LLQP Ethics & Professional Practice (Common Law) Syllabus — Learning Objectives by Topic

Use this syllabus as your checklist for the LLQP Ethics & Professional Practice (Common Law) module.

Official sources:

• CSI LLQP curriculum: https://www.csi.ca/en/learning/courses/llqp/curriculum
• CSI LLQP exam credits: https://www.csi.ca/en/learning/courses/llqp/exam-credits

Official topic weightings (Common Law)

What’s covered

• Integrate into practice the legal aspects of insurance and annuity contracts (60%)
• Integrate into practice the rules governing the activities of life insurance agents and accident and sickness insurance agents (40%)

Integrate into practice the legal aspects of insurance and annuity contracts (60%)

Practice this topic →

1.1 Legal framework governing insurance (Common Law) — sources of law & legal principles

• Explain how insurance law in Canada is shaped by both legislation (statutes/regulations) and common law (court decisions), and why agents must follow both.
• Identify the main sources of law that can affect an insurance of persons transaction (e.g., provincial insurance legislation, contract law, tort law, privacy law, criminal law, anti-spam rules, AML/ATF rules).
• Distinguish between statutes, regulations, regulatory guidance, and industry guidelines (e.g., CLHIA guidelines) and explain how each influences day-to-day practice.
• Describe the constitutional division of powers relevant to insurance (provincial authority over insurance business vs federal authority over certain related areas such as criminal law and AML/ATF).
• Define legal persons (natural persons vs corporations/partnerships) and explain how legal capacity affects a person’s ability to enter into an insurance contract.
• Explain age of majority and how statutory rules for minors (including the “16-year-old rule” in some jurisdictions) can affect capacity to apply for life/A&S insurance.
• Describe how marriage, marriage contracts, and family property regimes can affect policy ownership, beneficiary designations, and division of assets.
• Explain how separation/divorce can affect beneficiary status, ownership rights, and estate planning objectives when an ex-spouse is named on a policy or registered plan.
• Differentiate “married spouse” from “common-law spouse” concepts and explain how this can influence succession/estate planning and benefit expectations.
• Describe the basic purpose of wills and probate/estate administration and why an insurer may request proof of authority from an estate trustee/executor.
• Explain the concept of a trust and common insurance uses (e.g., naming a trustee for minor beneficiaries; insurance held in trust).
• Explain the legal concept of agency (principal–agent relationship) and how an agent’s authority is created and limited by contract and law.
• Describe powers of attorney (POA) and enduring/continuing POA concepts and how they affect who can request policy changes for an incapable policyholder.
• Explain basic contract law elements (offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity, legality, intention) and apply them to insurance contract formation.
• Explain the duty of utmost good faith in insurance and how it supports accurate disclosure and fair dealing by both insurer and applicant.
• Apply tort concepts (negligence, negligent misrepresentation) to insurance advice, including how poor fact-finding or incomplete disclosure can create liability.
• Explain limitation periods (time limits for legal actions) and why timely documentation, disclosure, and claims follow-up matter.
• Describe key privacy obligations under PIPEDA and/or applicable provincial private-sector privacy laws when collecting, using, and disclosing client information.
• Describe how human rights legislation can affect underwriting and sales practices (e.g., avoiding discriminatory statements or actions and understanding protected grounds).
• Describe why insurance professionals must understand public insurance and pension plans (e.g., EI, CPP, OAS/GIS, provincial health/drug plans, workers’ compensation) and how coordination with private benefits can affect clients.

1.2 Parties involved in the contract — roles, rights & special cases

• Define the roles of insurer, policyholder/owner, insured (life insured), and beneficiary in an individual life insurance contract.
• Distinguish between the policyholder/owner and the insured and explain why these roles can be held by different people or entities.
• Explain the rights typically associated with policy ownership (e.g., changing beneficiaries, assigning the policy, borrowing against cash values, surrendering).
• Define contingent policyholder/owner and contingent beneficiary and describe when each is used.
• Differentiate revocable vs irrevocable beneficiaries and describe how irrevocability can limit owner actions (e.g., beneficiary changes, assignments).
• Explain how multiple beneficiaries and contingent beneficiaries can be structured (e.g., percentages, primary vs contingent) and how this affects proceeds distribution.
• Explain the concept of beneficiary rights at claim time and why proceeds often pass outside the estate when a beneficiary is named.
• Describe special cases involving policyholders/beneficiaries who are minors and how guardians or trustees may be required.
• Describe the role of a trustee (including trustee for minor beneficiaries) and what an insurer typically needs to pay proceeds to a trust/trustee.
• Explain the difference between an authorized representative and an attorney under a power of attorney (POA), and how to verify authority.
• Explain how corporate policy ownership changes the parties involved (corporation as owner/beneficiary; individual as insured) and impacts instructions and documentation.
• Distinguish parties in a group insurance arrangement (insurer, plan sponsor/policyholder, administrator, member/certificate holder, insured dependent).
• Explain the purpose and legal role of the group certificate/booklet and how it relates to the master contract.
• Describe the parties in an annuity contract (owner, annuitant, payee/annuity grantee, beneficiary) and how these roles differ from life insurance.
• Explain who receives benefits in critical illness insurance and how beneficiary features can differ from traditional life insurance death benefits.
• Explain who can provide instructions for changes (beneficiary change, ownership change, withdrawals) and why verifying legal authority protects clients and insurers.
• Explain the relationship between insurable interest and the parties to the contract, including when insurable interest is required.
• Describe how assignment (absolute vs collateral) changes the parties’ rights, especially rights to proceeds and ability to change beneficiaries.
• Explain how premium payors (who pays) can differ from policy owners, and why documentation and disclosure are important when third parties pay premiums.
• Apply a scenario to identify the correct party/parties to contact for consent, signatures, or proof of authority in a policy change or claim situation.

1.3 Contract formation, taking effect, reinstatement & termination — individual, group & annuities

• Describe the typical steps in forming an individual life insurance contract (application, underwriting, acceptance, policy issue, delivery).
• Explain the difference between the insurance application and the insurance policy and why accuracy and completeness in the application is critical.
• Explain the role of the first premium payment and how non-payment or late payment can affect the start of coverage.
• Explain temporary insurance/covering notes (conditional receipt) and the conditions that must be met for temporary coverage to apply.
• Determine when coverage takes effect based on common conditions (policy issued, delivery, premium paid, insurability unchanged) and why effective dates matter.
• Explain insurable interest and when it must exist (e.g., at contract formation) for life insurance.
• Explain the duty to disclose and the impact of changes in insurability between application and policy delivery (e.g., new diagnosis, risky activity).
• Define material misrepresentation and concealment and describe potential consequences (e.g., policy voidable, claim denial) when information is withheld or falsified.
• Explain the meaning of “utmost good faith” as it relates to both the applicant and insurer during underwriting and contract administration.
• Distinguish absolute assignment from collateral assignment and explain common uses (e.g., collateral assignment for a loan).
• Explain how cancellation/termination and the grace period work in principle and how a lapse can occur.
• Explain reinstatement (what it is, why it is needed, and common requirements such as evidence of insurability and premium arrears).
• Describe the purpose of group insurance and explain how group eligibility and the definition of the group affect contract formation.
• Distinguish major types of group insurance (workplace, association/professional, group creditor) and how distribution/administration differs.
• Explain how group coverage is formed (master application/acceptance, issuance of certificate/booklet, enrollment) and how dependents are added.
• Explain how laws can apply based on the member’s province/territory of residence in multi-jurisdiction group plans.
• Explain renewal and termination of a group master policy and the implications for members’ coverage.
• Explain conversion rights when group life insurance terminates and why timely notice and action matter.
• Explain how a change of insurer in a group plan can affect member coverage continuity and what “incidence of change of insurer” means in practice.
• Explain formation and termination basics for annuity contracts (immediate vs deferred; accumulation vs payout) and how some annuities can be deemed life insurance for legal purposes.

1.4 Insurance & annuity contract provisions — statutory conditions, exclusions, riders & key clauses

• Identify common general provisions found in life insurance policies (e.g., premium, grace, reinstatement, ownership, beneficiary, incontestability) and describe why they matter.
• Explain the concept of statutory conditions and how they interact with policy wording in common law jurisdictions.
• Distinguish exclusions, limitations, and reductions and give examples of how each can affect benefits.
• Differentiate legal exclusions (required by law) from contractual exclusions (policy wording) and explain why agents must disclose key exclusions clearly.
• Explain pre-existing condition limitations commonly found in accident and sickness contracts and how they affect claims eligibility.
• Explain the purpose and typical effect of the suicide clause and the contestability/incontestability concept.
• Explain misstatement-of-age provisions and how insurers adjust benefits or premiums when an error is discovered.
• Explain how riders/amendments modify coverage and why documenting and delivering riders correctly matters.
• Define cash surrender value (CSV) and describe when CSV exists and what policy actions may be available because of it.
• Explain policy loans and how they can affect cash values, interest charges, and the net amount payable at death.
• Explain the relationship between assignments and beneficiary rights, including how a collateral assignee may have priority to proceeds.
• Describe what information a group insurance certificate/booklet typically includes and why it matters for member understanding.
• Explain why group statutory conditions and plan administration provisions can be important in disputes or claims.
• Describe key contractual provisions unique to disability insurance (definition of disability, elimination period, benefit period) and how they affect claims.
• Describe key provisions unique to drug/health plans (coordination of benefits, eligible expenses, dispensing limits) and how multi-jurisdiction drug coverage can differ.
• Describe key contractual provisions that may appear in critical illness and long-term care contracts (covered conditions, survival period, premium refund options) and how they affect benefits.
• Describe key provisions in AD&D contracts (covered losses, time limits, exclusions) and how they affect claim outcomes.
• Explain common withdrawal and surrender rights in annuity/segregated fund contracts and why fees/market value adjustments matter for disclosure.
• Identify registered contract structures (RRSP, TFSA, RRIF, LIRA, LIF) as contexts for annuity/insurance products and explain why registration status affects contract administration and beneficiary designations.
• Explain the role of industry guidelines (e.g., CLHIA guidelines including CAP guidance) in shaping professional practice alongside legal requirements.

1.5 Beneficiary designation & exemption from seizure — succession, minors, trusts & creditor protection

• Explain the purpose of beneficiary designation and how it affects who receives proceeds and whether proceeds flow through the estate.
• Identify who generally has the legal authority to name or change a beneficiary and how ownership and irrevocable beneficiary status affect that authority.
• Explain the role of a power of attorney (POA) in beneficiary designations and why insurers require proof of authority and scope before accepting instructions.
• Describe common ways to designate a beneficiary (policy form, endorsement, plan administrator forms) and why proper filing with the insurer/administrator matters.
• Explain how contingent beneficiaries and multiple beneficiaries work and how proceeds may be split (e.g., equal shares vs specified percentages).
• Explain the legal effect of beneficiary designation on succession/estate planning, including situations where proceeds bypass probate.
• Explain how conjugal breakdown (separation/divorce/annulment) can affect a spousal beneficiary designation and why policy reviews after relationship changes are important.
• Explain considerations when a minor is named as beneficiary, including why a trustee for minors may be needed to receive and manage proceeds.
• Describe the role and responsibilities of a trustee for minor beneficiaries and what information should be captured to reduce claim delays.
• Explain how beneficiary designation can interact with incapacity/disability of a beneficiary and when a trust arrangement may be appropriate.
• Explain how a beneficiary can be revoked/changed and why documentation and timing matter (e.g., changes not effective until received/recorded).
• Explain the concept of exemption from seizure (creditor protection) that may arise from certain beneficiary designations and why it is not absolute.
• Distinguish creditor protection concepts under insurance law from bankruptcy/insolvency rules, and explain why advisors must avoid guaranteeing protection.
• Describe beneficiary designation features in accident and sickness insurance (including when a beneficiary can be designated) and how living benefits differ from death benefits.
• Explain how certain registered plans and annuity arrangements may receive creditor protection under bankruptcy/insolvency rules and why plan type and beneficiary can matter.
• Explain how family property division rules can interact with insurance proceeds or pension assets, affecting who ultimately benefits.
• Explain exemption-from-seizure concepts in supplemental pension plans and the idea of “locked-in” retirement assets.
• Explain death benefit rules in locked-in retirement arrangements (e.g., LIRA/LIF) at a high level and how beneficiary designation can affect payout.
• Explain how disputes between claimants/beneficiaries can delay payment (e.g., competing claims) and how an insurer may respond (e.g., interpleader).
• Apply a scenario to select an appropriate beneficiary/estate/trust structure and identify the documentation needed to implement it correctly.

1.6 Claims & payment of benefits — life, A&S and annuities (proceeds, timelines, disputes)

• Describe the steps in a standard life insurance claim process from notice of claim to payment of proceeds.
• Identify common documents required for a life insurance claim (e.g., claim forms, death certificate, medical information, proof of identity).
• Explain the role of the agent during the claims process (assist with forms, set expectations, maintain confidentiality, avoid unauthorized advice).
• Explain how timelines and “delay to pay benefits” concepts can arise and why complete documentation reduces delays.
• Explain how contestability periods and policy exclusions can affect claim investigation and outcomes.
• Explain how the suicide clause can affect claims and why accurate disclosure and policy review at delivery matter.
• Explain how misrepresentation or non-disclosure discovered at claim time can affect benefits and why accurate applications are essential.
• Describe the “attempt on the insured’s life” situation (e.g., beneficiary involvement) and how legal restrictions can affect who receives proceeds.
• Explain settlement options for life insurance proceeds (e.g., lump sum, interest option, annuity settlement) and when beneficiaries might choose each.
• Explain, at a high level, how taxation may apply to different benefit payments (e.g., life death benefit vs certain living benefits), and why advisors should avoid definitive tax advice without facts.
• Describe the notice-of-claim and proof-of-loss concepts for disability insurance claims and why ongoing proof may be required.
• Explain key DI claim documentation (e.g., attending physician statement, employer statement) and the impact of incomplete or inconsistent information.
• Explain key claims considerations for critical illness (diagnosis confirmation, survival period where applicable, exclusions) at a high level.
• Explain key claims considerations for drug/health benefits, including coordination of benefits and explanation-of-benefits statements.
• Explain key claims considerations for AD&D benefits (covered loss definitions, time limits, exclusions) and how they differ from life insurance death benefits.
• Explain claims and payments for payout annuities, including how guarantee periods affect payments when the annuitant dies early.
• Explain how annuity guarantee periods and beneficiaries/estate interact (who receives remaining payments).
• Describe death benefit processes in supplemental pension plans before retirement (accumulation stage) and after retirement (payout stage) at a high level.
• Explain why estate documentation may be required when the estate is claimant/beneficiary (executor/administrator proof) and how probate can affect timing.
• Apply a scenario to decide the most appropriate next step when a claim is delayed, disputed, or missing key documentation, while maintaining professional and ethical boundaries.

Integrate into practice the rules governing the activities of life insurance agents and accident and sickness insurance agents (40%)

Practice this topic →

2.1 Organizations that protect consumers — regulators, CISRO/CCIR, Assuris, FINTRAC, OLHI

• Explain the role of provincial/territorial insurance regulators in consumer protection, licensing, market conduct, and discipline of insurance intermediaries.
• Describe how regulators can supervise and enforce compliance (e.g., audits, investigations, sanctions) and why accurate records support compliance.
• Explain the purpose of CISRO in harmonizing LLQP curriculum and supporting consistent licensing standards across jurisdictions.
• Explain the purpose of CCIR and how it supports coordination among provincial/territorial insurance regulators, including conduct-of-business expectations.
• Describe the role of industry associations such as CLHIA in issuing guidelines that can influence market conduct and product administration.
• Explain the role of Assuris and the general concept of policyholder protection in the event of an insurer insolvency.
• Explain FINTRAC’s role in Canada’s AML/ATF regime and the types of obligations that can apply to insurance intermediaries (e.g., reporting, recordkeeping).
• Explain the role of the Ombudsman for Life and Health Insurance (OLHI) in dispute resolution and how it differs from a regulator.
• Describe the typical complaint escalation path: insurer internal complaints process → independent dispute resolution (e.g., ombudsman) → regulator (as applicable).
• Explain why clients should be informed about dispute-resolution options and time limits where relevant, while avoiding legal advice.
• Describe the role of privacy regulators/commissioners in overseeing privacy compliance (e.g., PIPEDA oversight) and why privacy complaints matter.
• Explain how human rights commissions/tribunals can play a role when discrimination is alleged in underwriting or service.
• Explain the role of courts in resolving insurance disputes and how court decisions can shape common law principles affecting contracts and duties.
• Describe the role of CIPR (Canadian Insurance Participant Registry) in tracking LLQP course/exam completion and eligibility (where applicable).
• Explain how insurers’ internal compliance and market conduct teams support consumer protection and can request documentation from agents.
• Explain the role of MGAs/agencies in supervising agents (where applicable) and how that supervision supports compliance and consumer protection.
• Describe how to refer clients to consumer protection resources appropriately (regulator contact, Assuris info, ombudsman process).
• Explain why maintaining confidentiality and privacy is critical when interacting with third parties (family members, employers, lawyers) during disputes or claims.
• Explain the importance of transparent communication and documentation when a client complaint arises, including recording facts and avoiding defensiveness.
• Apply a scenario to select the appropriate organization to contact for a given issue (licensing question, complaint about agent conduct, claim dispute, suspected fraud/AML concern).

2.2 Professional scope, licensing and practice set-up — banking vs securities vs insurance; registration and agencies

• Distinguish insurance products from banking products and securities products in terms of purpose (risk transfer vs deposit vs investment) and typical regulation.
• Explain why segregated funds (IVICs) sit within the insurance regulatory framework even though they have investment features, and how this differs from securities regulation.
• Describe why clients can be confused by overlapping product features and how an agent should clarify product category and protections.
• Explain the concept of acting within the scope of a licence and the risks of advising/selling outside that scope.
• Identify common licensing categories in insurance of persons (life, accident & sickness, segregated funds/IVIC where applicable) and what each typically authorizes.
• Explain that title/role rules for “financial planner” or similar titles may differ by jurisdiction and why marketing must be accurate and not misleading.
• Describe the general steps to become licensed (LLQP course/exams, sponsorship/appointment, regulator application) and why eligibility periods matter.
• Describe agent registration/certification concepts and how regulators may maintain registries of licensed agents.
• Explain agency licensing/certification concepts and when an individual may need to act through a licensed agency or MGA.
• Explain the role of an MGA and how it can provide contracting, supervision, training, and compliance support between insurer and agent.
• Explain how the agent–insurer contract can define authority (e.g., binding authority, use of forms) and limitations, and why following contractual rules supports compliance.
• Explain obligations around advertising and communications (accuracy, identification of insurer/agency, avoidance of misleading statements).
• Explain the purpose of continuing education (CE) and ethical expectations for maintaining competence over time.
• Explain why some jurisdictions require errors & omissions (E&O) coverage and how E&O supports consumer protection and professional risk management.
• Describe core file documentation expectations (fact-find, needs analysis, disclosures, recommendations, client decisions, replacement analysis, consents).
• Explain privacy/consent expectations in the sales process (collect only necessary data; obtain consent for medical and financial information).
• Describe identity verification expectations and why verifying identity reduces fraud and supports AML/ATF compliance.
• Explain general restrictions on handling client funds (premiums, cheques) and why mismanagement of money is a major misconduct risk.
• Explain referral arrangements and commission-sharing rules at a high level (who can be paid, disclosure expectations, and risks when dealing with unlicensed persons).
• Apply a scenario to decide whether an agent can proceed with a sale/recommendation, must refer the client, or must obtain additional licensing/authority.

2.2 Duties and responsibilities in practice — good faith, suitability, disclosure, documentation and service

• Explain contract delivery responsibilities (review key terms, obtain acknowledgements, and confirm no material change in health since application where required).
• Explain how to handle a policy issued with extra premium, exclusions, or reduced benefits, including the duty to disclose changes and confirm client acceptance.
• Explain how to identify and resolve discrepancies between the application and the issued policy (e.g., incorrect beneficiary, wrong coverage amount).
• Describe the three CCIR principles for managing conflicts of interest (client’s interests first, disclose conflicts, ensure product suitability).
• Explain why understanding client needs (thorough fact-finding) is essential to suitability and ethical practice.
• Explain the duty to act in good faith and how it relates to care, integrity, and competence in professional conduct.
• Explain how conducting business with integrity affects disclosures, comparisons, and communications (no misleading statements; accurate illustrations).
• Explain how to identify, avoid, disclose, and manage conflicts of interest (e.g., compensation incentives, tied relationships).
• Explain why agents should practise within the scope of their abilities and when they should refer a client to a specialist or seek guidance.
• Explain the proper use of policy illustrations and projections (assumptions, limitations, and disclosure of non-guaranteed elements).
• Explain commission-sharing and referral fee concepts at a high level, including disclosure and restrictions on sharing with unlicensed individuals.
• Explain replacement and policy switch obligations (disclose disadvantages, compare features and costs, complete required replacement forms where applicable).
• Explain documentation expectations for a compliant client file (fact-find, recommendation rationale, disclosures, client instructions, signed forms).
• Explain why privacy consents, needs analysis records, and disclosure forms are critical for both consumer protection and agent liability management.
• Explain the purpose of E&O and how agents can reduce liability risk through process controls (checklists, peer review, training).
• Explain ethical handling of client money and property (premium cheques, policy documents) and how to avoid embezzlement and misappropriation risks.
• Explain expectations for ongoing service (updates to beneficiary/ownership, policy reviews, address changes, claims assistance) and how service supports fair treatment.
• Explain complaint handling best practices (acknowledge, document, escalate to insurer process, provide ombudsman info where appropriate).
• Explain communication standards for client understanding (plain language, disclose limitations, verify understanding) and why this is part of ethical practice.
• Apply a scenario involving a conflict of interest, replacement, or suitability concern and select the most ethical and compliant course of action.

2.2 Prohibited and deceptive practices — misconduct, fraud, inducements, twisting and misleading marketing

• Define tied selling and explain why it is considered a deceptive or prohibited practice in many jurisdictions.
• Define churning and explain how unnecessary policy replacement can harm clients (fees, new contestability period, loss of benefits).
• Explain what rebating/policy rebates are and why inducements can be restricted or prohibited, focusing on consumer protection rationale.
• Define “trafficking of insurance” and describe why trading policies for improper purposes can create fraud and consumer harm.
• Define twisting and explain how misleading comparisons or misrepresentation to induce replacement violates ethical obligations.
• Explain inducing (improper incentives) and how gifts/benefits can create conflicts of interest or unfair sales pressure.
• Define fronting and explain why using a stand-in applicant/insured undermines underwriting and can constitute fraud.
• Explain misrepresentation (including omission) and how it can occur in marketing, sales conversations, and documentation.
• Explain coercion/undue influence and how to recognize vulnerability and avoid high-pressure tactics.
• Define forgery and describe why falsifying signatures or documents is severe misconduct with regulatory and criminal consequences.
• Define insurance fraud and identify common red flags in sales and claims contexts, including when to escalate concerns.
• Explain “holding out” (misleading claims about licensing, credentials, or authority) and why accurate representation is required.
• Explain incomplete comparisons and how cherry-picking benefits while omitting limitations misleads clients and breaches fair treatment expectations.
• Explain privacy-related misconduct (unauthorized disclosure, accessing records without consent) and its impact on consumer protection and trust.
• Explain marketing compliance risks under DNCL and anti-spam rules (consent, identification, unsubscribe) and why compliance is part of ethical practice.
• Explain AML/ATF compliance failures as misconduct risks (failure to verify identity, failure to report suspicious transactions where required).
• Describe possible consequences of misconduct (discipline, licence suspension/revocation, fines, civil liability) and why prevention is critical.
• Describe practical controls to reduce misconduct risk (supervision, training, scripts, checklists, second review for replacements, secure document handling).
• Explain appropriate steps when you suspect unethical conduct by a colleague or a client (document facts, follow internal reporting channels, avoid tipping off in AML contexts where applicable).
• Apply a scenario to identify the deceptive practice present and select the correct compliant response (stop, disclose, correct, escalate/report).

Tip: Treat each learning objective as a “can I pick the safest compliant next step in 60 seconds?” test. If not, add it to your miss log and drill it again in 48–72 hours.