Deb,

Anywhere you worked O&G without being registered, ie PA, you will not need to be registered to perform other Abstract work  (except ROW - they sometimes require Real Estate License).  The requirement is E&O (Errors & Omissions) Insurance which title companies will require from you.  Since E&O for O&G is outrageous your brokers carried it. To work independently you will need to carry it on your own.  Hope this helps, Good Luck.  I did a lot of O&G work myself back before the "crash" so email me if you would like. Allen