Become a Public Adjuster

ICON: 40 hour Public Adjuster Pre-licensing education

Step one: Take the 40-hour Property & Casualty pre-licensing course.

When you become a Public Adjuster, you’ll have to investigate claims and examine property damage. A pre-licensing course will teach you the basics of insurance policies, federal and state regulations, as well as compliance timelines of the state you’re in.

ICON: Public Adjuster State Exam

Step two: Pass the state licensing exam to be a licensed Public Adjuster.

After taking your pre-license courses, you will have to take the state exam to receive your license as a Public Adjuster. The exam usually has multiple-choice questions revolving around insurance policies and claim processes. Study and be prepared!

ICON: Public Adjuster Background Check and Fingerprinting

Step three: Submit documentation, receive Public Adjuster license, and search for Public Adjuster jobs.

A surety bond is a financial third-party agreement between you, the state, and the consumer. It’s designed to protect policyholders from loss if the terms of contract are violated. After passing the exam, you will be legally required to buy a surety bond before you get your Public Adjuster license. You may also need a background check and fingerprinting.

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Want to become a Public Adjuster? 

Becoming a licensed Public Adjuster is less complicated than you might think. You don’t need to have prior knowledge, you just need to check all the boxes for vetting requirements and documentation and pass a test. Then, once you get your license and bond, you will be ready to hit the ground running. 

Public Adjuster Requirements

The first resource to check is the 50-state database of Public Adjuster requirements. Each state’s requirements differ, so be sure to reference your state’s Department of Insurance website (linked in the database) for specific licensing information. 


Some states have reciprocal licensing. This means that as long as your Public Adjuster license is in good standing, you’ll be able to operate in reciprocal states without having to go through the entire licensing process all over again.

INFOGRAPHIC: What states require a Public Adjuster License?

Education & Exam

Study up for the Public Adjuster licensing exam by reviewing online modules and practice quizzes through an approved pre-licensing course. After completing the required education, you’ll be ready to sit for the exam. Public Adjuster licensing exams are overseen by state-approved proctors and must be taken in person. You will be responsible for the cost of registration.


If test-taking isn’t your strong suit, don’t worry: most states allow you to retake the exam as many times as needed to pass. Be sure to clarify, though, as some states do have a limit for retakes. The test will be administered in person through a state-approved exam proctor. 


After you pass the exam, submit your documentation, secure a bond, and receive all necessary approvals from the state, you will officially be licensed to take on clients as a Public Adjuster. 


Once you’re a licensed Public Adjuster, you should also look into getting an Xactimate certification. Xactimate is a software that simplifies property claims estimation and repair costs. An Xactimate certificate will boost your resume and give future clients more confidence in your estimate writing skills. Plus, it’s the same program that most insurance companies use, so it will give you an extra edge in expediting claims negotiations.

ICON: License Public Adjuster


Work Solo or Join a Public Adjuster Team?

Get the ongoing training and support you need when you’re just starting out by joining a large Public Adjusting firm, like Tiger Adjusters, the country’s only public adjusting franchise. 


Adjuster jobs at a public adjusting company typically pay a fee split per claim. For example, if the claim fee is 15% of the total claim amount, the adjuster that works the claim will split that 15% with the company based on employment agreement terms. Occasionally, public adjuster jobs offer a fixed salary. 

"The Tiger Adjusters training program has helped me get up to speed quickly on everything from carrier tactics and state-specific regulations to claim compliance deadlines and how to identify and evaluate damage."​ —Santiago Salazar, Tiger Adjusters Atlanta