Certification Frequently Asked Questions

The following are the most common questions related to OMVIC's Automotive Certification Course. If your questions are not addressed on this page, or if you still have any doubts, please feel free to contact OMVIC or CAI.

Do existing dealers and salespersons have to take the OMVIC Certification Course?

Existing registrants under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) aren't required to take the course at this time. Except for salespersons applying to become dealers, we will consider existing registrants to be "grandfathered", which is to say, they'll be permitted to remain registered without being compelled to take the course. It is our hope that many registrants will choose to take the course voluntarily.

Who has to take the course?

The following individuals have to take the course:

All new applicants for registration as a salesperson under the MVDA.
The following persons associated with any new application for registration as a dealer: person in charge of day-to-day operations, officers (president, vice-president, secretary treasurer), partners and sole proprietors, unless currently grandfathered.
Any "grandfathered" salesperson who changes type of registration (salesperson to dealer in a capacity listed in the previous point unless previously engaged in a similar capacity).
All "grandfathered" registrants seeking re-registration more than six (6) months following expiry (for any reason) of their registration.
All persons who have passed the course and are seeking re-registration 24 months following expiry (for any reason) of their OMVIC registration.
Registrants who are required to do so through terms and conditions of registration imposed by the Licence Appeal Tribunal or as agreed upon with the Registrar.
All new officers, partners and persons in charge of day-to-day operations of existing registrants where the individuals were not previously "grandfathered" as a dealer.

Please take note of the following:

All new branch applications must include confirmation of a certificate holder or grandfathered registrant among the management ranks, or include plans to employ a certificate holder in an officer position within three (3) months of registration.
Any existing dealership where a required certificate holder has left the dealer's employ must arrange for employment of either a certificate holder, or a grandfathered registrant, within 3 months of the departure of the certificate holder.

How does a salesperson get registered for the course? How much work is involved?

A person who wishes to work as a salesperson should, first of all, enroll in the course with the Canadian Automotive Institute (CAI) in Barrie. The tuition is $345 onsite (or $240 self study). The course is a home-study correspondence course involving approximately 24 hours of study. For information on enrollment please contact CAI.

Once enrolled in the course, the person submits an Individual Registration Application to OMVIC. After a preliminary review, a Conditional Salesperson Registration Certificate will be issued to the person, which is valid for 60 days. The conditionally registered salesperson must successfully complete the course within 60 days or the registration is cancelled.

NOTE: It is unlawful to use the services of an unregistered salesperson. The minimum fine for an unregistered salesperson is $2,500.

What about an applicant for registration as a dealer?

Unlike salesperson applicants who only have to be enrolled in the Certification Course prior to applying for registration, dealer applicants will be required to have successfully completed the course prior to applying for registration under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (please refer to question below). Also note that, as described in the second question above, more than one person associated with an application for registration as a dealer is required to satisfy the new certification requirements: partners, officers, and persons in charge of daily operation.

Do all students of the course have to become registered under the MVDA?

No. However, a person who completes the course will be deemed to have satisfied OMVIC's certification requirements for two years following successful completion of the course.

Can a person get a refund of the course tuition fee or the application fee paid to OMVIC?

The tuition fee is subject to the refund policies of Georgian College. The fee paid to OMVIC is an application-processing fee and is not refundable.

Where do students go to take the test?

Students will be provided with a list of test sites across the province. Generally, tests are available during normal business hours without appointment. Students will be required to produce proof of enrollment provided by CAI as well as photo ID such as a driver's licence, passport or health card.

What if a student fails the test?

If a student fails the test they must register again and take the course over.

What does the Certification Course teach?

The Certification Course focuses on the many laws, rules and regulations that regulate the motor vehicle dealer sector, such as the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act and the Consumer Protection Act.