Top 11 Claims Adjuster Certifications

Certifications are important for claims adjusters because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and mastery of their field. They also demonstrate a level of expertise that can set an individual apart from other job applicants. Employers may view certifications as evidence that the applicant is knowledgeable, experienced, and reliable when it comes to handling claims. Furthermore, certifications provide a way for employers to verify the competency of an individual and confirm their qualifications. As such, certifications can be seen as a mark of distinction that can help increase one’s chances of getting hired or promoted.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Claims Adjusters and explain how they can help advance a Claims Adjuster's career.

What are Claims Adjuster Certifications?

Claims adjuster certification is a professional credential that shows an individual has the knowledge and skills to evaluate, negotiate, and settle insurance claims. It is typically issued by a state department of insurance or other regulatory agency after successful completion of a licensing exam.

The certification demonstrates that the holder has the technical knowledge to accurately assess damages and negotiate equitable settlements for policyholders. It also serves as an assurance to employers and customers that the adjuster is qualified to handle their claims in an ethical and professional manner.

Having a claims adjuster certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants when seeking employment in the insurance sector or related fields. It may also open doors to more advanced positions within an organization or provide access to higher salary ranges. Additionally, having this credential may allow adjusters to expand their services into other areas such as risk management or litigation support.

Pro Tip: Before you start your claims adjuster certification process, make sure to research the specific requirements for your state. Different states have different regulations and licensing requirements that must be met before you can become a certified claims adjuster.

Related: What does a Claims Adjuster do?

Top 11 Claims Adjuster Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Claims Adjusters today.

1. Certified Professional Claims Adjuster (CPCA)

Certified Professional Claims Adjuster (CPCA) is a professional designation offered by the National Association of Professional Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA). The CPCA designation is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the claims adjusting profession.

To become a Certified Professional Claims Adjuster, you must complete an approved course of study and pass an examination administered by NAPIA. The course consists of 10 modules that cover topics such as insurance law, claims handling techniques, and ethics. The course can be completed online or in-person at one of NAPIA's approved training centers.

The cost for the CPCA program varies depending on the type of training chosen. Online courses typically range from $250-$400, while in-person courses can cost up to $1,000. Additionally, there is a $50 fee for the exam itself.

It typically takes about three months to complete the course and pass the exam to earn your CPCA certification. However, this timeline may vary depending on your learning style and availability to attend classes or take exams.

2. Certified Claims Adjuster (CCA)

A Certified Claims Adjuster (CCA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of claims adjusting. The CCA designation is awarded by the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (AICPCU).

To become a CCA, individuals must pass an exam administered by AICPCU. This exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as insurance law, policy interpretation, claims handling procedures, and customer service. The practical exam tests an individual’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-life scenarios.

The cost of taking the CCA exam varies depending on the state in which you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 to take the exam. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or study materials costs.

In order to prepare for the CCA exam, individuals can purchase study materials from AICPCU or enroll in courses offered by various organizations such as Kaplan or ExamFX. It typically takes between 4-6 months of studying to adequately prepare for the CCA exam.

Once an individual passes the CCA exam, they are awarded their certification and can begin working as a certified claims adjuster.

3. Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)

The Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) is a professional designation awarded by The Institutes, an organization that provides education and research for the insurance industry. The CPCU designation is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge in the property and casualty insurance field.

To become a CPCU, one must complete eight courses, pass examinations for each course, and meet certain experience requirements. The courses cover topics such as legal principles of insurance, personal lines of insurance, commercial lines of insurance, risk management and finance, business law and ethics, accounting and finance principles for insurers, management of information systems in insurance organizations, and principles of loss adjustment.

It typically takes two to three years to complete all eight courses required for the CPCU designation. Each course requires about 100 hours of study time. In addition to completing the courses and passing the exams associated with them, applicants must also have at least three years of full-time work experience in the property/casualty insurance field before they can be granted the CPCU designation.

The cost for obtaining the CPCU designation varies depending on which courses are taken. Each course costs between $300-$500 USD plus any additional fees associated with taking exams or applying for membership with The Institutes.

4. Associate in Claims (AIC)

Associate in Claims (AIC) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of insurance claims. The AIC designation is awarded by the Insurance Institute of America (IIA), an organization dedicated to providing education, development, and research for insurance professionals.

The AIC program consists of five courses covering topics such as claim handling procedures, legal liability, coverage analysis, and dispute resolution. To earn the AIC designation, candidates must successfully complete all five courses within three years. The courses can be taken online or in-person at IIA-approved training centers across the United States.

The cost for the AIC program varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in-person. Online courses typically range from $100 to $200 per course while in-person classes can cost up to $600 per course. Additionally, there is a one-time fee of $50 for registration with IIA when enrolling in the program.

Once all five courses are completed and passed with a minimum grade of 70%, candidates will receive their official AIC certificate from IIA which is valid for three years from the date of completion. After three years, candidates must renew their certification by completing continuing education credits or retaking the original five courses.

5. Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)

Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have completed an advanced course of study in the insurance industry. It is awarded by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of insurance education and training.

To become a CIC, you must complete five courses covering topics such as commercial property and liability, personal lines, business law, ethics and risk management. These courses are offered at various locations throughout the United States and online. The total cost for the program varies depending on which courses are taken and where they are taken from; however, typically it costs around $2,000-$3,000. It usually takes about six months to complete all five courses.

Once you have completed all five courses, you must pass a comprehensive exam to earn your CIC designation. This exam consists of multiple-choice questions based on the material covered in the courses. After passing this exam, you will receive your CIC designation and be eligible to use the CIC logo on your business cards or other marketing materials.

6. Certified Automotive Loss Adjuster (CALA)

Certified Automotive Loss Adjuster (CALA) is a professional designation for individuals who specialize in adjusting auto claims. The certification is administered by the National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters (NAIIA).

To become certified, applicants must have at least five years of experience as an independent adjuster and successfully complete the NAIIA's CALA Examination. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral interview. Applicants must pass both portions to become certified.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on when it is taken, but typically ranges from $200-$400. The fee includes the cost of registration, study materials, and the examination itself.

In order to maintain their certification, CALA holders must complete continuing education courses every three years. This is done through approved providers such as insurance companies or industry organizations like NAIIA.

Overall, becoming a Certified Automotive Loss Adjuster takes approximately 5-6 months from start to finish, including preparation time for the exam.

7. Certified Workers’ Compensation Professional (CWCP)

Certified Workers’ Compensation Professional (CWCP) is a certification program developed by the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC). The program was created to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the workers’ compensation industry.

The CWCP certification is designed for those working in the workers’ compensation field, including claims adjusters, employers, attorneys, medical providers, and other professionals. It requires applicants to have at least two years of full-time work experience in the workers’ compensation field. In addition, they must complete an online application and pass an exam that covers topics such as workers’ compensation laws and regulations, claims processing procedures, medical management practices, dispute resolution strategies, and more.

It typically takes around three months to complete the certification process. This includes completing the online application form; taking and passing the exam; submitting supporting documents such as transcripts or letters of reference; and paying any applicable fees.

The cost of obtaining a CWCP certification varies depending on your location. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$400 USD for US applicants and $500-$1000 CAD for Canadian applicants.

8. Accredited Claim Adjuster Designation (ACAD)

The Accredited Claim Adjuster Designation (ACAD) is a professional designation for insurance adjusters. It is awarded by the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (AICPCU). The ACAD is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of claims adjusting.

In order to be eligible for the ACAD, applicants must have at least three years of experience as an insurance adjuster and must pass a comprehensive exam administered by AICPCU. The exam covers topics such as legal principles, claim handling procedures, and risk management.

The cost of the ACAD application fee is $225 USD. In addition, applicants are responsible for paying any applicable state licensing fees or other costs associated with taking the exam.

It typically takes between four to six weeks to receive results from the ACAD examination. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official ACAD certificate and will be recognized as an Accredited Claim Adjuster.

9. Certified Liability Adjuster Designation (CLAD)

The Certified Liability Adjuster Designation (CLAD) is a professional designation awarded by the Insurance Institute of Canada to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of liability insurance. The CLAD designation recognizes individuals who are knowledgeable in the areas of claims handling, policy interpretation, legal principles, and risk management.

To obtain the CLAD designation, individuals must successfully complete a five-day course offered by the Insurance Institute of Canada. The course consists of lectures, case studies, examinations and demonstrations. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive their CLAD certificate.

The cost to take the CLAD course varies depending on your location and whether you are an Institute member or non-member. Generally speaking, it costs between $2,000 - $3,000 CAD for non-members to take the course. For members of The Institute, there is typically a discounted rate available.

Once you have obtained your CLAD certificate, you will be required to maintain your designation by completing at least 30 hours of continuing education every three years. This ensures that you stay up-to-date with industry changes and best practices in liability insurance.

10. National Flood Insurance Program Certification

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Certification is a program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It is a voluntary program that provides flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and businesses in participating communities.

To become NFIP certified, communities must adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA’s minimum requirements. This includes regulations for development within the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), which are areas with a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year.

The process of becoming NFIP certified typically takes between 6-18 months depending on the size and complexity of the community. The first step is to submit an application to FEMA, which will then review it and provide feedback before issuing a final determination.

Once the application is approved by FEMA, the community must then develop and implement its own floodplain management ordinance. This process can involve public hearings, meetings with local officials, and other steps as needed. Once this is completed, FEMA will conduct an onsite review to ensure that all requirements have been met before issuing certification.

The cost of becoming NFIP certified varies depending on the size and complexity of the community’s floodplain management ordinance. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

11. Professional Liability Underwriting Society Certification

Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) Certification is a comprehensive certification program designed to provide insurance professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively underwrite professional liability risks. The PLUS Certification program is recognized as the industry standard for professional liability underwriting.

To obtain PLUS Certification, individuals must successfully complete a series of exams that cover topics such as legal principles, risk management, policy language, and claims handling. The exam consists of four sections: Professionalism & Ethics; Legal Principles; Risk Management & Policy Language; and Claims Handling & Settlement. Each section contains multiple-choice questions that are based on the PLUS Core Curriculum.

The exam typically takes about 4 hours to complete and can be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center or online through an approved proctoring service. To become certified, individuals must pass all four sections of the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of the PLUS Certification exam varies depending on the testing location and proctoring service used but typically ranges from $250-$400 USD.

Do You Really Need a Claims Adjuster Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual’s career goals. If an individual is interested in working as a claims adjuster, then a claims adjuster certificate may be necessary. This certification is offered by various organizations and provides the individual with the knowledge and skills needed to work in this profession.

A claims adjuster certificate may be required by some employers before they will hire someone for the position. It can provide employers with an assurance that the individual has taken the necessary steps to gain an understanding of how to properly assess and manage claims. Additionally, having a claims adjuster certificate can give individuals an advantage when applying for jobs, as it demonstrates their commitment to learning and developing their skills in this field.

In addition to providing greater job opportunities, having a claims adjuster certificate also ensures that individuals are knowledgeable about laws and regulations related to insurance policies and coverage. This knowledge is essential for those who wish to work in this profession, as it allows them to accurately evaluate risk and ensure that customers receive fair compensation for their losses.

Ultimately, whether or not an individual needs a claims adjuster certificate will depend on their career aspirations. However, obtaining one can certainly provide individuals with more job opportunities and better knowledge of the field.

Related: Claims Adjuster Resume Examples

FAQs About Claims Adjuster Certifications

1. What certifications do I need to become a claims adjuster?

Answer: You must obtain a license or certification from your state's insurance department in order to become a claims adjuster. Each state has its own requirements, so you will need to check with your state for specific information.

2. How much does it cost to get certified as a claims adjuster?

Answer: The cost of obtaining certification can vary depending on the state and type of certification you are seeking. Generally, you can expect to pay fees ranging from $50-$200 for the application fee and processing fees associated with obtaining the license or certification.

3. How long does it take to become certified as a claims adjuster?

Answer: It can take anywhere from 4-12 weeks depending on the state in which you are applying for licensure or certification. The amount of time needed also depends on whether you have all the necessary documentation ready to submit along with your application.

4. What kind of job opportunities will I have once I am certified as a claims adjuster?

Answer: Once certified, there are many different job opportunities available in the insurance industry such as working in an insurance company, adjusting agency, or independent adjusting firm. Additionally, some states may allow for additional job opportunities such as working for an attorney representing claimants in court cases related to insurance-related disputes or working as an expert witness in such cases.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements once I am certified as a claims adjuster?

Answer: Most states require that licensed or certified claims adjusters complete continuing education courses each year in order to maintain their license or certification status. The number of courses required and topics covered may vary by state, so be sure to check with your state’s insurance department for more information about these requirements.