Would you like to sell cars or become an automotive dealer in the province of Ontario?
The Automotive Certification Course is the result of a joint venture between the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC) and the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC). It is intended to:
- promote professionalism in the Ontario automotive retail industry
- provide better protection for customers
- set the standard for employee ethics within the automotive industry
Successful completion of this course is mandatory for anyone wishing to become a vehicle salesperson or vehicle dealer in Ontario.
OMVIC and the ABSC, with the support of industry associations, strongly encourage you to sign up to learn what changes have been made to the act and how they may impact you and your business.
All new vehicle dealers and salespeople must enrol and successfully complete this course prior to registering with OMVIC.
Online or in-person test for the OMVIC Automotive Certification course and MVDA Key Elements course
New: The OMVIC Automotive Certification Test and the MVDA Key Elements Test is now also available online.
Students now may take the test online or in-person. For the OMVIC Automotive Certification Test, students will have 90 minutes to complete a multiple-choice test and are permitted to use the hard copy of the student manual during the test. For the MVDA Key Elements Test, students will have 60 minutes to complete a multiple-choice test and are permitted to use the hard copy of the student manual during the test. Please note that students will need a minimum grade of 75 percent to pass the test.
Students who wish to take the test in person do not need to follow the online test instructions.
Online test
Once registered for the course, students will receive an email from support@oliverslearning.com (subject line: “Test Instructions – OMVIC Online Test” – make sure to check your junk and spam folders). Students are asked to review all of the information provided in this email and follow the instructions to create a password for the online test portal (additional information about setting up the password can be found below). Students are only permitted to use the hard copy of the student manual provided in the course material package. Students may not use an additional electronic device (in addition to the laptop/computer used for the online test) to access the electronic PDF version of the student manual. Students will need a valid government issued photo identification. (i.e. passport, driver’s licence, age of majority card, or permanent resident card)
Basic technical requirements and testing software installation instructions can be found below. Please note that all required proctorial software requirements are only available through the online portal. Students can uninstall the software after they receive a passing grade.
Online test rules
During the online test:
- you will have 90 minutes to complete the OMVIC Automotive Certification Test and 60 minutes to complete the MVDA Key Elements Test
- you must directly face the webcam and have your face visible at all times (you may look up and down from your student manual)
- you must also connect a secondary camera on a smartphone (activated by a QR code) during the set-up process
- you must be isolated in a separate room with a closed door and cannot have people coming in and out of the room
- you will be recorded for video and sound to ensure the integrity of the test process
Once the online test begins, you must ensure:
- no one is sitting next to or beside you
- no one is speaking to you in any way, nor will you speak with anyone
- no one will assist you
- you only refer to the hard copy of the OMVIC Automotive Certification Course – Student Manual or the MVDA Key Elements Course – Student Manual
You may not:
- use or have access to any other electronic devices (including cell phones (except for the secondary camera required by the proctored test), tablets or earphone/headphones of any kind) during the test
- copy, capture or record test questions or answers, or share the content of the test with any third parties
- have any person act as a translator (only paper dictionaries are permitted)
- use the electronic PDF version of the OMVIC Automotive Certification Course – Student Manual or the MVDA Key Elements Course – Student Manual
Make sure to review the following items before starting the online test:
- Hard copy of the OMVIC Automotive Certification Course student manual for the OMVIC Automotive Certification Test or the MVDA Key Elements Course student manual for the MVDA Key Elements Test (no loose notes allowed)
- One piece of a valid government issued photo identification (e.g. passport, driver’s licence, age of majority card, or permanent resident card)
- Basic technical requirements (see below)
- A smartphone to connect a secondary camera (activated by a QR code) during the set-up process
The following system components are necessary in order to complete the online test:
- A laptop or desktop computer with a reliable Internet connection (if you lose Internet and regain connectivity, you can go back into the test but the timer will continue to run. After 90 minutes for the OMVIC test or 60 minutes for the MVDA test, the test will submit automatically. If you are using a company computer to take the test, you will need to advise your IT department that software installation is required.)
- PC Windows 10 Version 1803 or higher (Chromebooks are not compatible with the exam software)
- PC Windows 11
- Mac OS:
- Big Sur (11.7.10), Safari 16.6.1
- Monterey (12.7.3), Safari 17.3.0
- Ventura (13.6.4), Safari 17.3.0
- Sonoma (14.3.1), Safari 17.3.0
- Sequoia (15.0.0, 15.1.0, 15.1.1), Safari 18.0.0
- Please make sure that your Firewall is disabled and VPN is turned off prior to accessing the exam. This will help ensure your exam will be able to launch successfully.
- A webcam with a microphone for your video-monitored test session (if you do not have a computer with a built-in webcam and microphone, please add these features to your device or take the test in person)
- Google Chrome internet browser
- A secondary camera on a smartphone (activated by scanning a QR code via the testing portal)
- Installation of Safe Exam Browser – You will be required to download Safe Exam Browser. This is an application to ensure the integrity of the exams by restricting other computers being able to access your computer and your computer being able to access other websites while you are doing your exam. During the entirety of the exam, your communications will be restricted to our exam servers. Safe Exam Browser is available for download through the test portal only prior to starting the test.
- Additional requirements include:
- JavaScript enabled
- Pop-ups enabled
For assistance with any technical issues regarding the OMVIC online test, contact the Oliver’s Publishing desk side support at:
- Phone: 1.800.238.0377
- Email: support@oliversolutions.com
- Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST
In-person test
Students must contact one of the test sites to book an appointment.
- The test site information is included in the course material package
- You can call one of the test sites directly to book the appointment
- You are required to bring the Confirmation of Registration letter as a proof of enrolment in the course and a valid government issued photo identification. (i.e. passport, driver’s licence, age of majority card, or permanent resident card)
- No electronic devices are allowed in the testing room
- You can bring the hard copy of the student manual for the open book test.
If you are interested in taking the OMVIC Automotive Certification Test or the MVDA Key Elements Test in person at a testing site, please contact the appropriate test site to book an appointment. Students looking to complete the MVDA Key Elements Test in person at a test site must specify that they are looking to complete the MVDA Key Elements Test.
Please note, you may only take the test once. You must choose if you would like to take the test online or in person. You will only have one chance to take the test per course registration. If you choose to take the test in person, you cannot complete the test online. If you choose to complete the test online, you cannot take the test in person. Regardless of how the test is taken, the difficulty level is the same.
Test results will be provided to you by email and this can take up to five business days after the test date. Test results will also be sent to OMVIC.
If you breach any of these conditions, it may be considered cheating and your conduct will be recorded and this information may be reported to OMVIC. View Georgian College’s academic policy regarding misconduct.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
You can take the online test anytime within twelve weeks from the date of registration. An email invitation with the instructions and the link to the online test portal will be provided.
You can log in to the online test portal by using your email address that the invitation email was sent to. You can set up your password through the portal.
If you run into any technical issues accessing the online test, desk side support can be reached at Oliver Publishing at support@oliversolutions.com or at 1.800.238.0377 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday.
In addition to the basic technical requirements mentioned above, you will need:
- a hard copy of the OMVIC Automotive Certification Course student manual for the OMVIC Automotive Certification Test, or the MVDA Key Elements Course student manual for the MVDA Key Elements Test (no loose notes allowed)
- one piece of valid government issued photo identification (e.g. passport, driver’s licence, age of majority card, or permanent resident card)
Test results are provided to students by email from Georgian College after five business days of completing the test.
If it has been more than five business days and you have not received your results, please contact the OMVIC Project Office at Georgian College at 1.877.722.1513 or at OMVIC@georgiancollege.ca for assistance.
Successful completion of this course does not mean you are registered as a salesperson or dealer with OMVIC. Individuals must submit an application to OMVIC in order to apply to become a registered salesperson or dealer. Please visit OMVIC’s website for more information.
If you were unsuccessful in passing and wish to take the OMVIC Automotive Certification test again, you will have to re-register by completing a new course registration form and pay the course fee again. Please contact the OMVIC Project Office at Georgian College at 1.877.722.1513 or at OMVIC@georgiancollege.ca for assistance.
Accessibility advisors help students assess appropriate accommodations and if required, will provide a letter of accommodation to the student. If you require special accommodations for the OMVIC test, you must first speak with an accessibility advisor by contacting Student Success – Accessibility Services before registering for the OMVIC course.
They will assist with determining the appropriate accommodations that may be required and will provide a Letter of Accommodation to you, the student, as well as our manager via email if deemed required.
To book an appointment, please contact Accessibility Services:
Email: studentsuccess@georgiancollege.ca
Phone: 1.877.722.1523
Hours: Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Automotive Certification course
Join the increasing number of automotive professionals using the CALE: Certified in Automotive Law and Ethics designation!
Registered dealers and salespeople who successfully pass the Automotive Certification Course through Georgian College’s Automotive Business School of Canada are entitled to use the designation Certified in Automotive Law and Ethics (C.A.L.E.)
Using the C.A.L.E. designation:
- builds trust
- strengthens credibility
- demonstrates to consumers that dealers and salespeople are proven professionals who have met Georgian College and OMVIC training standards
OMVIC Automotive Certification course update
Lawyers and paralegals working with the automotive industry: Learn about the MVDA (the key statute governing the registration of dealers and salespersons), CPA, Code of Ethics Regulations, Sale of Goods Act and the role of the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) in the administration of that act. Participation in this course through professional capacity by lawyers and paralegals can provide supplementary use. This program may be eligible toward the Law Society’s CPD Requirement as Substantive Hours.
Please note this program is not accredited for “professionalism hours” or the “new member” requirement.
This 21-hour credit course is the result of a joint venture between the Automotive Business School of Canada and the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC). It is intended to:
- promote professionalism in the Ontario automotive retail industry
- provide better protection for customers set the standard for employee ethics within the automotive industry
Successful completion of this course is mandatory for anyone wishing to become a vehicle salesperson or vehicle dealer in Ontario. OMVIC and the Automotive Business School of Canada, with the support of industry associations, strongly encourage you to sign up to learn what changes have been made to the Act and how they may impact you and your business. All new vehicle dealers and salespeople must enrol and successfully complete this course prior to registering with OMVIC.
Students study:
- MVDA general regulations
- MVDA code of ethics regulations and disciplinary process
- the role of the Licence Appeal Tribunal
- Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund
- inspections and investigations
- key principles of the Sale of Goods Act and the Consumer Protection Act
- registration and classes of registration
- advertising
- contracts
- required disclosures
- rescission (cancelling a contract)
How to take this course:
- Self-study and the online resource:
- A self-study manual, along with a list of testing locations, is couriered upon registration (see Registration menu below)
- Refer to the electronic version of the student manual while you wait for your package. You can view and/or download the updated student manual here:
- English Student Manual: OMVIC Automotive Certification Course – March 2025
- French Student Manual: Cours d’accréditation automobile COCVA – mars 2025
- In addition to the self-study manual, students can access the online course material (you will need to use Google Chrome as your internet browser)
- For the latest course details and materials, refer to the OMVIC Automotive Certification Course Student Manual and or your Confirmation of Registration email/letter
- The online resource includes interactive quizzes, online videos, and student resources — no login is required
- Students can access the online resource but must still register in order to complete the test
The following individuals must 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 months following expiry (for any reason) of their registration
- All persons who have passed the course and are seeking re-registration 2 years 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, 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 grandfathered as a dealer
Note: Course content is subject to change to meet industry demands.
Effective Sept. 1, 2024:
- $283.25 for correspondence delivery for new salespersons or dealers (includes manual and test at testing sites located throughout Ontario)
- $558.25 for international student registration of correspondence delivery for new salespersons or dealers (includes manual and test at testing sites located throughout Ontario)
OMVIC certification manual now available in English and French
The Automotive Business School of Canada/OMVIC project office cannot process in-person registrations. Note: Successful completion of this course does not mean you are automatically registered with OMVIC. Please visit OMVIC for information about registration or call 1.800.943.6002.
Registration process for automotive sales persons and dealers
- Register for the self-study option: Download the OMVIC Automotive Certification Course – registration form
- Please enter your name exactly as it appears on your driver’s licence when registering with Georgian College and OMVIC – ensure you sign the Freedom of Information section on your application
- We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express (note: cash and debit credit cards are not accepted); applications are also accepted by mail, however, they take longer to process
- Once students are registered, they are provided with the following:
- An email confirming their course registration
- An email invitation to online examination
- Study the materials (this will be shipped via UPS on the date of registration)
- A complete list of authorized testing sites in Ontario
Important information
- You will have 12 weeks from the date of registration to write and pass the certification test; if you do not write the test within that time, you will be assigned a grade of zero and enrolment in the course will be automatically cancelled – if you wish to re-write the Automotive Certification test after the 12-week period, you must re-register with Georgian College and pay the full course registration fees
- Please note that students may only attempt the test four (4) times within one academic term. If you are unsuccessful after your fourth attempt, you will need to wait until the next academic term to re-register for the course (see academic term structure below).
- Winter Term: January 1 – April 30
- Summer Term: May 1 – August 31
- Fall Term: September 1 – December 31
Writing the test
- See the OMVIC test process in the section above
- Study the materials carefully. Once you feel you are ready to write the test, it may be completed at any point within the 12-week deadline
Passing the test
- Successful completion of this course does not mean you are automatically registered with OMVIC
- Please visit OMVIC for information
New procedures for marks, certificates and industry pins
- If a student achieves the required minimum passing grade on the test, Georgian College will immediately advise OMVIC that the student has passed. Please note that students will need a minimum grade of 75 percent to pass the test.
- Students that have passed the Automotive Certification course will have two years to complete their OMVIC registration certificate – please visit OMVIC for more information
- Once a student is formally registered and has received their OMVIC Registration Certificate, Georgian College will courier the student a certificate designating him or her as Certified in Automotive Law and Ethics; students will also receive a new OMVIC industry pin and congratulatory letter that outlines further options for students to advance their automotive education – these certificates and pins will only be sent to students who become registered with OMVIC
Course Fee Increase:
* Please note that the OMVIC Automotive Certification course fees are increasing. Please submit your summer term course registration form by end of day 11:59pm Thursday, August 28, 2025. Effective August 29, 2025, the new course fees will be:
– $286.08 for Domestic or Permanent Resident students
– $561.08 for International students
Please ensure that you are submitting the correct registration form; any forms submitted with the incorrect fee will not be processed.
MVDA Key Elements
The Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC) now offers the Ontario Motor Vehicle Dealers’ Act (MVDA) Key Elements course.
The MVDA Key Elements course is designed for grandfathered salespeople and dealers, and for current OMVIC registrants who completed the full certification course prior to 2010. The intention of the course is to promote a fair and informed vehicle sales marketplace in Ontario. Individuals that successfully pass the MVDA Key Elements course through Georgian College, and maintain their registration with OMVIC, are entitled to use the C.A.L.E. (Certified in Automotive Law and Ethics) designation.
Students study:
- dealer premises and records
- contract requirements (for contracts with customers, not with other dealers)
- disclosure requirements
- disclosure in advertising
- Consumer Protection Act
- Code of Ethics regulations
How to take this course:
Self-study and the online resource:
- A self-study manual, along with a list of testing locations, is couriered upon registration (see Registration menu below)
- Refer to the electronic version of the student manual while you wait for your package. You can view and/or download the updated student manual here:
- English Student Manual: MVDA Key Elements Course – March 2025
This course if for:
- individuals grandfathered into salesperson or dealer positions
- current OMVIC registrants who completed the full certification course prior to 2010
- $200.85 for correspondence delivery for salespersons or dealers who hold a valid licence through OMVIC (includes manual and test at testing sites located throughout Ontario)
Registration process
- Register for the self-study option. Download the OMVIC MVDA Key Elements – course registration form
- Please ensure to identify the reason for taking the MVDA Key Elements course by selecting one of the options on the registration form.
- Please enter your name exactly as it appears on your driver’s licence when registering with Georgian College and OMVIC – ensure you sign the Freedom of Information section on your application
- We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express (note: cash and debit credit cards are not accepted); applications are also accepted by mail, however, they take longer to process
- Once students are registered, they are provided with the following:
- An email confirming their course registration
- An email invitation to online examination
- Study the materials (this will be shipped via UPS on the date of registration)
- A complete list of authorized testing sites in Ontario
Important information
- You will have 12 weeks from the date of registration to write and pass the MVDA Key Elements test; if you do not write the test within that time, you will be assigned a grade of zero and enrolment in the course will be automatically cancelled – if you wish to re-write the MVDA Key Elements test after the 12-week period, you must re-register with Georgian College and pay the full course registration fees
- Please note that students may only attempt the test four (4) times within one academic term. If you are unsuccessful after your fourth attempt, you will need to wait until the next academic term to re-register for the course (see academic term structure below).
- Winter Term: January 1 – April 30
- Summer Term: May 1 – August 31
- Fall Term: September 1 – December 31
Writing the test
- See the OMVIC test process in the section above
- Study the materials carefully. Once you feel you are ready to write the test, it may be completed at any point within the 12-week deadline
New procedures for marks, desk toppers and industry pins
- If a student achieves the required minimum passing grade on the test, Georgian College will immediately advise OMVIC that the student has passed. Please note that students will need a minimum grade of 75 percent to pass the test.
- Georgian College will courier the student a desk topper designating him or her as Certified in Automotive Law and Ethics. Students will also receive a new OMVIC industry pin and congratulatory letter outlining further options for students to advance their automotive education.
Course Fee Increase:
* Please note that the MVDA Key Elements course fee is increasing. Please submit your summer term course registration form by end of day 11:59pm Thursday, August 28, 2025. Effective August 29, 2025, the new course fee will be $202.86.
Please ensure that you are submitting the correct registration form; any forms submitted with the incorrect fee will not be processed.
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Important Notice:
Grandfathered dealers and salespersons who registered before January 1, 2010, with renewal dates on or after July 1, 2026, who have not taken the MVDA Key Elements course, will be required to complete the course as part of their licence renewal. The course registration form can be found below under the “Registration” tab.Please see OMVIC’s website for additional information about the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program launching on April 1, 2026.
Professional development courses
The Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC) offers two new online courses for individuals employed in the automotive industry:
- Automotive Record Keeping
- Automotive Sales Language Preparation
These professional development courses provide professionals with additional training.
About the course
This online course is designed for salespeople and dealers currently registered with OMVIC who require supplementary education and training in bookkeeping and general business record keeping specific to the automotive industry.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- identify business documents which must be kept to satisfy MVDA requirements
- use relevant accounting and general business management documents pertaining to the automotive industry such as, but not limited to, garage registers
- record selected accounting transactions in a basic bookkeeping document
- examine appropriate internal controls
- participants require a minimum of 75% to pass the course
Register here: Registration form for Automotive Record Keeping Course
About the course
- Online method of delivery updates students and acts as a resource in the translation of automotive language and sales preparedness for the Automotive Certification Course
- Designed for salespersons entering the industry with English as a second language who want to advance their knowledge of automotive language and sales preparedness
- Delivered as an online module, with completion of the course providing an understanding of the terminology used in the automotive industry
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- identify foundations of terminology used in the automotive industry
- employ learned information to produce a variety of written material relevant to automotive salespersons and dealers
- utilize learned information to discuss a variety of material using the appropriate automotive industry phrasing and vocabulary
- apply a demonstrated knowledge of comprehensive learning within the automotive sector
- identify and properly evaluate necessary contract requirements, distinguishing the financial and legal obligations
- participants require a minimum of 75% to pass the course
Register here: Registration form for Automotive Sales Language Preparation
Course Fee Increase:
* Please note that the Automotive Record Keeping and Automotive Sales Language Preparation course fees are increasing. Please submit your summer term course registration form by end of day 11:59pm Thursday, August 28, 2025. Effective August 29, 2025, the new course fees will be $273.60.Please ensure that you are submitting the correct registration form; any forms submitted with the incorrect fee will not be processed.
Contact information
OMVIC Project Office
Automotive Business School of Canada
Georgian College
Room H130
One Georgian Dr
Barrie, ON L4M 3X9
Phone: 705. 722.1513
Toll-free: 1.877.722.1513
Fax: 705.722.1524
Email: Email the OMVIC Project Office
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Outside these hours, please email our office)