General rules Probationary period
Anyone wishing to obtain a representative’s certificate in insurance, claims adjustment or mortgage brokerage must undertake a probationary period. The probationary period is an opportunity to incorporate in a work setting, under the supervision of a licensed representative, the knowledge, skills and professional attitudes required of representatives. During the probationary period, the trainee must complete at least 28 hours of work per week during 12 weeks for a sector or 6 weeks for a sector class.
To be eligible for a probationary period, a candidate must:
- have passed each of the examinations prescribed by the AMF, and the examinations must be valid when the probationary period is begun;
- have the right to hold employment in Québec and have the necessary authorizations;
- not be in any of the situations set in out in section 56 of the Regulation respecting the issuance and renewal of representatives’ certificates This link will open in a new window:
- the subject of a disciplinary sanction imposed by the disciplinary committee of the Chambre de l’assurance de dommages, the Chambre de la sécurité financière or the Organisme d’autorégulation du courtage immobilier du Québec, or by a disciplinary council of a professional order;
- in default of paying any outstanding fines and costs that may have been imposed as a disciplinary sanction;
- in default of paying any fine related to an offence committed under the Act respecting the distribution of financial products and services, the Act respecting market intermediaries, the Securities Act or the Real Estate Brokerage Act;
- in default of paying the fees and annual fees payable under the Regulation respecting fees and contributions payable.
- Also, a candidate may be refused authorization to begin a probationary period if the candidate is found to be in any of the situations set out in sections 219 and 220 of An Act respecting the distribution of financial products and services
This link will open in a new window: - has been the subject of a sanction imposed by a disciplinary committee or a body in Québec, another province or another state that is responsible for supervising and monitoring persons acting as representatives;
- hasbeen convicted by a court inside or outside Canada of an indictable offence or criminal act linked to the pursuit of the activity of representatives;
- has been assigned a tutor, curator or adviser;
- has declared bankruptcy or been placed under a receiving order;
- not possess the degree of honesty considered necessary to pursue activities as a representative;
- is in a situation that is incompatible with the pursuit of activities as a representative.
The Probationary Period Guide (pdf - 2 MB)This link will open in a new windowUpdated on June 1st, 2020guide, stagiaire, superviseur provides tips to help ensure a successful probationary period.
Submitting an Application for authorization of probationary period
The Application for authorization of probationary period (pdf - 342 KB)This link will open in a new windowUpdated on January 1st, 2024Authorization of probationary period, change in supervisor, extension of probationary certificate and add Trainee's vacation must be submitted by the firm, the independent partnership or by the supervisor if he is an independent representative. The application can be submitted via AMF E-Services or by mail.
The AMF strongly recommends submitting the application via E-Services.
Outside activities
The trainee must comply with the obligations applicable to outside activities that involve dealing with the public.
For details about all your obligations as a trainee
The firm must comply with the obligations applicable to outside activities of the trainee that involve dealing with the public.
For details about all the firm obligations
End of the warning
Submitting an Application for authorization of probationary period via AMF E-Services
To submit an Application for authorization of probationary period, the trainee, the supervisor and the employer must be registered for AMF E-Services. The application is available in E-Services in the “Becoming a Professional” tab under “Probationary period – Trainee.”
Once the employer has completed the application, the trainee will be asked to fill out the Statement of Applicant. The AMF will confirm the start date of the probationary period when it issues the trainee’s probationary certificate.
Any outside activity constituting the provision of finance-related services or requiring the segregation of clienteles must be declared by the trainee to the AMF when filing an Application for probationary period.
For details about all your obligations
End of the warningSubmitting an Application for authorization of probationary period by mail
The Application for authorization of probationary period (pdf - 342 KB)This link will open in a new windowUpdated on January 1st, 2024Authorization of probationary period, change in supervisor, extension of probationary certificate and add Trainee's vacation must be submitted by the firm, the independent partnership or by the supervisor if he is an independent representative.
Any outside activity constituting the provision of finance-related services or requiring the segregation of clienteles must be declared by the trainee to the AMF when filing an Application for probationary period.
For details about all your obligations
End of the warningThe probationary certificate
Representatives’ activities are regulated by the AMF, which may issue a probationary certificate to a trainee upon approval of an authorization application. The certificate confers the title of trainee on the applicant for the duration of the probationary period. The trainee’s professional activities are overseen by an authorized supervisor.
During the probationary certificate validity period, the trainee’s activities are covered by the firm’s professional liability insurance and by the Fonds d’indemnisation des services financiers (financial services compensation fund). A probationary certificate issued by the AMF protects consumers by allowing them to be compensated in the event they incur damages as a result of errors, omissions, fraud or embezzlement committed by a trainee.
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 to verify the Register to ensure that the trainee’s name is listed. If not, please contact the AMF for further information
Individuals who perform professional activities reserved for a representative without holding a valid probationary certificate will be charged with illegal practice by the AMF. If found guilty, the individual’s eligibility for a representative’s certificate could be compromised.
You must inform the AMF of any change to the information or a document that you have furnished to the AMF within 5 days of such changethe date on which it occurs or, in the case of a change to information or a document pertaining to the pursuit of an outside activityf it concerns the pursuit of another activity (“outside activity”), within 30 days of such change.
The conduct of the probationary period
The probationary period starts at the date indicated on the probationary certificate. The probationary period must start with a presentation, by the supervisor, of the objectives of this period and the tasks which the trainee and the supervisor must carry out. At the beginning of the probationary period, the trainee can accompany a certified representative. However, the trainee will have to progressively assume the tasks reserved for representatives in order to develop and consolidate his or her professional skills.
Probationary period in the group insurance of persons sector
In the group insurance of persons sector, the trainee must also complete a case study for each selected sector class. The case study will validate the trainee’s understanding of the recommendation process. Supervisors and trainees in group insurance can use the model case studies provided by the AMF.
Case study solutions are available to supervisors upon written request to the AMF. These documents are confidential and their use should remain restricted. To obtain a copy, complete the form (pdf - 180 KB)This link will open in a new windowUpdated on June 1st, 2017 below and submit it by e-mail.
Interruption and extension of probationary periods
The firm, supervisors or trainee may submit an application to interrupt the probationary period. The application may be sent via AMF E-Services or by mail. When filling out his statement, the trainee must provide evidence of the reason for interrupting the probationary period.
The probationary period can be interrupted for the following reasons:
- Discontinued by employer
- Professional departure
- Trainee or supervisor health issues
- Death of or trainee or supervisor or death in the family
- Parental leave
- Vacation period not given
- Probationary period not started
- Supervisor not in good standing
- Change of supervisor in a period of less than 10 days
- NSF cheque
- Any other reason of superior force
Once the AMF has processed the application, the employer can submit an application to extend the probationary period provided the interruption does not exceed 4 weeks.
Change in supervisor
The trainee may change supervisors during the probationary period without affecting its duration, and without interruption, provided the AMF is notified of such change at least 10 days prior to the proposed change and the new supervisor acts on behalf of the same firm or the same independent partnership, as applicable. The trainee no longer has the right to practice as soon as the trainee is no longer supervised by a supervisor until the change of supervisor is confirmed by the AMF.
If the new supervisor does not act on behalf of the same firm or the same independent partnership, the probationary period must be started over again; as a result, the candidate must submit another application for authorization of probationary period.
Successful completion of the probationary period
To successfully complete the probationary period, the trainee must complete at least 28 hours of work per week, during 12 weeks for a sector or 6 weeks for a sector class. The successful completion of the probationary period is not based on the achievement of specific prospection or sales goals but rather on the trainee’s ability to work, independently and without assistance, on cases normally seen at the start of a career.
At the end of the probationary period, the supervisor has 10 days to submit his recommendation to the AMF. The recommendation must be approved by the employer.