FAQ

Ohio Surety Bail Bonds Agent License – Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a Surety Bail Bond Agent in Ohio?

To become a licensed Ohio Surety Bail Bonds Agent, you must: Ensure you meet ODI requirments to be licensed, Complete a 20-hour pre-licensing education course, Pass the Ohio state licensing exam (PSI), Submit fingerprints for a BCI/FBI background check, Apply with the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI)

Is our course approved by the Ohio Department of Insurance?

Ohio Bail Bond Academy LLC is an ODI-approved pre-licensing education provider for self-study method for an Ohio Surety Bail Bonds Agent license. We offer a course designed for pre-licensing education: Ohio Surety Bail Bonds Agent Pre-Licensing

What is required to complete the course?

To complete the course, you must:

Submit your student registration form
Complete all required lessons

Pass the final exam (70% or higher)

Submit a proctored exam affidavit

Is the final exam proctored?

Yes. The final exam must be proctored by a disinterested third party, such as a librarian or similar individual. Please, contact us if you need us to proctor the exam for you.

Can I take the Ohio bail bonds course from anywhere in the state?

Yes. This course is available to students statewide across all of Ohio, including:

Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Dayton, Youngstown, and all surrounding areas.

Do I need to be hired by a bail bond agency first?

No. You can complete your education before securing employment with an agency.

Can I get a refund for the course?

All sales are final and non-refundable due to immediate access to proprietary course materials.

Is this course the same as continuing education (CE)?

No. This is a pre-licensing course, not continuing education.

What documents will I need during the course?

You will need to submit:

Student registration form

Proctor affidavit (after final exam)

What happens if I don’t finish the course in time?

If you do not complete the course within 180 days, you may need to re-enroll and pay the tuition fee again. We will always try and accommodate depending on circumstances. If you need an extension to the course please email us at education@ohiobailacademy.com

(We may request proof).

Do I need a pre-licensing course to become a licensed Surety Bail Bond Agent in Ohio?

Yes. Ohio law requires in most cases completion of a 20-hour pre-licensing education course before you can take the state exam.

Is the course online?

Yes. The course is 100% online and self-paced, allowing you to complete it from anywhere in Ohio or any state with reciprocity

How long does the course take?

The course is self-paced. Some students complete it in a few days, while others take longer depending on their schedule. This course designed for 20-hours of content

How long do I have access to the course?

You receive 6 months (180 days) of access from the date of enrollment.

What happens after I complete the course?

After completing the course, you will:

Receive a Certificate of Completion

Schedule and pass the state exam through PSI

Complete your BCI/FBI background check

Apply for your license with ODI

How long is the certificate valid in Ohio?

Your certificate is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance.

How much does it cost to become a bail bondsman in Ohio?

Costs may include:

Pre-licensing course fee

State exam fee (PSI)

Background check

License application fee

What is the Ohio bail bonds exam like?

Please refer to the PSI Ohio licensing bulletin for information and outline of the state exam (our course is designed to mirror the bulletin) here: Candidate Bulletin

Do I need insurance experience to become a bail agent?

No prior insurance or bail bond experience is required.

How do I enroll in the Ohio bail bond pre-licensing course?

You can enroll directly through our website and begin the process immediately.

Are other courses approved by the ODI?

NO, we are only an approved provider for our pre-licensing education course - here

All other courses offered by the Ohio Bail Bond Academy LLC are for educational and professional development purposes only and are NOT required for licensing.