Ohio Life & Health Insurance License Exam Overview
The Ohio Life & Health Insurance License Exam is administered by Prometric on behalf of the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI). Ohio is the seventh-largest state by population, with Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati serving as major economic and insurance centers.
Passing this exam qualifies you to sell life insurance, health insurance, annuities, and related products throughout Ohio—a state with nearly 12 million residents, multiple Fortune 500 insurance companies headquartered there, and a diverse economy spanning healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services.
Exam Format at a Glance
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 150 multiple-choice |
| Scored Questions | 150 |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% (105 correct answers) |
| Testing Vendor | Prometric |
| Exam Fee | $42 |
| Pre-licensing Education | 20 hours required |
Why Get Licensed in Ohio?
- Major Midwest market — Nearly 12 million potential clients
- Insurance company headquarters — Nationwide, Progressive, and more
- Three major metros — Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati
- Low barrier to entry — Only 20 hours pre-licensing required
- Competitive compensation — Average agent salary over $62,000
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Key Topics Covered on the Exam
1. Life Insurance Fundamentals (30-35%)
Types of Life Insurance:
- Term Life (level, decreasing, renewable, convertible)
- Whole Life (ordinary, limited pay, single premium)
- Universal Life (flexible premiums, adjustable death benefit)
- Variable Life (securities-based, separate account)
Policy Provisions Under Ohio Law:
| Provision | Ohio Requirement |
|---|---|
| Grace Period | 31 days minimum |
| Incontestability | 2 years |
| Suicide Clause | 2 years |
| Free Look Period | 10 days (30 days for seniors 65+) |
| Reinstatement | 3 years |
| Misstatement of Age | Adjustment of benefits |
Beneficiary Designations:
- Primary and contingent beneficiaries
- Revocable vs. irrevocable designations
- Per stirpes vs. per capita distribution
- Ohio survivorship and estate considerations
2. Health Insurance Fundamentals (30-35%)
Major Medical Coverage:
- Deductibles, copays, coinsurance
- Out-of-pocket maximums
- Network types (HMO, PPO, EPO, POS)
- Essential health benefits under ACA
Ohio-Specific Health Topics:
- Healthcare.gov marketplace (Ohio uses federal exchange)
- Ohio Medicaid expansion
- CHIP (Healthy Start, Healthy Families)
- Mental health parity requirements
Disability Income Insurance:
- Short-term vs. long-term disability
- Own occupation vs. any occupation definitions
- Elimination periods and benefit periods
- Social Security integration
Long-Term Care Insurance:
- Benefit triggers (ADLs, cognitive impairment)
- Ohio Long-Term Care Partnership
- Tax-qualified policies
- Inflation protection options
3. Annuities (15-20%)
- Fixed vs. variable annuities
- Immediate vs. deferred annuities
- Accumulation and annuitization phases
- Ohio annuity suitability requirements
- Surrender charges and free withdrawal provisions
- 1035 exchanges and tax implications
4. Ohio Insurance Code and Regulations (15-20%)
Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Title 39 Key Provisions:
- Producer licensing requirements (Chapter 3905)
- Unfair and deceptive practices
- Unfair claims settlement practices
- Replacement regulations
- Advertising guidelines
Licensing Requirements:
- Pre-licensing education: 20 hours
- Continuing education: 24 hours every 2 years
- Ethics requirement: 3 hours included in CE
- Background check required
Producer Responsibilities:
- Fiduciary duties to clients
- Premium handling requirements
- Record retention (5 years)
- Reporting changes within 30 days
5. Ethics and Professional Conduct (10-15%)
- Suitability and needs analysis
- Disclosure requirements
- Privacy and confidentiality (HIPAA compliance)
- Anti-rebating and anti-twisting rules
- Handling complaints and grievances
Study Timeline for Success
| Week | Focus Area | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Life insurance products and provisions | 10-12 |
| Week 2-3 | Health insurance and ACA | 10-12 |
| Week 3-4 | Annuities and specialty products | 6-8 |
| Week 4-5 | Ohio regulations (ORC Title 39) | 6-8 |
| Week 5-6 | Practice exams and review | 12-15 |
Total recommended study time: 50-60 hours
🎯 Free Practice Questions Available
Test your knowledge with hundreds of free practice questions designed specifically for the Ohio Life & Health exam.
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Ohio-Specific Exam Tips
1. Know Your Ohio Laws
The exam tests Ohio-specific regulations:
- ORC Title 39 — Ohio Insurance Code
- Chapter 3905 — Producer licensing
- Healthcare.gov — Federal marketplace for Ohio
- Director powers — Enforcement and penalties
2. Master the Numbers
| Topic | Ohio Requirement |
|---|---|
| Grace period | 31 days |
| Free look period | 10 days (30 for 65+) |
| Incontestability | 2 years |
| CE requirement | 24 hours/2 years |
| Pre-licensing | 20 hours |
| Passing score | 70% |
| Record retention | 5 years |
3. Understand Federal Marketplace
Ohio uses Healthcare.gov for health insurance:
- Open enrollment periods (November-January)
- Special enrollment qualifications
- Subsidy and tax credit eligibility
- Plan tier options (Bronze through Platinum)
4. Focus on Senior Protections
Ohio has enhanced rules for seniors:
- Extended free look period (30 days for 65+)
- Annuity suitability requirements
- Medicare supplement regulations
- Long-term care disclosure requirements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating with low pre-licensing — 20 hours isn't enough alone
- Confusing marketplace — Ohio uses federal exchange, not state-based
- Skipping health insurance — It's equal weight to life insurance
- Ignoring senior protections — Ohio has enhanced rules for 65+
- Not practicing timed exams — 2.5 hours for 150 questions requires pacing
- Cramming last minute — Spread study over 5-6 weeks
After Passing Your Exam
- Apply for license through Ohio Department of Insurance
- Complete background check — Required for all applicants
- Pay license fee — $50 for 2-year resident license
- Affiliate with insurer — Get appointed by carrier
- Maintain CE compliance — 24 hours every 2 years
- Begin selling — Your license is valid for 2 years
2026 Ohio Updates
For 2026, be aware of:
- Healthcare.gov marketplace updates
- Enhanced telehealth coverage requirements
- Updated producer appointment rules
- Modified replacement regulation guidance
Start Your Ohio Insurance Career Today
The Ohio Life & Health license opens doors to one of the Midwest's largest insurance markets. With proper preparation, you can pass the exam on your first attempt.
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Our free study materials include:
- ✅ Complete topic coverage
- ✅ Practice questions with explanations
- ✅ Ohio-specific regulations (ORC Title 39)
- ✅ Study guides and summaries
- ✅ AI-powered study assistance
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