Key Takeaways
- Ohio requires 40 hours of pre-licensing education for combined Life & Health (20 hours per line)
- The exam is administered by PSI with 150 questions and a 70% passing score required
- Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) regulates all insurance activities under Ohio Revised Code Title 39
- All applicants must complete fingerprinting through IdentoGO ($72.25 fee)
- Ohio Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association provides up to $300,000 in coverage per insured life
Ohio Life & Health Insurance Exam
Welcome to the Ohio Life & Health Insurance Exam study guide. This comprehensive resource covers Ohio-specific insurance laws, regulations, and practices required for your state licensing exam.
About Ohio's Life & Health License
Ohio requires insurance producers to pass the Life, Accident, and Health examination to sell life and health insurance products in the state. The license is regulated by the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI), which oversees all insurance activities in Ohio under the Ohio Revised Code Title 39.
What This Exam Covers
This guide focuses exclusively on Ohio state law and regulations:
- Ohio Department of Insurance structure and authority
- State licensing requirements and procedures
- Ohio life insurance laws and policy requirements
- Health insurance regulations specific to Ohio
- State consumer protections and disclosures
- Ohio-specific policy provisions and endorsements
- Ethics and professional conduct under Ohio law
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Exam Structure
| Exam Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Passing Score | 70% (105 correct) |
| Time Limit | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $52 |
| Test Provider | PSI Services LLC |
| Format | Computer-based, multiple choice |
Testing Options
- In-Person: PSI testing centers throughout Ohio
- Remote Proctoring: Online proctored exam available through PSI
Pre-License Education Requirements
Ohio requires pre-licensing education before taking the exam:
| License Type | Pre-License Hours |
|---|---|
| Life Insurance Only | 20 hours |
| Accident & Health Only | 20 hours |
| Life, Accident & Health Combined | 40 hours (20 per line) |
Education Requirements
- Complete courses at ODI-approved education providers
- Certificate of completion valid for 12 months
- Online and classroom options available
- Must pass course exam with 70% or higher
Education Exemptions
Applicants holding the CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation may have pre-licensing education requirements waived for Life, Accident & Health lines.
Background Check Requirements
Ohio requires all insurance license applicants to complete fingerprinting:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Fingerprinting Fee | $72.25 |
| Provider | IdentoGO (ODI-approved vendor) |
| Includes | FBI and state background check |
| Timing | Complete before or shortly after passing exam |
License Application Process
After passing the exam:
- Submit Application: Through NIPR or ODI online system
- Pay License Fee: $50 application fee
- Background Check: Complete fingerprinting if not already done
- Processing Time: 2-4 weeks typically
- License Issued: Valid for 2 years
Important: You must apply within 1 year of passing the exam, or you will need to retake it.
Continuing Education Requirements
To maintain your Ohio Life & Health license:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | 3 hours in ethics (required) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial, based on birth month |
| Renewal Fee | $50 |
Late Renewal Consequences
| Timing | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Before expiration | Normal renewal |
| 1-12 months late | Penalty fee, cannot practice until renewed |
| Over 12 months late | Must retake licensing exam |
Ohio Department of Insurance
The ODI regulates insurance in Ohio and is headed by the Superintendent of Insurance:
- Appointment: Appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation
- Authority: Enforces Ohio Revised Code Title 39
- Functions: Licensing, enforcement, consumer complaints, rate review
Contact Information
- Website: insurance.ohio.gov
- Phone: (614) 644-2658
- Consumer Hotline: (800) 686-1526
- Address: 50 W. Town Street, Suite 300, Columbus, OH 43215
Ohio Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association
The Ohio Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association (OLHIGA) protects policyholders if an insurer becomes insolvent:
| Coverage Type | Maximum Limit |
|---|---|
| Life Insurance Death Benefits | $300,000 |
| Cash Surrender Values | $100,000 |
| Health Insurance Benefits | $100,000 |
| Major Medical Benefits | $500,000 |
| Disability/Long-Term Care | $300,000 |
| Annuity Benefits (present value) | $250,000 |
What This Study Guide Covers
This guide is organized into the following chapters:
- Chapter 1: Ohio Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- Chapter 2: Ohio Life Insurance Laws
- Chapter 3: Ohio Health Insurance Laws
- Chapter 4: Ohio Policy Provisions & Consumer Protections
- Chapter 5: Ethics & Professional Conduct
- Chapter 6: Ohio Guaranty Associations & Special Programs
Work through each chapter systematically, complete all practice questions, and review key takeaways until you can recall them confidently.
Study Recommendations
Timeline
6-8 Weeks Before Exam:
- Complete pre-licensing education course
- Begin studying Ohio insurance law
- Review national Life & Health concepts
4 Weeks Before Exam:
- Focus on weak areas identified
- Complete practice quizzes daily
- Memorize key Ohio requirements
2 Weeks Before Exam:
- Take full-length practice exams
- Review Ohio-specific regulations
- Schedule your exam with PSI
1 Week Before Exam:
- Final review of key topics
- Focus on Ohio laws and rules
- Get adequate rest
Test-Taking Tips
Before the Exam
- Arrive 30 minutes early at the test center (if in-person)
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID
- Complete fingerprinting if not already done
- Review key facts before entering
During the Exam
- Read carefully: Every word matters
- Watch for negatives: "NOT", "EXCEPT", "LEAST"
- Eliminate wrong answers: Narrow choices
- Flag difficult questions: Return later
- Manage time: ~1 minute per question
- Don't overthink: Trust your preparation
After the Exam
- Results provided immediately
- Passing: Receive score report for license application
- Failing: Can retake with no mandatory waiting period (full fee required)
Disclaimer: This study guide is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee exam success. Always verify current regulations with the Ohio Department of Insurance, as laws and requirements may change.
How many hours of pre-licensing education does Ohio require for a combined Life, Accident & Health license?
What is the passing score for the Ohio Life, Accident, and Health insurance exam?
Which organization administers insurance licensing exams in Ohio?
How long do you have to apply for your Ohio insurance license after passing the exam?
What is the fingerprinting fee for Ohio insurance license applicants?