be nominated as a Nominee.
Summary of proposed amendments and changes
Rule 2(3), 2(4) and 2(5)(c)
What are the proposed amendments?
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Removes limitations on which course providers can offer Level 1, 2 and 3 pre-licensure education.
Please note, previous course providers identified in the Rules can still be eligible to provide pre-licensure training, providing they gain accreditation within the one-year transition period. The amendment broadens who may qualify as an education provider, potentially giving licensees more choice in their education path.The amendment to Rule 2(5)(c) introduces an education currency requirement for Level 3 licences where an individual must apply for licensure within one year of completing eligible courses. This is consistent with existing requirements for Level 1 and 2.
What is the rationale?
The amendments will allow additional courses/providers to submit content for accreditation and creates more flexibility for future and current licensees for how they attain the education required for licensure.
A one-year currency requirement for Level 3 is consistent with the requirements identified for Level 1 and 2. Through consultation with industry experts it was determined a one-year education currency requirement is an appropriate length of time to be able to maintain the knowledge acquired through course work and ensure the knowledge remains relevant.
To enable standards identified in the GICF and support labour mobility between jurisdictions.
Are there any impacts?
There is no additional education required for a general insurance licence. The standards established by the competency framework will be incorporated through updates to educational material for pre-licensure.
Licensees would not need to retake qualifying education to maintain their current licence. When the new education requirements are in effect, a licensee seeking to upgrade their licence will need to meet the new education requirements which will be reflected in accredited courses.
There will be a one-year transition period for general insurance course providers to update content to meet standards established by the GICF and gain accreditation.
Currently, the proposed amendments do not have any impact for BC resident licensees seeking licences in other jurisdictions. There would be no impacts to non-resident BC licensees seeking a licence from the Insurance Council assuming they hold a licence in good standing in their home jurisdiction. For Level 3 licensees there is still a requirement to complete the Level 3 Supervision Course.
Rule Amendment Process
Proposed amendments to the Insurance Council Rules are subject to public consultation as outlined in the Financial Institutions Act. Following a minimum 60-day consultation period, responses will be provided to voting members of Council. Council will then decide if the draft amendments require any revision and if they are prepared to submit them for ministerial approval. If so, the proposed amendments and a summary of consultation feedback will be sent to the Minister of Finance for consideration. Submissions that include verifiable contact information (name, email, business) will be included in the package sent to the ministry for consideration.
How to provide your feedback
The consultation on proposed Rule amendments is now closed (November 14, 2025). Thank you to everyone who provided input.
All feedback about the proposed rule changes will be considered by the Insurance Council at the close of consultation. If Council decides to submit a package of proposed amendments to the Minister of Finance, submissions containing verifiable information (name, email, business) will be included.
As a public body, the Insurance Council of BC is subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and other provincial and federal privacy regulation.
Contact us
For questions about the proposed Rule changes or stakeholder engagement please contact us at: rules.consult@insurancecouncilofbc.com