To become an insurance agent and sell insurance in Ohio, you need to get licensed. Our step-by-step guide offers detailed instructions for obtaining and maintaining your license. We’ve also included information on renewal and reciprocity so you’ll have everything you need to start an exciting new career as an insurance agent. Keep reading to learn details on the following steps.
- Complete a required pre-licensing course
- Register for and pass the state exam
- Submit application and background check
- Stay compliant and renew your license
Let’s get started!
#1: Take an Approved Ohio Insurance Pre-licensing Course
The state requires you to complete an approved pre-licensing course before you can register and take the state adjuster exam. Our Ohio Insurance Pre-Licensing Courses satisfy the mandatory pre-licensing requirement and will effectively prepare you to pass the state agent exam. You have two options regarding insurance licenses in Ohio since all other lines are contained within these two: Property and Casualty Lines or Personal Lines. You can get just a Property Lines license or just a Personal Lines license, but we always recommend getting a Property & Casualty Lines license because it covers more lines of authority, including Personal Lines, giving you more options to sell.
Every All-Lines course has been rigorously prepared and is regularly updated. Our online classroom allows you to print reference materials, take practice tests, and even create your own quizzes to help with subjects you are struggling with. Once you’re consistently making 90% on your practice tests and passing all the quizzes with flying colors…it’s exam time!
#2: Register for and Pass the Ohio Insurance Exam
When you’re ready to take the exam, register through PSI. Make sure you register for the exam that corresponds to your pre-licensing course. For the Property and Casualty Insurance Series 11-36 examinations, you must present both Course Completion Certificates on the day of testing.
- Candidates are given 150 minutes to take the Property & Casualty exam and 120 minutes to take the Personal Lines exam.
- Detailed information on PSI’s testing policies, procedures, and scoring methods are available in the Candidate Handbook.
#3: Submit Application and Fingerprints for Your Ohio Agent License
You may apply for your license online through the National Insurance Producer Registry. Make sure you are applying for the insurance license you tested for.
After submitting your application, obtain a fingerprint background check from an approved provider. The recommended option is to get fingerprinted with FastFingerprints after completing your exam with PSI. Make sure to select the BCI & FBI option. You can find step-by-step instructions on the Ohio Department of Insurance website.
You can check to see if your license has been issued at Ohio Office of Insurance Search.
#4: Complete Ohio’s Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements
Ohio insurance agents must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. You cannot receive credit for any course more than once in a reporting period. Up to 12 excess credits will be carried over to the next renewal period.
- Three hours must be in ethics.
Ohio agent licenses are renewed every two years on the last day of your birthday month. You can renew your license through NIPR.
Additional Information for Ohio Insurance Agents
Ohio Insurance License Lookup: https://gateway.insurance.ohio.gov/UI/ODI.Agent.Public.UI/AgentSearch.mvc/DisplaySearch
Ohio Insurance Agent Licensing Fees
- All-Lines Training Pre-Licensing Course: $179
- Exam Fee: $49
- Licensing Fee: $10
- Fingerprinting fee: $72
- Renewal Fee: $0
Ohio Agent License Reciprocity
Insurance agent and producer license reciprocity refers to a mutual agreement between states that says an agent holding a license in his or her home state can successfully apply for a license in another state without having to take that state’s exam or pre-licensing course.
As an insurance agent, you can apply for a reciprocal license in any other state as long as the license you are applying for covers the same lines of authority. So if you hold a Personal Lines license, for example, you will not qualify for a Property and Casualty Lines reciprocal license because P&C covers more lines of authority than your current license.
Your home state license needs to be in good standing, and you will need to apply for the license, pay the fees, and register the licenses with NIPR. But holding multiple licenses will allow you to sell insurance policies across state lines, increasing your customer base and your income.
Ohio Department of Insurance Contact Information
Website: https://insurance.ohio.gov/agents-and-agencies/agent-licensing/welcome
Mailing Address:
Ohio Department of Insurance
Licensing
50 W. Town Street, Third Floor – Suite 300
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: 614-644-2665
Email: licensing@insurance.ohio.gov
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.
