Get Licensed

ICON: 40 hour Public Adjuster Pre-licensing education

Pre-licensing education may be required, depending on your state’s requirements.

If your state requires pre-licensing education, you will enroll in a 40-hour Property & Casualty pre-licensing course approved by the state’s Department of Insurance. After passing the course’s final exam, you will receive a Certificate of Completion, which you’ll need to register for the Public Adjuster exam.

ICON: Public Adjuster State Exam

After completing any required education, you will need to take and pass the state Public Adjuster exam.

The Public Adjuster license exam is pass/fail, with respondents typically needing to score 70% or higher to pass. You are able to retake the test if you don’t pass on the first attempt, however some states do cap the number of times you can retake the exam.

ICON: Public Adjuster State License

You’ve met all the requirements, now it’s time to apply for a Public Adjuster license in your state.

In most states you will apply via either Sircon or the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) platforms. You will need to gather documentation to submit when applying for a Public Adjuster license. You’ll need to prove your identity and that you have met all requirements to become a Public Adjuster.

ICON: Public Adjuster Background Check and Fingerprinting

Some states may require final steps like getting a surety bond or getting a background check and fingerprinting.

You’re almost over the finish line! Now you just need to complete the final requirements to legally take on clients as a Public Adjuster. Remember that Public Adjusters are consumer advocates, so these final steps are aimed at adding an extra layer of protection and reassurance for policyholders who hire you. 

How to Get Your Public Adjuster License

If you’re ready to take the next step to become a Public Adjuster, getting your license is the first hurdle. But as mentioned above, some states may require pre-licensing education. These courses are typically online modules with guided study material, followed by quizzes. These courses are a helpful preparation for the state licensing exam for Public Adjusters, along with the Public Adjuster glossary of terms. 

INFOGRAPHIC: Steps to becoming a Public Adjuster

Even if your state does not require a pre-licensing education course, you may choose to use a third-party prep course with practice exams to learn the information. 

Topics that you’ll need to be familiar with include: 

  • Handling contracts
  • Advertising regulations
  • Service fee caps / standard rates
  • Catastrophe fee caps
  • Compliance timelines
  • Public Adjuster bond and license requirements
  • Referral regulations

Test Time

You will need to schedule a day/time to take your state’s exam through a designated proctor (like PearsonVue). Most states require that the exam be taken in person. Note that test-takers are responsible for the testing fee and any administrative fees associated with the exam, which vary. 

Don’t sweat it if you don’t pass the exam on your first try. It’s not uncommon for Public Adjusters to sit for the exam a few times before getting a passing score. Be sure to review your state guidelines, though, to know if you are limited to a certain number of attempts. You got this!

Apply for a Public Adjuster License Online

Thankfully, applications do not have to be submitted in person to your state’s Department of Insurance. You can apply for your Public Adjuster license online via either Sircon or the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) platforms. 

Along with a passing score on the state exam, you will need to submit a Certificate of Completion for any required pre-licensing education and a Government ID. Some states also require proof of citizenship. Failure to attach the required documents to the Sircon/NIPR platform at the time of application will result in rejection of the application due to incomplete submission.

Official Documentation

Some states require licensed Public Adjusters to hold surety bonds. A surety bond is an agreement that ensures you, the Public Adjuster, fulfill your obligations to another party, the client. If you fail to meet your obligations as a Public Adjuster, a third party, the surety, steps in to cover the losses or ensure completion.

Another common requirement is a background check and fingerprinting. If these are required by your state, you’ll need to submit for a background check and schedule a day/time to go in person for fingerprinting through a state-approved fingerprinting vendor. 

You can compare different state requirements with this 50-State Licensing Database.

Other Considerations

Depending on the state you intend to operate in, there may be a waiting period after passing the exam before you can operate as a Public Adjuster. States like Florida require new Public Adjusters to apprentice under a currently licensed adjuster for six months before they can become fully licensed themselves. 

You cannot enter into a contract with an insured until 1) the contract is approved by the state Department of Insurance, and 2) the license has been issued. The contract approval and issuance of the license are two separate processes. Be sure you have verification of both approvals prior to entering into a contract with an insured.  


Keep your license up to date

After getting your Public Adjuster license, take note of any renewal requirements set by your state. Most Public Adjusters’ licenses need to be renewed every two years.

States also require licensed adjusters to engage in continuing education to maintain their license. Eligible courses have to be approved by your state commissioner, but keep an eye on any certifications offered by NAPIA.