

Ohio likes to do things differently. Never one to follow the status quo, Ohio is the only state to opt-out of a rectangular state flag. Instead, Ohio boasts the nation’s only triangular swallowtail design. But believe it or not, flags aren’t the only thing unique to Ohio. The state is also home to certain resident producer licensing requirements that differ from its fellow states.
So, if you’re a resident producer in Ohio, pay close attention. Your resident license is central to all of your nonresident licenses. And the key to keeping your resident license in good standing is in maintaining your continuing education (CE) requirements.
While we like to think that we’re an authority on all things Ohio, when it comes down to it, it’s always a good idea to go directly to the true expert – the Ohio Department of Insurance. They’re the first to know about regulatory changes and when it comes to regulatory compliance, you’ll want to work with the most up-to-date information.
What is the due date for Ohio Insurance CE Credits?
Resident producer licenses in Ohio expire biennially on the last day of the licensee’s birth month. Similarly, CE is due biennially on the last day of the licensee’s birth month based on license issuance. While that sounds suspiciously like the same day, according to Ohio, it isn’t. CE must be submitted prior to license renewal.
To make sure producers stay on top of things, Ohio will send a quick reminder 90 days before the expiration date. That way, producers can make sure their CE requirements are all squared away before they need to renew their license.
Who’s exempt from Ohio Insurance CE?
If you aren’t a resident producer in Ohio, then you can disregard this article. All nonresident producer licensees are exempt from Ohio’s CE requirements so long as they’re compliant in their home state.
While Ohio is generally relaxed when it comes to CE, the exception to that rule is with exemptions. Ohio doesn’t exempt active agents from CE requirements unless they hold a limited authority license. Even if a company requires retired agents to hold active licenses to receive renewal commissions, Ohio won’t exempt them from CE. That said, inactive agents aren’t required to maintain CE.
How many hours of CE are required for Ohio insurance producers?
Resident producers in Ohio must complete a minimum of 24 hours of CE credits, of which three must be in approved ethics courses.
The bad news: Ohio won’t let you repeat a course in the same renewal period.
The good news: You don’t need to take certification exams at the end of your CE courses.
More good news: If you’re extra on top of your stuff and complete more CE credit hours than you need to in a single renewal period, Ohio will reward your hard work by allowing you to carry over up to 12 credits per renewal period. These will be applied as general credits, meaning you’ll need to be sure to complete ethics and other line-specific courses.
Even more good news: If you’re an instructor, you’ll be able to receive CE credit for the course you teach. In fact, you can receive credit for twice as many hours you spent teaching the course. Don’t get greedy, though. You’ll only get this credit once per renewal period. As a member of the NAIC Continuing Education Reciprocity agreement, Ohio allows producers a wide variety of course options.
Certain products and lines of business require specialized training. These are outlined below.
Annuity requirements
When it comes to selling annuities, Ohio wants to be sure producers know their stuff. As such, producers looking to sell, solicit, or negotiate annuity products are required to first complete a one-time, four-hour annuities training course that’s administered by an approved department of insurance provider.
Long-Term Care Partnership training requirements
Resident producers in Ohio who wish to sell long-term care products must complete eight hours of long-term care credit courses. Additionally, to maintain that license, producers must complete four hours of CE in long-term care every biennial renewal period.
Flood training requirements
FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program require that those licensees who sell flood insurance must comply with a minimum of three hours of training in flood insurance. Ohio doesn’t include any additional requirements for producers who sell flood insurance.
Title license requirements
Resident producers who hold a title license must complete 12 hours of approved CE, of which 10 must be specific to their title license and two must be in approved ethics courses. However, if that agent also holds a major lines license, they must be sure to complete the standard 24 hours of CE, 10 of which must be in title-specific courses and three of which must be ethics specific.
Surety bail bond license requirements
Producers who hold a surety bail bond license need to complete seven hours of CE, six of which must be in approved surety bail bond courses and one of which must be in an ethics course. But if that producer also holds a major lines license, they’ll be required to complete the full 24 hours of CE, 12 of which must be in surety bail bonds and three of which must be in ethics. The surety bail bonds license must be renewed annually by April 1st – no fooling.
For more information about state-specific licensing requirements, or to find out how AgentSync can make it easier to operate across multiple states, check out our state pages.
Ohio Insurance CE FAQs
When do I need to report course completion?
Within 15 days of completion.
What do I need to report course completion?
Your National Producer Number.
Is there a reporting fee?
Yes, the Ohio Department of Insurance requires a $1 reporting fee.