Does Ohio Have License Reciprocity?

While the ODI doesn’t have a list of states with license reciprocity, it can grant nonresidents an exam waiver under ORC Section 3951.09. 

To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements under Ohio’s Universal Recognition of Out-of-State Licenses: 

• Have a similar public adjuster license OR government certification from another state
• Have held that license for at least 1 year and worked as a public adjuster for 1 of the past 5 years
• Be in good standing with no surrendered, suspended or revoked licenses
• Have no disqualifying criminal convictions or guilty pleas
• Have completed your state’s education, training or exam requirements (if applicable)
• Paid all required licensing fees in your home state

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Public Claims Adjuster License? 

You can expect to pay $249 to get an Ohio public claims adjuster license. This includes the following fees:

• Exam fee: $49
• Surety bond premium: $100*
• Application fee: $100

*This reflects SuretyBonds.com public adjuster bond rates for a one-year term. Purchase a multi-year term to save up to 25%.  

Does Ohio Require Prelicensing Education?

No, Ohio does not require prelicensing or continuing education for insurance adjusters. You only need to pass the public adjuster exam before applying for a license. 

However, you can complete third-party education courses if needed before taking the exam. 

Do Business Entities Have Different Requirements?

No, business entities only need to submit a different application form. Licenses still expire annually on December 31. 

Insurance adjuster businesses must file a separate $1,000 surety bond and pay another $100 application fee. All individual public adjusters still need their own license and bond. 

Businesses must also designate a licensed public adjuster to oversee compliance with state regulations. 

If you’re a state resident, register your business with the Ohio SOS. If you’re a nonresident, you must first contact the SOS for registration requirements before doing business in Ohio.

How Hard Is the Insurance Adjuster Exam?

All public adjusters must pass the Ohio Public Adjuster Exam with a score of 70%. 

While the exam can be difficult, the exam content outline lists the exam concepts and can guide your studying. You have 2 hours to answer 100 questions on the following topics:

• Licensing requirements
• Basic insurance concepts
• Policy structures and provisions
• Ohio laws and regulations
• Public adjuster responsibilities 
• Miscellaneous policy basics, such as homeowner and auto policies 

You can purchase PSI practice tests and study materials on their website.