How to Become an Insurance Agent in the State of Ohio

Are you an Ohio resident who has decided to become a licensed insurance agent but aren't sure exactly what you need to do? Perhaps you have even taken the time to visit the Ohio Department of Insurance's web site to find out information. While all the information you need is there, the information you find on most state's insurance department websites is confusing and difficult to navigate. This guide will assist you through the process and regulations for obtaining you Resident License for Life, Health, Accident, and Variable Annuities in the State of Ohio.

Your first decision should be on whether you want to become licensed in Life, Health, Accident, and Variable Annuities lines of service or if you want to become licensed in just Life and Variable Annuities or just Health and Accident. Most who have their insurance licenses in the state are licensed in all four lines, though it is not mandatory.

After you have made the decision regarding what lines you want to be able to sell the next thing you will need to do is enroll in a pre-licensing education course. In the state of Ohio there are two options for this. The first option is a classroom based curriculum. The second option is a to complete a self-study curriculum. If you are planning on getting licensed to sell all four lines of service you will need 40 hours of pre-licensing education. If you are planning on only getting a license in two of the four lines then you will only need 20 hours of pre-licensing education.

Information on Pre-Licensing Classroom Curriculum Providers can be found here

Information of Self-Study Pre-Licensing Providers can be found here

Upon completion of your pre-licensing coursework you will be given a certificate of completion certifying that you have done the required hours of educational training.

After receiving your certificate of completion you will then need to schedule your exam. Those who are wanting to be licensed in all four lines will take the combined exam while those seeking to be licensed in two of the four will take the individual lines test. All insurance exams in the state of Ohio are proctored by Pearson VUE. A test date can be scheduled by phone, mail, or online. For a list of dates and testing locations in the State of Ohio Visit http://www.pearsonvue.com/

When the day of your exam arrives be sure to be there on time. If you are even one minute late you will not be permitted to take the exam on that date and will have to reschedule for a later date. It is recommended that you arrive for the exam at least 30 minutes early. When taking the exam you will need to bring with you several items these include:
*2 forms of identification (one needs to be a photo identification such as drivers license or state ID)
*Certificate of completion from pre-licensing education
*Reservation conformation number

After taking the exam you will immediately be given your score. If you do not pass you will be given information on how to go about taking the exam again. If you pass your exam you will then be able to apply for your insurance license at the testing center. In order to apply for your license you must have the money for the licensing fee as well as the fee for fingerprinting with you at the time of the application. If you compete your education at an approved school they will often arrange for your fingerprinting and background checks to be done before the exam. At this time you will also be subjected to a criminal background check. Upon approval of application for license, background check and fingerprinting a licensed will be sent to you via mail.

Your initial license will valid for two years following your exam. During this two year period you will not be required to complete continuing education courses. Following the initial two year period you will be required to complete 20 hours of continuing education courses every two calendar years for your license to remain valid in the state of Ohio.

Fees for the license exam are $53 per exam and there is a $10 licensure fee for each line of authority.

Effective July 1, 2008 the exam will consist of a 2 hour Life Exam for $53 plus a $10 application fee; a 2 hour health exam for $53 plus a $10 application fee; or take both exams for $53 plus a $20 application fee. The fee for fingerprinting is $35 which must be paid by credit or debit card.

Additional information regarding Ohio Licensing procedure and requirements can be found by visiting www.ohioinsurance.gov.

Sources:

Ohio Department of Insurance: www.ohioinsurance.gov

Information regarding changes in policy and fees www.ohioce.com

Information from husband who is a licensed agent in state of Ohio