Use this as your last‑mile review. Pair it with the Syllabus for coverage and Practice for speed.
This is educational content, not legal advice. Rules and terminology can vary by province/territory and regulator—confirm local requirements.
Ethics module in one picture (pick the safest next step)
flowchart TD
A["Scenario"] --> B["What is the risk? (legal/ethical)"]
B --> C["What is missing? (facts/consent/disclosure)"]
C --> D["Safest next step (process)"]
D --> E["Document"]
Exam reflex (works like a cheat code):
- State the risk in one sentence.
- Identify what’s missing (facts, consent, authority, documentation).
- Choose the next step that is truthful, fair, consented, and documented.
The “safe answer” ladder (when you’re unsure)
When two answers both seem reasonable, the better answer usually:
- gathers missing facts before recommending
- explains limitations/exclusions and trade-offs in plain language
- obtains required consent for sensitive info (privacy)
- documents what was said/decided
- avoids pressure, misleading statements, or conflicts
Topic 1 (60%) — Legal aspects (Civil Code / Québec) (high yield)
Sources of law (high level)
Québec insurance practice sits inside a legal framework that includes:
- civil law (Civil Code of Québec)
- statutes/regulations
- jurisprudence (court interpretation)
- regulatory expectations and industry standards (guidance)
On the exam, you’re rarely asked to quote law. You’re asked to choose the safest, most compliant next step.
Capacity and authority (classic test area)
Scenario cues that mean “verify authority”:
- minors or age-of-majority issues
- corporate ownership or third-party ownership
- divorce/second marriage and beneficiary intent
- trustees and minor beneficiaries
Parties and roles (don’t mix these up)
| Role | Why it matters |
|---|
| policyowner | controls the contract (changes/assignments subject to rules) |
| insured | underwriting risk is about this person |
| beneficiary | receives proceeds; designation has consequences |
| trustee (where used) | receives/manages proceeds for another (e.g., minor) |
Privacy and consent (high yield)
Default safe behaviour:
- collect only what you need (data minimization)
- obtain consent before collecting/disclosing sensitive info (medical/financial)
- share only with authorized parties (need-to-know)
- document consent and disclosures
Topic 2 (40%) — Rules governing representative activities (high yield)
Practice hygiene checklist (what answers reward)
- know your scope; don’t pretend to be a lawyer/accountant
- recommend only after fact-finding and suitability assessment
- disclose trade-offs and limitations honestly
- avoid conflicts (or disclose/manage them per rules)
- keep records: what you asked, what client said, what you recommended, what they decided
Prohibited / deceptive practices (common patterns)
High-frequency exam cues include:
- misleading marketing statements
- pressure tactics or “sign now” coercion
- twisting/replacement without fair comparison and documentation
- improper inducements (fact- and rule-specific; treat as a red flag)
Complaints and escalation (high level)
If a complaint arises, the safest answer usually includes:
- acknowledge and document the complaint
- follow the firm’s complaint-handling process
- escalate to compliance/supervisor as appropriate
- avoid “fixing it quietly” in a way that hides facts
Common exam traps
- Answering with a product recommendation when the scenario is a process question.
- Treating guidance or marketing claims as if they override contract terms.
- Skipping consent when sensitive data is involved.
- Confusing owner/insured/beneficiary authority.
- Assuming beneficiary intent “doesn’t matter” because it’s just paperwork.
Glossary (high-yield)
- Civil Code of Québec: the core private-law framework in Québec (civil-law jurisdiction).
- Civil law: legal system based on a civil code; differs from common-law precedent systems.
- Jurisprudence: body of court decisions that interpret and apply law (concept).
- Statute: a law passed by a legislature.
- Regulation: detailed rules made under authority of a statute.
- Guidance: regulator-issued expectations; may not be law but can be enforced through supervision.
- Utmost good faith: duty in insurance to deal honestly and disclose material facts (concept).
- Material misrepresentation: incorrect/omitted information that would influence underwriting or contract terms (concept).
- Consent (privacy): authorization for collecting/using/disclosing personal information (requirements vary).
- Suitability: ensuring the recommendation fits the client’s needs, circumstances, and constraints (concept).
- Conflict of interest: situation where personal/financial incentives could compromise duty to the client (concept).
✅ Next: use the Syllabus to pick a topic and run a short drill via Practice.