Claims
adjusters work with insurance companies regarding damage, property loss, or
personal injury claims. Their job is to assess the claim to determine whether
it is credible, and approve or deny payment.
It is
important to keep in mind that although your state may not require you to have
an adjuster’s license, you may still want to become licensed if you’d like to
work in other states as well. Also, some states offer reciprocity, which could
greatly benefit you. This means if you are licensed in your state and in good
standing, and you want to do work in a different state that offers mutuality,
you can work in the other state without obtaining that state’s license.
When taking
the exam for the license, special testing accommodations are available for
those who have conditions that are listed and approved by the Americans with
Disabilities Act as being qualified for such adaptations. This request must generally
be made in writing.
Some testing
accommodations may include extended test taking time, breaks, small group
setting, large print test materials, the ability to take prescription
medications with water, hand-held magnifier, and seat cushion.
How can I become a claims adjuster?
Although eligibility requirements for becoming a claims adjuster varies from state to state, as approximately 16 states in the U.S. require you to have a license, it is common that all candidates must at least have a high school diploma or GED in order to be employed as an entry level adjuster. Some require that the individual have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree at a minimum. A number of states require that you successfully complete a pre-licensing course and licensing exam, while others do not require you to obtain a license to work as an adjuster.
The Property and Casualty Exam in Alabama consists of 125 questions. You have 2.5 hours to complete it. In Arizona, you have the same amount of time to complete 150 questions. While the state of Pennsylvania, on the other hand, does not require licensing.
In the states of Texas and Florida, you are not required to take the state’s exam if you have completed an adjuster’s course. This goes to show how diverse the prerequisites for working as an adjuster can be, so it is crucial that you consult with your state.
Typically speaking, what are the content areas that will be assessed on the exam?
- Basics of insurance (principles and terms)
- Insurance law and regulation
- Roles and responsibilities on an adjuster
- Personal property
- Commercial property
- Additional coverage
How will I know if I have done everything necessary to take the exam?
It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all of the conditions to be able to take this exam. For example, if you require special testing accommodations, consult with the testing center before registering, to make sure you’ve provided the necessary documentation to be accommodated.
You must also register, pay the required fee, and select the location, date, and time of testing.
What should I do the day of the exam?
While this too may vary, it is advised that you report to the testing site 30 minutes early. This will enable you enough time to check-in and complete any other tasks that are mandatory before testing. It is important to note that arriving late to the testing center can disqualify you from being able to take the exam. This could also forfeit the exam fee.
Bring one or two valid forms of identification. The primary ID should include your name, signature, and photo, while the other should have your name and signature, at a minimum.
If your testing center requires that you have an authorization to test form, registration confirmation email, or any other authentication, be sure to bring that with you as well. Some testing centers won’t let you take the exam without it.
Be sure to leave at home any items that are not allowed into the testing area. If you do bring such items, most centers have a designated place where you can store them, but they are not responsible for the security of your items.
What happens after I take the exam?
At most centers, your test result will appear on the computer screen right after you’ve completed the exam. In addition, you will get a copy of your score report before you leave the testing center. It will indicate whether you have passed or failed the exam. If you fail the exam, you may have the opportunity to re-take the exam.
How Can I Prepare for the Claims Adjuster Test?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!