How to Become an Independent Insurance Agent in Ohio
Insurance companies employed more than 2.3 million Americans in 2008. Those who work in this field are entrusted to insure homes, businesses, cars and lives. The Ohio Department of Insurance guarantees that its insurance agents, or "producers," are ready to act as consultants by mandating that these advisers meet several requirements. For instance, insurance agents must complete several hours of prelicensing coursework, pass a background check and meet biannual continuing-education requirements.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Meet prelicensing requirements. In the state of Ohio, aspiring resident insurance agents must complete 20 hours of prelicensing coursework. This coursework can be completed in a traditional classroom setting or through an online self-study course. The course materials will cover Ohio's insurance laws, coverage types, and state-approved insurance practices for your line(s) of authority.
For information on upcoming classes, visit Sircon.com, the website for a referral service that maintains an active database of insurance training institutions. You may also attend colleges at one of Hondros College's eight statewide locations (visit Hondros.edu for more information).
After you've successfully completed your prelicensing coursework, you'll be issued a course completion certificate. This certificate is valid for 180 days and must be presented to the testing facility when you go to take your examination.
-
2
Pass a background investigation. If you pass the licensing examination, you'll be required to provide fingerprints to the Ohio Department of Insurance and submit to a criminal background investigation. Visit www.fastfingerprints.com for information about any fees that may exist in the state of Ohio. These services are performed by appointment only.
-
-
3
Pass the insurance examination. The licensing examinations are usually offered at one of Pearson VUE's numerous statewide locations. Visit PearsonVue.com or call 800-275-8361 to schedule your examination, which will be a proctored, computerized test designed to measure your knowledge of the insurance lines you wish to sell. You must score 70 percent or higher on the test; if you fail the test, you will have two additional opportunities to pass.
-
4
Consider alternative paths to licensure. If you possess an accredited four-year degree in insurance, you may request a waiver of the pre-licensing requirement. Likewise, if you have designations or certifications, you may apply for exemption. Such designations include Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC).
Additional waivers are available if you're an agent who already holds existing licenses in other states. The Ohio Department of Insurance's website offers additional information about alternative paths to licensure.
-
5
Meet your continuing-education requirements. Licensed insurance agents are required to complete continuing-education coursework every one to two years. If you fail to comply, you'll have your license suspended or revoked. Contact the Ohio Department of Insurance to obtain additional details about continuing-education requirements.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Review your study materials thoroughly before taking the examination.
The background investigation may require a check of your personal credit history, as the Ohio Department of Insurance will consider your capacity for fiduciary accountability.
There are fees associated with prelicensing, coursework, fingerprinting and the background examination. Please contact the appropriate authorities for the most updated information about these fees.
