OMVIC
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. The passing grade for both tests is 60 per cent.
Students who wish to take the test in person do not need to follow the online test instructions. These options are available for students registered in the self-study correspondence or the online webinar.
Online test
Once registered for the course, students will receive an email from [email protected]. (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. The Oliver’s Proctoring Plugin and Digital Lock software will be available for download through the online portal. Students can uninstall the plugin and software after they receive a passing grade.
Online test rules
During the online test:
- you must be isolated in a separate room with a closed door and cannot have people coming in and out of the room
- you must directly face the webcam and have your face visible at all times (you can look up and down from your student manual)
- you will be recorded for video and sound to ensure the integrity of the exam process (the recordings will be deleted once the compliance review process is complete and exam session is deemed to be compliant)
- you will have 90 minutes to complete the test for the OMVIC Automotive Certification Test and 60 minutes to complete the MVDA Key Elements Test
Once the online test begins, you must ensure:
- no one is sitting next to or beside you
- no one is speaking to you nor do you speak with anyone
- no one assists 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 any other electronic devices (including cell phones and tablets) on the work surface
- 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 (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)
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 the 90 minutes, 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 (Windows 7 is not compatible) or Mac OS 10.13x or higher
- A webcam with a microphone for your video-monitored test session (if you do not have a computer with a built-in web camera and microphone)
- Google Chrome internet browser
- installation of Oliver’s Digital Lock™ – You will be required to download the Oliver’s Digital Lock. 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. The Oliver’s Digital Lock is available for download from the test portal prior to starting the test. You only need to install the Digital Lock once. For each exam attempt, you will need to connect and then disconnect after the exam. When you are ready to start your exam, click on the desktop icon that has been created and connect.
- Additional requirements include:
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Flash enabled (always allow access to the web camera)
- 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: [email protected]
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday
Review information on completing the following to start the online test, including:
- Oliver’s Identicheck
- Digital Lock
- Audio and video test
- Oliver Kiosk Extension check
- Agree to all of the disclaimer items
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 [email protected] 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.
Please contact the OMVIC Project Office at Georgian College at 1.877.722.1513 or at [email protected] 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 and pay the course fee again. Please contact the OMVIC Project Office at Georgian College at 1.877.722.1513 or at [email protected] for assistance.
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 2002 (the key statute governing the registration of dealers and salespersons), CPA 2002, 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
- disclosure
- rescission
- OMVIC Standards of Business Practice, 2010
How to take this course with the new online resource:
- Self-study and the new 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. Download the updated OMVIC Automotive Certification Course – Student Manual 2020
- 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)
- 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
- See the OMVIC test: Online or in person tab for more information on the testing process
Important note
Effective Oct. 1, 2015, the OMVIC transaction fee has increased to $10 per retail transaction. On pages five, nine and 205 of this manual, please note revised information that reflects the new increase in fees.
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 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, 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
OMVIC and the Automotive Business School of Canada strongly encourage you to sign up for this essential course.
This course covers the laws, regulations and practices governing the purchase, sale and lease of motor vehicles in Ontario. There is thorough explanation of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (the key statute governing the registration of dealers and salesperson’s) and the role of the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) in the administration of the Act.
Note: Course content is subject to change to meet industry demands.
Have your dealership team trained and certified under the MVDA? How does the act impact your business? What can you do to prepare? What do you need to know?
Register now for the OMVIC Automotive Certification course and you will learn all about the regulations, code of ethics, licence appeal tribunals, advertising contracts, and more to keep your automotive business and/or career on the right road!
For information on how the OMVIC Automotive Certification course can come to your dealership , please call 1.877.722.1513.
Effective Sept. 1, 2019:
- $275 for correspondence delivery for new salespersons or dealers (includes manual and exam at testing sites located throughout Ontario)
- $550 for international student registration of correspondence delivery for new salespersons or dealers (includes manual and exam 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.
Certification and registration process for automotive sales persons and dealers
- Register for the self-study option: Download the OMVIC Automotive Certification Course – registration form (updated May 2022)
- 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:
- Email confirming receipt of payment
- Email confirming course registration (subject line: Registration Confirmation: OMVIC Automotive Certification Course)
- Email invitation to online examination
- Email containing UPS tracking number for course material package (student manual, list of in-person testing sites, and confirmation of enrolment)
- Study the materials
- Complete the test (refer to the OMVIC test: online or in-person tab)
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
Writing the exam
- See the OMVIC test: online or in-person tab
Passing the exam
- 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 of 60 per cent on the test, Georgian College will immediately advise OMVIC that the student has passed
- 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
Questions
- Under the MVDA 2002, a customer entitled to rescission has how long to request cancellation? a) 30 days, b) 90 days, c) 180 days, or d) one year
- If OMVIC believes a dealer’s advertisement to be false, misleading or deceptive, it can: a) take the dealer to LAT, b) sue the dealer for misrepresentation, or c) order the dealer to issue a retraction or correction?
- Curbsiders: a) ignore tax laws, b) avoid overhead, c) have an unfair advantage over registered dealers, or d) all of the above?
Answers
- b) 90 days
- See 6.06
- c) order the dealer to issue a retraction or correction
- See 8.06
- d) all of the above
- See 11.03
Online webinars
Due to the pandemic, the in-class training will be held as an online webinar facilitated by the Used Car Dealers Association (UCDA). All registrations MUST be done through UCDA.
Call UCDA at toll-free 1.800.268.2598 for assistance or visit UCDA.
Upcoming webinars
Location | Facility | Course date | Course availability |
---|---|---|---|
Zoom webinar | UCDA | May 26 | Contact UCDA |
Zoom webinar | UCDA | May 31 | Contact UCDA |
Zoom webinar | UCDA | June 9 | Contact UCDA |
Zoom webinar | UCDA | June 14 | Contact UCDA |
Zoom webinar | UCDA | June 23 | Contact UCDA |
Zoom webinar | UCDA | June 28 | Contact UCDA |
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:
- A self-study student manual, along with a list of testing locations, is couriered upon registration
This course if for:
- individuals grandfathered into salesperson or dealer positions
- current OMVIC registrants who completed the full certification course prior to 2010
- $195 for correspondence delivery for salespersons or dealers who hold a valid licence through OMVIC (includes manual and exam at testing sites located throughout Ontario)
Registration process
- Register for the self-study option. Download the OMVIC MVDA Key Elements – course registration form.
- Please enter your name exactly as it appears on your driver’s licence when registering with Georgian College. Ensure you sign the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act section of your application.
- We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
- A self-study manual, along with a list of testing locations, is couriered upon registration.
- Study the materials carefully. Once you feel you are ready to write the test, call one of the testing site telephone numbers included in your package. Testing sites are located throughout Ontario for your convenience.
- Test results will be provided to students by email and this can take up to five business days after the test date Test results are forwarded daily to OMVIC.
- Note: The Georgian College OMVIC Project Office (H130 at the Barrie Campus) cannot accept cash, debit, or debit credit card payments for registrations.
Important
- Students will have 12 weeks from the date of registration to write and pass the test.
- If students do not write the test within that time, students will be assigned a grade of zero and enrolment in the course will be automatically cancelled.
- If students wish to re-write the MVDA Key Elements test after the 12-week period, students must re-register with Georgian College and pay the full course registration fee again.
Writing the test
- Refer to the Testing process: Online or in-person tab for more information.
New procedures for marks, desk toppers and industry pins
- If a student achieves the required minimum of 60 per cent on the test, Georgian College will immediately advise OMVIC that the student has passed.
- 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.
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 2002 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
Register now!
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
Register now!
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, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
