Top 10 Insurance Adjuster Certifications

Certifications are important for insurance adjusters in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of an insurance adjuster. Certifications also show that the individual understands the principles and practices of insurance adjusting, as well as any relevant laws or regulations. Furthermore, certifications provide employers with a way to evaluate potential employees and ensure they have the qualifications necessary to do their job properly. Finally, certifications can also help individuals stand out among other potential applicants and make them more attractive to employers.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Insurance Adjusters and explains how they can help advance an insurance adjuster's career.

What are Insurance Adjuster Certifications?

Insurance adjuster certification is a form of professional qualification that indicates an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to properly assess and settle insurance claims. Certification is achieved by passing an exam administered by a state licensing board or other professional organization. Having a certification in insurance adjuster can provide many benefits to both the individual and the insurance company they work for.

For individuals, having an insurance adjuster certification can increase their credibility as well as demonstrate expertise in their field. It also provides potential employers with assurance that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge required to accurately assess and settle claims. Additionally, having a certification may open up job opportunities within the industry, as some employers prefer certified professionals over those without any qualifications.

For insurance companies, hiring certified adjusters can reduce costs associated with training new hires and mitigate risks associated with errors or omissions in assessing and settling claims. Certified professionals typically have more experience in the field than non-certified personnel, which can result in quicker claim resolution times and improved customer satisfaction scores. Furthermore, companies are often more likely to trust those who have been certified by a reputable organization rather than someone who has not received any formal training or qualifications.

Always keep your insurance adjuster certification up-to-date by taking continuing education courses and staying current with industry standards. This will ensure that you are knowledgeable in the latest regulations and will help you to provide the best possible service to your clients.

Related: What does an Insurance Adjuster do?

Top 10 Insurance Adjuster Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Adjuster (CPA)

Certified Professional Adjuster (CPA) is a designation given to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of claims adjusting. The CPA designation is awarded by the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA).

To become a Certified Professional Adjuster, an individual must pass a comprehensive written examination administered by NAPIA. The exam covers topics such as insurance law, policy interpretation, and claims handling procedures. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain experience requirements and demonstrate good ethical conduct.

The examination can be taken at any NAPIA-approved testing center. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam, and the cost is $150. Once an individual has passed the exam, they will receive their CPA designation within two weeks.

The CPA designation is recognized nationally and provides adjusters with greater credibility when dealing with clients or other professionals in the industry. It also demonstrates a commitment to professional development and excellence in claims adjusting.

2. Certified Insurance Appraiser (CIA)

A Certified Insurance Appraiser (CIA) is a professional designation that certifies an individual's knowledge and expertise in the field of insurance appraisal. The CIA designation is awarded by the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (AICPCU).

The CIA program consists of three courses: Principles of Insurance Appraisal, Valuation of Property Losses, and Business Practices & Ethics. Each course must be completed within a two-year period in order to receive the certification.

In order to become a Certified Insurance Appraiser, you must first meet certain prerequisites. These include having at least four years of experience as an appraiser or related field, passing a criminal background check, and obtaining a minimum score on the AICPCU’s examination. You will also need to complete all three courses within two years of starting the program.

The cost for each course varies depending on which institution you choose to take it through. Generally speaking, each course costs between $400-$600. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $125 per course that must be paid when taking the exam.

Once you have successfully passed all three courses and exams, you will receive your official Certified Insurance Appraiser (CIA) certificate from AICPCU.

3. Certified Claims Adjuster (CCA)

A Certified Claims Adjuster (CCA) is a professional who has completed an approved training program and successfully passed a certification exam in order to become certified. This certification allows the adjuster to handle claims for insurance companies, self-insured entities, and third-party administrators.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the individual's experience level, the type of training program they have chosen, and how quickly they are able to complete the required coursework. Generally speaking, most programs take between 6-12 months to complete.

To get certified as a CCA, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least two years of experience in claims adjusting or related fields. They must also complete an approved training program that meets their state's requirements and pass a certification exam administered by their state's department of insurance. Once they have met all these requirements, they can apply for CCA certification with their state's department of insurance.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the training program chosen and other associated costs such as exam fees and application fees. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$2,000 depending on the length and complexity of the coursework required.

4. Certified Automotive Damage Appraiser (CADA)

Certified Automotive Damage Appraiser (CADA) is a certification program designed to provide automotive appraisers with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately assess vehicle damage. The CADA program was developed by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in response to the need for qualified automotive appraisers in the industry.

The CADA program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. To become certified, applicants must pass both parts of the exam. The written portion of the exam covers topics such as vehicle inspection, estimating techniques, and repair procedures. The practical assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to inspect vehicles for damage and estimate repair costs.

It typically takes about four months to complete the CADA program from start to finish. To get started, applicants must first register for the exam through ASE's website or by mail. After registering, applicants will receive study materials that cover all aspects of automotive appraisal and repair estimation. Once they have completed their studies, applicants can take the written exam at an authorized testing center. After passing the written portion of the exam, applicants can then take part in a practical assessment administered by an ASE-certified instructor at an approved training facility.

The cost of becoming a Certified Automotive Damage Appraiser varies depending on where you live and how many exams you need to take. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200-$400 USD for registration fees and study materials, plus additional fees for taking exams at an authorized testing center or attending a practical assessment course at an approved training facility.

5. Certified Residential Property Adjuster (CRPA)

A Certified Residential Property Adjuster (CRPA) is a professional designation offered by the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in residential property adjusting.

To become a CRPA, applicants must have at least three years of experience in residential property adjusting and pass an exam administered by NAPIA. The exam covers topics such as insurance laws, principles of loss adjustment, and estimating techniques. Once certified, CRPAs are required to complete continuing education credits every two years to maintain their certification.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on the state or province in which it is taken. Generally, it costs between $100 and $200 USD. The cost for taking the continuing education courses also varies depending on the provider and can range from free to several hundred dollars per course.

Overall, it typically takes about six months from start to finish to become a CRPA: four months to study for the exam and two months for processing the application.

6. Certified Commercial Property Adjuster (CCPA)

A Certified Commercial Property Adjuster (CCPA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have met the educational and experience requirements to become a licensed commercial property adjuster. The CCPA designation is awarded by the National Association of Professional Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA).

To obtain the CCPA designation, an individual must have at least three years of experience in adjusting commercial property claims and must pass an exam administered by NAPIA. The exam covers topics such as laws and regulations, claim investigation techniques, and insurance coverage analysis. Once an individual has passed the exam, they are eligible to receive their CCPA designation.

The cost of obtaining the CCPA designation varies depending on the state in which you live. Generally speaking, it will cost between $100-$200 for the application fee and exam fee. Additionally, some states may require additional fees or continuing education credits to maintain your CCPA status.

In total, it can take anywhere from 3-6 months to obtain your CCPA designation depending on how quickly you can complete all of the necessary requirements.

7. Certified Workers’ Compensation Adjuster (CWCA)

A Certified Workers’ Compensation Adjuster (CWCA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met certain educational and experience requirements as set forth by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of knowledge in workers’ compensation insurance and related areas.

In order to become a CWCA, you must first complete an approved course of study from an accredited college or university. The NCCI offers an online course that meets their requirements for certification. This course typically takes about four months to complete, depending on the individual student’s pace. After completing the course, you must then take and pass the CWCA exam administered by the NCCI.

The cost of becoming a CWCA varies depending on the institution providing the education and any additional fees associated with taking and passing the exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 in total fees for both the coursework and exam.

Once you have completed all of these steps, you will be certified as a CWCA and will be eligible to work as an adjuster in many states across the US.

8. Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)

The Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation is a professional credential for insurance professionals. It is the highest level of achievement in the property and casualty insurance field and is recognized throughout the industry as a mark of excellence. The CPCU designation provides knowledge and skills to those who work in the areas of underwriting, claims, risk management, customer service, sales, product development, and other related fields.

It takes approximately two years to complete all eight courses required for the CPCU designation. The courses are offered through The Institutes, an organization that provides educational programs in risk management and insurance. To become a CPCU designee, you must pass eight exams covering topics such as business law, finance, accounting, economics and management principles.

To get your CPCU designation you must first apply to The Institutes. Once accepted into the program you will have access to course materials which include textbooks and online study tools. After completing all eight courses you will take an exam from The Institutes which is administered twice a year. Once you successfully complete all exams you will receive your CPCU designation from The Institutes.

The cost of obtaining your CPCU designation varies depending on how many courses you take at once or if you choose to take them one at a time over two years. Generally speaking it can cost anywhere between $1,000 - $2,500 USD depending on how quickly or slowly you want to complete the program.

9. Associate in Claims (AIC)

Associate in Claims (AIC) is a professional designation offered by The Institutes, which is a leading provider of risk management and insurance education. The AIC designation is earned after successful completion of a series of courses focusing on the fundamentals of claims adjusting, including coverage analysis, investigation techniques, and negotiation strategies.

The AIC program consists of seven courses that must be completed within three years. Each course requires approximately 30 hours of study time and includes an exam at the end. Courses can be taken online or in person at one of The Institutes’ campuses across the United States.

The cost for the entire AIC program varies depending on the delivery format chosen; however, it typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,000.

To become an Associate in Claims (AIC), individuals must first complete all seven required courses and pass all associated exams with a score of 70% or higher. Upon successful completion of the program requirements, individuals will receive their AIC designation and will be eligible to apply for jobs as claims adjusters or other related roles in the insurance industry.

10. Associate in Risk Management (ARM).

Associate in Risk Management (ARM) is a certification program offered by The Institutes, a leading provider of risk management and insurance education. The ARM program provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage risk and protect their organizations from potential losses. The program consists of four courses that cover topics such as risk management principles, insurance contracts, claims handling, and legal liability.

It typically takes about one year to complete the ARM program. To get started, you must first register for the exam through The Institutes’ website or by calling their customer service line. Once registered, you will need to purchase the study materials for each course and complete all four courses before taking the exam.

The cost of completing the ARM program varies depending on which study materials you choose to purchase. Most people spend between $400-$500 on study materials alone. In addition to this cost, there is also an exam fee of $400 that must be paid when registering for the exam.

Overall, it can cost anywhere from $800-$900 to complete the ARM program depending on which study materials are chosen. It is important to note that these costs do not include any travel expenses associated with attending classes or taking the exam at a testing center.

Do You Really Need a Insurance Adjuster Certificate?

When it comes to the insurance industry, having an insurance adjuster certificate is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise. An insurance adjuster certificate proves that you have the necessary qualifications and training to accurately assess and handle claims of all types. It also shows that you are knowledgeable in the legalities involved in insurance policies, which makes you a valuable asset to any insurance company.

The requirements for becoming an insurance adjuster vary from state to state, but most states require that applicants complete a certain amount of training and pass an exam before they can become certified. The amount of training required varies based on the type of policy being adjusted, such as auto or life insurance. In addition, some states may require additional continuing education courses for those who want to stay up-to-date on their skills and knowledge.

Having an insurance adjuster certificate can be beneficial in many ways. For example, it can open doors to higher paying positions within the industry due to your increased level of expertise. Also, many companies prefer hiring certified adjusters because they are more likely to provide accurate assessments of claims and know how to properly document them. Finally, having an insurance adjuster certificate can help you stand out when applying for jobs since employers know that you have taken the time and effort necessary to become certified.

In conclusion, obtaining an insurance adjuster certificate is highly recommended if you plan on working within the insurance industry. It demonstrates your knowledge and commitment to providing quality service as well as increases your chances of getting higher paying positions within the field.

Related: Insurance Adjuster Resume Examples

FAQs About Insurance Adjuster Certifications

1. What certifications do I need to become an insurance adjuster?

Answer: To become an insurance adjuster, you must obtain a license from your state's insurance regulator. Depending on the state, you may also need to pass an exam and complete pre-licensing classes or continuing education courses.

2. How long does it take to get certified as an insurance adjuster?

Answer: The time it takes to get certified as an insurance adjuster varies depending on the state you live in and the type of certification you are pursuing. Generally, it can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to complete all of the necessary training and requirements for certification.

3. Are there any special qualifications or requirements needed to be an insurance adjuster?

Answer: In addition to a license from your state's insurance regulator, some states may require additional qualifications or certifications such as passing background checks or completing continuing education classes. It is important to check with your state’s specific requirements before beginning the licensing process.

4. Is there a cost associated with obtaining an insurance adjuster certification?

Answer: Yes, there is typically a fee associated with obtaining an insurance adjuster certification which can vary by state and type of license being obtained. It is important to check with your specific state’s licensing requirements for more information about costs associated with obtaining a license.

5. How often do I have to renew my insurance adjuster certification?

Answer: Renewal periods for insurance adjusters vary by state but generally occur every 2-3 years. It is important to keep up with renewal deadlines so that your certification remains active and valid in your state of residence