How to Schedule Your Ohio Insurance Exam

Before You Schedule: Prerequisites

Confirm you've completed all requirements before scheduling your exam:

Pre-Licensing Education Completed: You must have finished your 20-hour ODI-approved course for each line you're testing for. Your education provider should have given you a Certificate of Completion.

Certificate of Completion in Hand: Your certificate proves you've met the education requirement. It's valid for 180 days from the date of completion. You'll need to reference information from this certificate when scheduling and must bring it to your exam.

Ready to Test: Don't schedule your exam until you've adequately prepared. While you can schedule immediately after completing education, taking time to review and practice typically leads to better results.

Step 1: Create Your PSI Account

Ohio uses PSI Services as the official testing provider for all insurance licensing exams.

Online Registration: Visit www.psiexams.com and navigate to the "Test Takers" section. Click "Create Account" and provide your email address, create a secure password, and enter basic personal information.

Account Verification: PSI will send a verification email. Click the link to activate your account. This account becomes your portal for scheduling, rescheduling, and accessing exam information.

Phone Registration Alternative: If you prefer not to register online, call PSI at (855) 807-3995. Representatives can help you create an account and schedule your exam over the phone. Phone scheduling is available Monday through Friday during business hours.

Step 2: Select Your Exam and Testing Method

Once logged into your PSI account, you'll choose which exam you're taking and how you want to test.

Choose Your Exam Type: Select the specific Ohio insurance exam(s) you're taking based on your completed education:

• Life Insurance Exam (100 questions, 2 hours)
• Accident and Health Insurance Exam (100 questions, 2 hours)
• Property Insurance Exam (100 questions, 2 hours)
• Casualty Insurance Exam (100 questions, 2 hours)
• Combined Property and Casualty Exam (150 questions, 2.5 hours)
• Combined Life and Health Exam (150 questions, 2.5 hours) 

Select Testing Method:

In-Person Testing: Take your exam at a PSI testing center. Ohio has multiple PSI locations including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, and other cities. Testing centers offer controlled environments with computers, scratch paper, and proctors available if you have questions.

Online Proctored Testing: Take your exam from home or another location using your own computer. Online proctoring uses your webcam and microphone so a remote proctor can monitor your exam. This option provides maximum convenience but requires technical requirements including a computer with webcam and microphone, stable internet connection, Google Chrome browser, and a quiet, private testing space.

Most test-takers find in-person testing less stressful since you don't need to worry about technical issues. However, online testing offers convenience if you have a suitable testing environment and meet technical requirements.

Step 3: Choose Your Date and Time

PSI typically offers exam appointments throughout the week with multiple time slots daily.

Appointment Availability: Exam appointments are usually available within 1-2 weeks of scheduling. Peak times (Monday mornings, Friday afternoons) may have less availability. Mid-week, mid-day appointments often have the most openings.

Strategic Timing Considerations:

Schedule Soon After Education: Knowledge is freshest immediately after completing your course. Most students benefit from testing within 1-2 weeks of finishing education. This window allows time for focused review without letting information fade.

Allow Adequate Prep Time: If you completed education quickly and feel you need more review, schedule 2-3 weeks out. Use this time for practice exams and reviewing weak areas.

Consider Your Schedule: Choose a time when you'll be alert and focused. Morning testers often perform better when fresh, but if you're not a morning person, choose afternoon slots. Avoid scheduling immediately after work when you're tired, or on days with other major commitments creating stress.

Buffer for Certificate Validity: Remember your education certificate expires 180 days after completion. Schedule well before this deadline to avoid certificate expiration.

Step 4: Pay the Exam Fee

Exam fees must be paid at the time of scheduling.

Fee Amount: Ohio insurance exam fees range from $42 to $49 depending on which exam you're taking. PSI's website displays the exact fee during the scheduling process.

Payment Methods: PSI accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Payment processes immediately upon scheduling.

Confirmation: After payment, you'll receive email confirmation with your exam date, time, location (or online testing instructions), and what to bring. Save this confirmation and review it carefully.

What to Bring on Exam Day

Ohio and PSI have specific identification and documentation requirements:

Two Forms of Identification:

Primary ID: Valid government-issued photo identification with your signature. Acceptable forms include driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The name on your ID must match the name on your exam registration exactly.

Secondary ID: Additional identification with your signature. Acceptable forms include credit card, debit card, or another form of ID. Some testing centers may accept unsigned IDs for secondary identification—check your confirmation email for specific location requirements.

Certificate of Completion: Bring your pre-licensing education Certificate of Completion. The testing center will verify you've completed required education before allowing you to test. Bring the original certificate or a clear, complete copy.

What NOT to Bring: PSI prohibits personal items in the testing room:

No cell phones, smart watches, or electronic devices

No bags, purses, or backpacks

No notes, books, or study materials

No food or drinks (water may be allowed in the waiting area)

No hats or sunglasses (except religious headwear)

Testing centers provide secure lockers for storing personal items. However, it's safest to leave valuables in your vehicle rather than bringing them inside.

Exam Day Procedures

Arrival Time: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. This allows time for check-in, identity verification, secure storage of personal items, and reviewing testing procedures.

Late arrivals (more than 15 minutes past scheduled time) may not be admitted and will forfeit their exam fee.

Check-In Process: Present your two forms of ID and Certificate of Completion at the reception desk. PSI staff will verify your identity and education completion, provide you with testing instructions, and escort you to the testing room when ready.

Testing Environment: You'll be assigned a computer workstation in a proctored testing room. PSI provides scratch paper and pencils for calculations and notes (these must be returned after your exam). A tutorial explaining the testing interface is available before your exam begins—take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with navigation and features.

During the Exam: You can mark questions for review and return to them later, skip difficult questions and come back to them, and change answers before submitting your exam. You cannot take breaks during the exam—use the restroom before starting.

Immediate Results

One significant advantage of computer-based testing is immediate scoring.

Pass/Fail Notification: Your score appears on screen immediately after completing your exam. You'll know right away whether you passed (70% or higher required).

Score Report: PSI provides a detailed score report showing your overall percentage, performance by content area, and passing status. This report is available for printing at the testing center and is also emailed to you.

Automatic Reporting: If you pass, PSI automatically reports your passing scores to the Ohio Department of InsuranceInsurance.ohio.gov within two business days. You don't need to take any additional action—ODI receives your results electronically.

If You Don't Pass: Your score report identifies content areas needing improvement. Use this diagnostic information to focus your study efforts. Ohio allows exam retakes after waiting 24 hours. You'll need to schedule a new appointment and pay the exam fee again.

Rescheduling or Canceling Your Exam

Life happens. If you need to change your exam appointment:

Rescheduling Policy: You can reschedule your exam without penalty if done at least 2 business days before your appointment. Log into your PSI account and select the reschedule option, or call PSI customer service.

Late Cancellations: Cancellations or reschedule requests made less than 2 business days before your exam forfeit the exam fee. You'll need to pay the full fee again to schedule a new appointment.

No-Shows: If you don't appear for your scheduled exam, you forfeit the exam fee entirely.

Schedule carefully to avoid unnecessary fees. If you're unsure about your preparation level, it's better to schedule further out than to schedule prematurely and need to reschedule.

Technical Requirements for Online Testing

If you choose online proctored testing, verify your computer meets PSI's requirements before scheduling:

System Check: PSI provides a system compatibility test on their website. Run this test before scheduling to confirm your computer, internet, webcam, and microphone work properly with their platform.

Testing Environment: You need a private, quiet room where you won't be disturbed for the duration of your exam. The room must be well-lit so the proctor can see you clearly. Remove any posters, notes, or materials from walls within view of your webcam.

Technical Support: If you experience technical issues during online testing, PSI provides support contact information. Document any technical problems immediately and contact PSI customer service if issues affect your exam.

After Passing: Next Steps

Congratulations on passing your exam! Here's what happens next:

ODI Reporting: PSI reports your passing scores to ODI within two business days. This happens automatically—no action required from you.

Fingerprinting: Schedule your fingerprinting appointment for the background check if you haven't already. The sooner you complete fingerprinting, the sooner your background check processes.

License Application: Submit your license application through NIPR after passing your exam and completing fingerprinting. Most applicants wait 1-2 weeks after fingerprinting to allow time for background check results to reach ODI.

Understanding what insurance agents doPre License What Does Insurance Agent Do Resources helps you prepare for your career after passing the exam. Following proven success strategiesPre License Tips Becoming A Successful Insurance Agent Resources will position you well once licensed.

Schedule Your Exam with Confidence

Scheduling your Ohio insurance exam is straightforward when you understand the process and requirements. Register through PSI online or by phone, choose your testing method and appointment time strategically, bring required identification and certificates, and arrive early and prepared on exam day.

Most importantly, schedule when you're genuinely ready to pass. Taking adequate time to prepare thoroughlyPre License How To Study Insurance Licensing Exam Resources and reviewing strategicallyPre License How Can I Pass The Ohio Insurance Exam On My First Try Resources increases your chances of passing on the first attempt, saving both time and the expense of exam retakes.