October 11, 2024 – We are pleased to announce RIBO’s new Exam Administration and Academic Integrity Policy, which was approved by Council and came into effect on September 18, 2024. The new policy provides a comprehensive legal and ethical framework for us and exam service providers to administer licensing exams and address cases of misconduct.
While we have always enforced the nullification of results in instances of exam violations and had already introduced RIBO Exam Rules, this new policy formalizes the procedures and ensures consistency in how breaches are handled.
The policy has clear guidelines for monitoring exams, both in-person and online, using proctors and advanced technology to detect irregularities or misconduct. It reinforces our commitment to fairness and integrity in the licensing process, safeguarding the credibility of the exams and ensuring that all examinees are evaluated based on their knowledge and competency.
Why This Policy Matters
As a regulator, RIBO ensures that only qualified, competent, and ethical individuals are admitted to the profession. Our examinations play a crucial role in assessing the knowledge and readiness of future brokers. With the evolving challenges of academic dishonesty and advancements in technology, we have designed this policy to safeguard the credibility of the exam process and to protect consumers by ensuring that licensed brokers meet all required standards.
Key Elements of the Policy
We implemented the Exam Administration and Academic Integrity Policy to ensure the highest standards of fairness and integrity in our licensing exams.
The policy outlines stringent measures to monitor all RIBO’s exams, whether conducted in-person or online, using proctors and advanced technology to detect any irregularities. Exam service providers are tasked with verifying the identity of all examinees. Any breaches of exam rules, from minor infractions to serious misconduct, will lead to consequences such as exam nullification or suspension of exam privileges.
Emphasizing a strong commitment to academic integrity, the policy requires all examinees to uphold honesty, fairness, and respect throughout the exam process. Instances of dishonesty, including the use of unauthorized resources or cheating, will not be tolerated.
This policy ensures that the qualifications and professional standards of licensed insurance brokers in Ontario are protected, ultimately supporting consumer trust.
How the Policy Impacts Stakeholders
Examinees
This policy ensures fairness for all candidates by preventing academic dishonesty and ensuring that only those who demonstrate their knowledge and competency are licensed.
Candidates will be closely monitored, and any dishonest actions prior to, during, or after an exam will lead to serious consequences, including the possibility of nullified results and immediate license suspension.
Education Providers
Institutions and educators preparing candidates for RIBO’s exams will need to ensure that their students are aware of and adhere to the principles of academic integrity outlined in this policy. By aligning their teaching practices with the new standards, education providers can better prepare students for success while emphasizing ethical behaviour.
Exam Service Providers
Service providers administering RIBO exams are tasked with implementing the policy’s guidelines, including proctoring, verifying identities, nullifying results, and reporting any irregularities to RIBO. They are also responsible for using advanced tools and technologies to detect misconduct, ensuring that exams are conducted in a secure and trustworthy manner.
The Public
This policy supports consumer protection by ensuring that licensed insurance brokers in Ontario have met the rigorous academic and ethical standards required for the profession. The public can trust that brokers are qualified, honest, and competent, helping to maintain confidence in the profession as a whole.
This new policy is designed to safeguard the credibility of RIBO’s examinations, ensuring that only qualified, competent, and ethical individuals are admitted to the profession. It also supports consumer protection by maintaining public trust in the professionalism and qualifications of licensed insurance brokers in Ontario.
Upholding Professionalism
RIBO remains dedicated to ensuring the ethical and professional standards of the insurance industry. The new Exam Administration and Academic Integrity Policy underscores our commitment to transparency, fairness, and consumer protection.
This policy is in effect and will be reflected in all RIBO exams moving forward. Read the full policy for details.