Ohio
Ohio Insurance Prelicensing Requirements
Provider Number: 211
How to Obtain an Ohio Insurance License
The Ohio Department of Insurance requires all individuals selling insurance to obtain a valid insurance license. This guide outlines the step-by-step process for obtaining your Ohio insurance producer license.
Step 1: Fulfill Prelicensing Education Requirements
Before taking the state licensing exam, you must complete a prelicensing education course approved by the Ohio Department of Insurance. The required hours vary based on the line of authority:
| Line of Authority | Required Hours |
| Life Insurance | 20 hours |
| Accident & Health Insurance | 20 hours |
| Property Insurance | 20 hours |
| Casualty Insurance | 20 hours |
| Personal Lines | 20 hours |
Certification Exam & Completion Certificate:
- After completing your required coursework, you will receive a Certificate of Completion.
- A.D. Banker will report your course completion to the state.
- You must email your certificate to ohcert@psiexams.com within 24 hours of passing the exam.
- The Certificate of Completion is valid for 180 days.
Step 2: Schedule and Pass the Licensing Exam
Once you complete your prelicensing education, you must pass the Ohio General Exam and the State Exam.
Exam Details:
- Register through PSI at www.psiexams.com or call (855) 560-3714.
- Exams are multiple-choice and require a 70% or higher to pass.
- A valid government-issued photo ID is required for testing.
- Exams must be taken in-person at PSI testing centers or remotely via PSI Bridge.
- If you fail, you must retake the exam and pay an additional fee.
Exam Duration & Question Format:
| Exam Type | Time Limit | Number of Questions |
| Life, Accident & Health Agent | 2.5 hours | 150 |
| Property & Casualty Agent | 2.5 hours | 150 |
| Life Agent | 2 hours | 100 |
| Accident & Health Agent | 2 hours | 100 |
| Property Agent | 2 hours | 100 |
| Casualty Agent | 2 hours | 100 |
| Personal Lines Agent | 2 hours | 100 |
| Public Adjuster | 2 hours | 100 |
Step 3: Get Fingerprinted
Ohio requires fingerprinting for all applicants before obtaining a license.
Fingerprinting Process:
- Get fingerprinted by a National WebCheck provider.
- Webcheck requests are processed within 2 business days.
- Be sure to request the direct copy option.
- More details can be found on the Ohio Department of Insurance Background Check website.
Step 4: Apply for Your Insurance License
After passing the exam, submit your application and pay the required fees through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) at www.nipr.com.
- The Ohio Department of Insurance will issue your license once all requirements are met.
- Print your license from the ODI Agent Locator.
Step 5: Maintain Your License with Continuing Education (CE)
To keep your Ohio insurance license active, you must complete continuing education (CE) every two years.
CE Requirements:
- 24 hours of CE, including 3 hours of ethics training.
- Nonresident producers must meet their home state’s CE requirements.
- If CE requirements are not met, your license will lapse.
Visit the Ohio Department of Insurance website for the most up-to-date CE guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where will I take the state exam?
- Exams are available in-person at PSI testing centers and remotely via PSI Bridge.
How should I prepare for my in-person exam?
- Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in.
- Bring two forms of identification (one with a photo and signature).
- No personal items (phones, calculators, bags) are allowed in the testing center.
- You must stay for the duration of the exam without breaks.
What score do I need to pass?
- You must score 70% or higher to pass.
What happens if I fail my exam?
- You may reschedule after 24 hours.
- Review your diagnostic report on PSI to identify weak areas.
Where can I find more licensing information?
- Visit the Ohio Department of Insurance at www.insurance.ohio.gov.
Contact Information
Ohio Department of Insurance:
- Phone: (614) 644-2658
- Website: www.insurance.ohio.gov
PSI Testing Provider:
- Phone: (855) 560-3714
- Website: www.psiexams.com
Start Your Insurance Prelicensing Training
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Disclaimer
The information provided here is based on current Ohio regulations but may be subject to updates. We strive for accuracy but recommend verifying details with the Ohio Department of Insurance for the latest licensing requirements.