The probationary period allows a person to apply and develop the competencies needed to practise the profession responsibly in an actual work setting under the supervision of a representative authorized by the AMF.
Successful completion of a probationary period is a prerequisite for obtaining a representative’s certificate in insurance, mortgage brokerage or claims adjustment in Québec.
The probationary period allows the trainee to handle a range of files covering all product types within the relevant sector or sector class.
Before a person can undertake a probationary period as a trainee, they must have formal authorization from the AMF and a valid probationary certificate.
Before a person undertakes an AMF-regulated probationary period:
- They must pass the examinations prescribed by the AMF.
- The exams must be valid at the start of the probationary period.
- They must be authorized to work in Québec.
- They must meet the eligibility criteria.
- A firm, independent partnership or independent representative must apply for authorization on their behalf.
- The application fees must be paid.
- They must complete the statement of applicant.
- The AMF must authorize the probationary period.
- They must receive a probationary certificate.
- They must begin the probationary period only on the date authorized by the AMF.
![[Translate to English:] Image décorative : Période probatoire encadrée par l’AMF : consignes générales](/fileadmin/lautorite/medias/images/devenir-pro/periode-probatoire-consignes-generales.jpg)
What is the purpose of the probationary period?
The probationary period is designed to prepare the trainee to act as a representative.
Under the supervision of a certified representative, the trainee learns to:
- handle real files;
- apply the rules for the relevant sector;
- develop their professional judgment;
- act with rigour and honesty; and
- adjust their behaviours and attitudes when dealing with clients.
The probationary period should also expose the trainee to a range of files covering, to the extent possible, all situations and product types within the relevant sector or sector class.
Conditions to be met prior to the start of the probationary period
To be considered eligible, a person applying for authorization:
- must have passed the examinations prescribed by the AMF;
- must make sure the examinations are valid at the time the probationary period beginsNOTE;
- must have the required authorizations to work in Québec; and
- must not be in any situation that might prevent the AMF from authorizing the probationary period.
The AMF may refuse to authorize a probationary period in certain situations prescribed by regulation.
For all the eligibility criteria, refer to the Trainees page of the website.
- In the damage insurance sector or claims adjustment sector or a class of these sectors, an examination is valid for a period of two years from the date the applicant passed the examination.
- In the insurance of persons sector or group insurance of persons sector, an examination is valid for a period of one year from the date the applicant passed the first examination.
- In the mortgage brokerage sector, an examination is valid for a period of two years from the date the applicant passed the examination.
AMF authorization is required before the start of the probationary period
The trainee and supervisor may not begin the probationary period before receiving authorization from the AMF. A formal document will be sent confirming the date on which the probationary period can start.
Unauthorized practice will be considered illegal practice and may result in sanctions.
Any hours completed without valid authorization cannot be included in the hours accumulated during the probationary period.
End of the warningThe probationary certificate
During the probationary period, the trainee must hold a probationary certificate from the AMF.
The certificate authorizes the trainee to:
- use the title of trainee;
- perform certain professional activities reserved for representatives; and
- practise within the framework authorized by the AMF.
Such activities are overseen by an AMF-authorized supervisor.
They are also covered by:
- the employer's professional liability insurance; and
- the Fonds d’indemnisation des services financiers (financial services compensation fund).
AMF register
During the probationary period, the names of the trainee and the employer will appear in the Register of firms and individuals authorized to practise. It is important for the trainee to check that they are listed in the Register. If they are not, they should let the AMF know as soon as possible.
Duration of the probationary period
| OVERALL SECTOR | SECTOR CLASS |
|---|---|
The probationary period must:
| The probationary period must::
|
| Insurance of persons |
|
| Group insurance of persons |
|
| Damage insurance |
|
| Claims adjustment |
|
| Mortgage brokerage |
|
If a sector comprises two sector classes
As shown in the above table, certain sectors comprise two sector classes.
A trainee in such a sector is allowed some flexibility in the approach they take to developing their competencies in each sector class.
For example, a trainee in damage insurance may work on files in:
- personal-lines damage insurance; and
- commercial-lines damage insurance.
They may alternate between the two sector classes during the same day, same week or same month. What matters is that they satisfy the “minimum number of hours” requirement class of at least 168 hours per sector class, for a total of at least 336 hours for the overall sector.
The trainee file kept by the supervisor is important in this regard because it provides a detailed record of the hours worked in each sector class.
Trainee file templates for the different sectors are available on the Supervisors page of the website.
Notify the AMF in case of a change
The duration of the probationary period is flexible to allow the trainee and supervisor(s) to take time off without having to notify the AMF.
Detailed information on how to manage time off can be found on the Trainees or the Supervisors page of the website.
However, a trainee must notify the AMF of any changes to the information or a document furnished to the AMF within
- 5 days of the change; or
- 30 days of the change if it pertains to the pursuit of another activity (“outside activity”).
How to apply for authorization of a probationary period
The application for authorization of a probationary period must be completed by the employer before the start of the probationary period so that the AMF has information on all the parties involved (the employer, the trainee and the supervisor(s)).
The application may be submitted:
- via AMF E-Services; or
- by mail (pdf - 934 KB)
This link will open in a new windowUpdated on September 14, 2026Application for authorization of probationary period.
Processing time
Allow at least
- 5 business days for the processing of applications submitted in E-Services; or
- 10 business days for the processing of applications sent by mail.
An incomplete application can take longer to process and delay the start of the probationary period.
The AMF strongly recommends using E-Services in order to reduce application processing time.
End of the insightApplying via E-Services involves two steps.
Step 1: The employer submits the application
The employer completes the electronic application form in AMF E-Services, which can be accessed from the AMF E-Service home page by following these links: Insurance, F. Pl. and Mortgage Brokerage > Probationary period > Manage probationary periods > Request authorization for a new probationary period
In the application form, the employer must:
- identify the applicant;
- choose only one sector or sector class;
- indicate the start date of the probationary period (the minimum and maximum end dates will be calculated automatically);
- name the supervisor(s) (up to four supervisors may be designated to ensure supervision continuity over the course of the probationary period);
- pay the fees;
- accept the declaration regarding the information provided; and
- confirm transmission.
Step 2: The trainee completes the statement of applicant
After the employer has submitted the application, the trainee will need to complete the statement of applicant in AMF E-Services. From the AMF E-Services home page by following these links: Becoming a Professional > Probationary period – Trainee > Statement of applicant
In the statement, the trainee must:
- choose the probationary period;
- confirm the information provided by the employer;
- disclose any bankruptcies, convictions or other activities that involve dealing with the public (“outside activities”) and that constitute a provision of finance-related services or require the segregation of clienteles;
- provide the required supporting documents, if any;
- accept the declaration regarding the information provided; and
- confirm delivery.
Alternatively, Part 5 of the form, Statement of Applicant, may be completed and mailed to the AMF Application for authorization of probationary period (pdf - 934 KB)This link will open in a new windowUpdated on September 14, 2026Application for authorization of probationary period form.
Applying by mail
The application may also be sent by mail.
Step 1: The employer mails the form
The employer must complete and print the Application for authorization of probationary period (pdf - 934 KB)This link will open in a new windowUpdated on September 14, 2026Application for authorization of probationary period form.
The paper form must be signed by the responsible officer or an AMF-authorized signatory.
The form must then be mailed to the AMF at its Québec City address.
Step 2: The prospective trainee completes the statement of applicant
The prospective trainee may complete Part 5 Statement of Applicant included in the hard copy delivered by the employe, or they may complete the statement in E-Services after the AMF has received the application.
To learn about what to do before, during and after the probationary period, consult the section regarding your situation:
Other activities (outside activities)
The trainee must comply with the obligations applicable to other activities that involve dealing with the public.
The employer must comply with the obligations applicable to the trainee’s other activities that involve dealing with the public.
You’re practising in another Canadian province or territory?
Representatives from another province or a territory of Canada who wish to obtain a certificate in Québec may benefit from certain exemptions.
The steps to apply for an exemption vary by sector: