Automotive Certification Course

The Automotive Certification Course is offered by the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC) at Georgian College in Barrie on behalf of OMVIC. Successful completion of this course is mandatory for anyone who wants to be a vehicle salesperson or vehicle dealer in Ontario. The course is intended to:

  • Promote professionalism in the Ontario automotive retail industry.
  • Provide better protection for car-buyers.
  • Set the standard for employee ethics within the automotive industry.

After passing the course, individuals have up to two years to apply for registration with OMVIC (this time period could be shortened if the course content changes). Individuals who wait longer than two years to seek registration will be required to retake the course.

What you need to know about the course

OMVIC registration is not included with the certification course

Enrolment in the Automotive Certification Course does not automatically register students with OMVIC. Each student must submit a separate application to OMVIC for registration as a dealer or a salesperson.

The following individuals must register and successfully complete the course:

  • All new applicants for registration as a salesperson
  • 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 exempt from new rules.
  • Any exempted salesperson who changes their type of registration (salesperson to dealer in a capacity listed in the previous point unless previously engaged in a similar capacity)
  • All previously exempted registrants seeking re-registration after 24 months of inactivity of their OMVIC registration
  • All persons who have passed the course and are seeking re-registration after 24 months of inactivity of their OMVIC registration
  • Registrants who are required to do so through terms and conditions of registration imposed by the Licence Appeal Tribunal, a discipline panel 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 exempt as a dealer.

  • There are 60 questions and students have 90 minutes to complete the test
  • Questions are multiple-choice
  • Students are required to achieve a minimum 60 per cent on the test
  • Test is available online or in person visit ABSC for more information

Registered dealers and salespersons who successfully pass the course are entitled to use the designation certified in automotive law and ethics (C.A.L.E.). Using this designation builds trust, strengthens credibility and demonstrates to consumers that dealers and salespeople are proven professionals who have met OMVIC and Georgian College training standards.

If you have your C.A.L.E. designation download the OMVIC-CALE logo to use on your business cards etc.

Dealers and salespersons that successfully pass the Automotive Certification Course and maintain registration with OMVIC, are entitled to use the Certified in Automotive Law and Ethics designation (C.A.L.E.). This designation builds trust, strengthens credibility and demonstrates to car-buyers that dealers and salespeople are professionals who have met OMVIC and Georgian College training standards.

Georgian college also offer a variety of professional development courses that may be useful to those working in the automotive industry. Visit their website for more information about any of the courses they offer or contact them toll free at 1-877-722-1513 or by email at omvic@georgiancollege.ca.