Adjuster Training Certification
Insurance adjusters are the first line of defense for insurance companies when policy holders file a claim. The adjuster checks the validity of the claim and investigates the damage. Adjusters often work directly in the claims department of large insurance companies, but are most often independent contractors called in for various types of claims. Adjusters either recommend a settlement for the insurer or work with attorneys and doctors to testify in court proceedings. Most insurance adjusters earn a four-year degree in business or liberal arts and get licensed by their state with an adjuster certificate.
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Certificates
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The Certified Professional Public Adjuster (CPPA) and the Senior Professional Public Adjuster (SPPA) are the two nationally recognized designations carried by professional adjusters. After educational and experiential requirements are met, the CPPA and SPPA are awarded by a State Board of Examiners that administers an exam. The certification program is written and overseen by the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA).
The Exam
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Adjusters can sit for the CPPA exam after serving as an apprentice to a certified adjuster on a full-time basis for at least five years. Ten years experience in the field is required of adjusters to sit for the SPPA examination. The exam tests the adjusters' practical knowledge of property claims and values. It covers basic insurance forms and general insurance policies. Although there is no formal requirement for study before applicants can earn adjuster certificates, unless an adjuster has an extensive background working in the field, formal training is recommended to pass the exam.
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Curriculum
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Look for adjuster training programs that cover legal issues related to insurance adjusting, the basic valuation process used for different kinds of property, commercial uses of insurance, general accounting and financial practices and how to utilize different insurance forms. Fees for each exam are $550 for NAPIA members and $895 for non-members. Annual dues of $150 or $250, respectively, are required to maintain certification.
Training
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There are a vast number of training options available online for adjusters looking for convenient study programs before sitting for the CPPA or SPPA exams. Many groups offer Internet study and classroom training as well as books and self-paced CD programs. The Agent Broker Training Center directs students to programs that best suit their needs. Just Click Local provides links to training programs in various states. Since each state varies in their rules and regulations, it could behoove a student to participate in course work that covers local laws as well as prepare them for the adjuster certification exam.
Continuing Education
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Requirements for continuing education training vary from state to state to maintain adjuster certifications. Most industry association groups such as the NAPIA and the American Institute for CPCU offer professional development seminars and classes for maintaining professional designations. Online groups such as WebCE and CEU.com offer follow-up courses for adjusters and can point students to state requirements to make sure they receive enough credits for their annual updates.
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Comments
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WriterGig
Feb 04, 2009
A four-year degree is not required in many cases, especially for independent insurance adjusters. My husband has a 4-year degree, but took the adjuster licensing course online through AdjusterPro and a degree was not a pre-requisite. -
WriterGig
Feb 04, 2009
A four-year degree is not required in many cases, especially for independent insurance adjusters. My husband has a 4-year degree, but took the adjuster licensing course online through AdjusterPro and a degree was not a pre-requisite.
