Becoming An Insurance Adjuster In Minnesota: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you interested in becoming an insurance adjuster in Minnesota? This career path can be quite lucrative, and the good news is that there aren't many requirements to get started.

The most important step is to pass the Minnesota insurance adjuster exam. This is a challenging test, with an average pass rate of around 55% for first-time test-takers, so it's highly recommended that you prepare with a pre-exam course. Once you've passed the exam, you'll need to complete a fingerprinting procedure and background check, and submit your adjuster license application to the Minnesota Department of Insurance.

After that, you'll be ready to start working as an insurance adjuster! This career offers excellent earning potential, with annual earnings in excess of $100,000 for independent claims adjusters. It's also a stable career choice, as insurance adjusters are always in demand since claims remain steady regardless of economic factors.

Be 18+ and competent

To become an insurance adjuster in Minnesota, you must be 18 years old or older. This is a basic requirement that must be met before taking steps to obtain your resident adjuster license. In addition to being 18 or older, you must also be competent and trustworthy.

While Minnesota does not require a pre-licensing course, it is highly recommended that you take an exam preparation course to increase your chances of passing the state exam. These courses are designed to help you develop a thorough understanding of the material and improve your chances of passing the exam on your first attempt.

By meeting the basic age and competency requirements and investing in a comprehensive exam preparation course, you will be well on your way to becoming a licensed insurance adjuster in Minnesota.

In addition to the age requirement, there are other essential steps to becoming an insurance adjuster in Minnesota. These include registering for and passing the state exam, completing a fingerprinting procedure and background check, and submitting your license application.

The Minnesota state exam can be challenging, so it is beneficial to choose a reputable exam preparation course that offers comprehensive study materials and practice tests. These courses are designed to help you gain a strong understanding of the concepts and topics covered in the exam, increasing your chances of success.

Once you have completed the exam preparation course and feel confident in your knowledge, the next step is to register for and take the Minnesota Adjuster License State Exam. This exam is administered by PSI, and you will need to select "MN Department of Commerce (9999)" as your school during the registration process.

After passing the state exam, you will need to complete a fingerprinting procedure and background check at a PSI testing center. This step is crucial as it ensures your trustworthiness and integrity in handling insurance claims.

Finally, you will need to submit your license application through Sircon or the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). The application process typically involves submitting the required documentation, paying the application fee, and waiting for the review process to be completed.

By diligently following these steps and meeting the basic requirements, you will be well on your way to becoming a licensed insurance adjuster in Minnesota.

Take a pre-exam course

Taking a Pre-Exam Course

While a pre-licensing course is not a legal requirement in Minnesota, it is highly recommended that you take one to prepare for the state exam. The average pass rate for insurance exams across the US is around 55% for first-time test-takers, so a pre-exam course can significantly improve your chances of passing on your first attempt.

AdjusterPro and Kaplan are two providers of pre-exam courses. AdjusterPro's Minnesota Adjuster Exam Prep Course can be taken online and includes printable reference materials, practice tests, and quizzes. The course has been designed to prepare you to pass the challenging state adjuster exam, which is a required step for getting your license.

Kaplan's pre-exam courses have pass rates of 93% and are also taken online. They are created specifically to give you the skills needed to pass the test.

Both AdjusterPro and Kaplan's courses include video, audio, and text elements, as well as short knowledge quizzes.

The State Exam

The Minnesota state exam is proctored, meaning it takes place in a controlled environment with an invigilator. The exam consists of 135 questions, and you have 180 minutes to complete it. A score of 70% is required to pass. The fee for each exam attempt is $45.

Pass the Minnesota Adjuster Exam

To pass the Minnesota Adjuster Exam, you must first meet the basic requirements for the Minnesota Adjuster License. You must be at least 18 years old and be deemed competent and trustworthy.

Next, you should prepare for the exam. Although Minnesota does not require a pre-licensing course, it is highly recommended that you take an exam prep course to ensure you pass the exam on your first attempt. One option is the AdjusterPro Minnesota Adjuster Exam Prep Course, which offers reference materials, practice tests, and quizzes.

Once you feel prepared, you can register for and take the Minnesota Adjuster License State Exam through PSI. The exam will be proctored, so it is a good idea to prepare for the timing and environment of the exam. In Minnesota, there are three primary options for adjuster lines:

• Property and Casualty Adjuster license exam (35 questions in 1 hour)
• Crop Adjuster license exam (35 questions in 1 hour)
• Workers' Compensation Adjuster license exam (35 questions in 1 hour)

Each attempt at the exam costs $25. To pass, you will need a score of at least 70%.

Get fingerprinted and a background check

To get fingerprinted and a background check, you can visit a local police department or a private fingerprinting service. In the US, private fingerprinting services include IdentoGO and Sterling Identity, which has a partnership with The UPS Store® to provide live-scan fingerprinting collection in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Arkansas LiveScan is another private company that offers digital fingerprint scanning and background checks in Arkansas.

In the UK, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) provides criminal record checks for those working in certain industries, such as healthcare and education. Basic DBS checks can be done online and higher levels of checks involve providing proof of identity documents and having your identity checked by a "responsible organisation".

In Canada, individuals can request a copy of their criminal record from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). In the EU, individuals can request a European Criminal Records Certificate from the relevant authority in their country of residence.

It is important to note that the process and requirements for fingerprinting and background checks may vary depending on your location and the purpose of the check.

Submit your application

Submitting an application can be a nerve-wracking process, but it's often the key to unlocking new opportunities. Whether you're applying for a job, university, or another important step in your life, here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Prepare the Required Documents: Depending on the type of application, you may need to gather various documents such as transcripts, proof of identity, and other supporting materials. Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready before starting your application.
• Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form accurately and honestly. Take your time to review each section and provide all the requested information. Double-check your work to avoid errors or omissions.
• Write a Cover Letter: In many cases, a cover letter or statement of purpose accompanies an application. This is your chance to introduce yourself and highlight why you're the ideal candidate. Tailor your cover letter to the specific opportunity you're applying for.
• Submit Required Fees: Some applications may require fees, such as application fees or exam fees. Ensure you pay the correct amount and provide the necessary payment details.
• Review and Submit: Before submitting your application, review it thoroughly. Check for any missing information, typos, or errors. If possible, ask a friend or colleague to proofread your application as a fresh pair of eyes can help catch any mistakes. Once you're satisfied, submit your application by following the provided instructions.
• Follow Up: After submitting your application, make a note of the expected response time. If you haven't heard back within that timeframe, don't hesitate to follow up with the relevant department or organization to inquire about the status of your application.

Remember, each application process may vary slightly, so always refer to the specific instructions provided by the institution or organization you're applying to. Now that you know the basics of submitting an application, let's move on to the next section, where we'll discuss the process of becoming an insurance adjuster in Minnesota.

Frequently asked questions