Pursuing A Career In Insurance Adjusting: Navigating The 9-Month Educational Path In California

If you're interested in becoming an insurance adjuster in California, there are a few steps you need to take. Firstly, you must meet the basic requirements, which include being at least 18 years old and having two years of certified experience in the insurance adjusting field. It's also recommended that you take a pre-licensing course to prepare for the California Adjuster state exam, which is a challenging licensing exam covering various insurance topics. After passing the exam, you'll need to process and submit your fingerprints for a background check. The next step is to submit an application for your California Adjuster License, which includes obtaining and submitting a surety bond. Once your application is complete, you'll just need to wait for it to be reviewed and approved by the state. It's important to note that California does not offer reciprocal licenses, so if you want to adjust claims in the state, you must go through the entire licensing process.

Pass the California Adjuster License Exam

Passing the California Adjuster License Exam is a challenging but rewarding endeavour. Here are some tips to help you pass the exam and become a licensed insurance adjuster in California:

Understand the Exam Format:

The California Adjuster License Exam is a proctored test, meaning it is administered in a controlled environment with an invigilator. The exam consists of 100 questions, and you will have 2 hours and 38 minutes to complete it. The passing score is 70% or higher. The exam covers a range of topics, including insurance terms and concepts, property and casualty insurance basics, homeowner insurance, commercial package policies, and workers' compensation.

Prepare with Practice Exams and Study Guides:

Familiarize yourself with the exam format and types of questions by taking practice exams. Practice exams help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and allow you to focus on areas that need improvement. Study guides and online courses are also available to help you prepare for the exam. These resources can provide a comprehensive understanding of the material and improve your test-taking skills.

Manage Your Time and Nerves:

Since the exam is timed, it is crucial to manage your time effectively during the test. Practice exams can help you develop a pacing strategy. Additionally, work on calming your nerves before the exam. Deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk are techniques that can help reduce test anxiety.

Complete Pre-Exam Education:

Although not a legal requirement in California, enrolling in a pre-exam course is highly recommended. Pre-exam education ensures that you have a solid understanding of the material and increases your chances of passing the exam on your first attempt. AdjusterPro's online courses, for example, have a 98% satisfaction rate among users.

Know the Registration Process:

You can register for the California Adjuster License Exam through PSI California Insurance or by calling PSI at (877) 392-6422. The exam fee varies depending on the test centre you choose. It costs $72 at a California Department of Insurance (CDI) Examination Site and $105 at a PSI Test Center. Subsequent attempts cost $29 at CDI and $62 at PSI.

Meet Basic Requirements:

Before registering for the exam, ensure you meet California's basic requirements for obtaining an adjuster license. You must be at least 18 years old and have two years of certified experience in the insurance adjusting field, equivalent to 4,000 compensated hours. If you have any felony convictions, you must submit a 1033 Application for Written Consent and receive approval from the state before your application will be considered.

Passing the California Adjuster License Exam is a crucial step towards becoming a licensed insurance adjuster in California. With dedication, preparation, and a solid understanding of the material, you can successfully pass the exam and embark on a rewarding career in the insurance industry.

Age, experience, and background checks

Age

To become an insurance adjuster in California, you must be at least 18 years old.

Experience

To become an insurance adjuster in California, you must have two years of certified experience in the insurance adjusting field, which is equivalent to 4,000 hours of compensated time in the adjusting field.

Background checks

The State of California requires that all insurance license applicants provide fingerprints prior to licensing. Giving your fingerprints will initiate a background check. If you have any prior misdemeanours or felonies, this may affect the outcome of your licensing efforts.

If you've been convicted of a felony of dishonesty or breach of trust, you must submit a 1033 Application for Written Consent and receive approval from the state before your application will be considered.

Submit fingerprints

To become an insurance adjuster in California, you must submit fingerprints for a background check. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to submit your fingerprints:

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment

If you want to have your fingerprints taken before your license examination, you can schedule an appointment with CDI's contracted fingerprint vendor, Accurate Biometrics, by calling (866) 361-9944. They will direct you to a fingerprint location near you. Alternatively, you can get fingerprinted at your PSI Testing Center at the time of your exam.

Step 2: Prepare the Necessary Forms and Fee

Before your appointment, you will need to complete and bring the following:

• A completed Live Scan Form BCIA 8016
• Print out the LIC 442-39A Licensing Applicant Instructions
• The total processing fee for the fingerprint impressions, which is $59 at a CDI Examination Site or $68.95 at a PSI Test Center. This fee includes the FBI processing fee of $17, DOJ processing fee of $32, and either the CDI's contractor's rolling fee of $10 (for CDI sites) or the rolling fee charged at PSI's test centers of $19.95 (for PSI sites).

Step 3: Get Your Fingerprints Taken

At your appointment, an authorized technician will take your fingerprint impressions. You will need to provide them with the completed forms and pay the applicable fee.

Step 4: Retain Records and Obtain ATI Number

Be sure to retain a copy of the Request for Live Scan Service form BCIA 8016 for your records. The live scan service vendor will provide you with an Automated Transaction Identifier (ATI) number assigned to your fingerprint impressions. This ATI number will allow you to have your fingerprints redone at no charge if they are rejected.

Step 5: Check Status of Fingerprint Submission

It is recommended to wait at least seven days from the date your fingerprints were taken before checking the status of your submission. You can check the status by first contacting the California Department of Insurance (CDI) at (800) 967-9331, as they receive results directly from the Department of Justice (DOJ). If CDI does not have your fingerprint results, you can use the California Department of Justice's (DOJ) online Applicant Background Check Status service. To access this service, you will need your date of birth and the 10-digit ATI number from the DOJ form.

Important Notes:

• Obtaining your fingerprints before your license examination can help minimize potential delays in license issuance while awaiting results from the DOJ and FBI.
• If a license is not issued within twelve months of submitting your fingerprints, a new set of fingerprint impressions will be required.
• Nonpayment of the fingerprint fee or failure to submit the fingerprints will delay the processing of your application.

Register and pass the state exam

Registering for the California Adjuster State Exam is a straightforward process. You can register online through PSI Exams or by calling (833) 518-7456. The exam costs $72 at a California Department of Insurance (CDI) Examination Site and $105 at a PSI Test Center. Subsequent attempts will cost $29 at CDI and $62 at PSI.

On the day of the exam, you will be given 158 minutes to answer 100 questions. A score of 70% or more is required to pass. You will receive your results immediately after completing the exam.

It is highly recommended that you prepare thoroughly for the exam. While a pre-licensing course is not required by the state, you can increase your chances of passing by taking an exam prep course. These courses are designed to help you become familiar with the material and typically include practice tests and quizzes.

Apply for a license

To apply for a California insurance adjuster license, you must meet the following requirements:

License application qualification:

• Be 18 years old or older.
• Have two years of certified experience in the insurance adjusting field, equal to 4,000 compensated hours.
• If you have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or breach of trust, you must submit a 1033 Application for Written Consent and receive approval from the state before your application will be considered.
• The business of each licensee must be operated under the active direction of the licensee.
• The qualified manager (person in charge of the business) is not required to be a California resident, but they must meet the requirements stated in Cal. Ins. Code Section 14029(a).
• California resident independent insurance adjusters must complete 24 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics, every two years.

Complete and submit the required forms:

• Individual and Business Entities may visit sircon.com and click "New Adjuster License". Alternatively, individual license applicants can fill out LIC 041-A form, while business entities may use LIC 042-A form.
• If you plan to open other locations in California, you must apply for a Branch Office Certificate by submitting an Application for a Branch Office Certificate (LIC 31A-13 form) and paying the associated fee.

Obtain a California Insurance Adjuster Bond:

• This bond is mandated by Sections 14050 and 14051 of the California Insurance Code and ensures the "faithful and honest conduct of business by the Principal."
• The penal sum of the bond is $2,000, and the bond premium is a small fraction of this sum, depending on the applicant's credit score.

Submit Fingerprint Impressions:

• California requires all unlicensed applicants to submit their fingerprints for a background check. You can process and submit fingerprints through Accurate Biometrics or get fingerprinted at your PSI Testing Center when taking your exam.
• The fee for fingerprinting services is $59 at a California Department of Insurance (CDI) Examination Site or $69.95 at a PSI Test Center.

Submit a 2x2 Passport Photo:

As part of your application, you will need to provide a recent passport-sized photo.

After completing these steps, submit your application through Sircon California and wait for the state to review your application. This process generally takes 15 to 45 working days. Once your license is issued, it will be valid for two years.

Frequently asked questions