FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Each Division within the Ohio Department of Commerce has a Frequently Asked Questions
section. To visit a particular Division's FAQ's page, please click the Division
name on the menu bar above.
General
General
Q. What is the role of the Department of Commerce?
A. The Ohio Department of Commerce is one of the state's chief regulatory agencies.
It enforces a variety of regulations that apply to:
- bedding and upholstered furniture
- boilers
- cemeteries
- check cashing services
- construction compliance
- credit service organizations
- elevators
- financial institutions
- fireworks
- insurance premium finance companies
- labor laws
- liquor control
- mortgage brokers & loan officers
- pawnbrokers
- precious metals dealers
- pressure piping
- real estate, real estate appraisers
- second mortgage businesses
- securities
- small loan businesses
- steam engineers
- unclaimed funds
- underground storage tanks
- video service franchising
- worker safety
Q. What is the Department's vision?
A. The Department's vision is: "Enhancing Ohio's future by providing fair, consistent
regulation that balances maximum benefit for the public with minimal intrusion on
business."
Q. What is the Department's mission?
A. The Department's mission is: "To fulfill our legal obligations to safeguard the
public, while striving to regulate commerce in a reasonable, fair and efficient
manner."
Q. Who leads the Department and the Division of Administration?
A. The Director of the Department of Commerce leads the Division of Administration as well
as the eight operating Divisions and various programs.
Q. How is the Department funded?
A. Seven of the eight operating Divisions are self-funded, deriving their revenue
through licensing, inspection and other fees charged to its customer agencies. The
Division of Labor and Worker Safety is funded through the state's general revenue
fund and by federal dollars. The Division of Administration maintains operations
through assessments from the operating Divisions.
Q. How can I gain employment with the Department?
A. The Office of Human Resources coordinates the hiring of new staff. When a position
becomes available, a position description is posted which outlines the nature of
the job duties, minimum qualifications, whether the job is full-time, part-time
or temporary, and, if the position is covered by a union contract. For a listing
of available positions within the Department of Commerce, go to the State of Ohio website
page for Commerce postings. Some positions require a civil service test in order
to apply for that position. For information on civil service testing, go to the State
of Ohio website page for civil service testing. All positions require the submission
of the Ohio Civil Service Application form GEN-4268 (Revised 06/97). The application
is available at the State of Ohio website page for application. For additional information
regarding employment with the State of Ohio, go to the State of Ohio website page for
Centralized Recruitment Office.