How to Become a Maryland Insurance Adjuster

Maryland requires a license for public insurance adjusters.

Maryland issues a public adjuster's license. A public adjuster works to adjust insurance claims for members of the public who incur damage or loss to insured property. Applicants for a Maryland insurance adjuster's license must take an adjuster's exam through exam administrator PSI. Applicants should use the PSI study references to prepare for the Maryland public adjuster's exam. Successful test takers can then apply for a license with the Maryland Insurance Administration.

Things You'll Need

• Exam study references
• Public adjuster's license application

Instructions

1. Access the PSI "Examination Content Outline" for the public adjuster examination. PSI, the administrator of the exam, publishes this outline to provide study references and list topics tested on the Maryland adjuster's examination.

2. Buy the study references using the reference links or other contact information in the outline. Make sure you prepare for both the general and state portions of the exam. You must score at least 70 percent on both portions to qualify for an adjuster's license.

3. Access the PSI "Candidate Information Bulletin" for Maryland insurance examinations. Print out and complete the "Maryland Insurance Examination Registration Form" inside the bulletin to register for the Maryland public adjuster's exam. You may also register online.

4. Make out a money order or cashier's check, payable to "PSI licensure: certification." As of 2010, the fee was $70. You may also enter Visa or MasterCard details on the registration form. Pay by Visa or MasterCard if registering online or by phone or fax. Use the following contact information to register:

   PSI licensure: certification
   ATTN: Examination Registration MD INS
   3210 E Tropicana
   Las Vegas, NV 89121
   Phone: [phone]
   Fax: [phone]
   psiexams.com

5. Take the exam and receive the score report immediately after the exam. You may schedule retake exams for up to one year if you fail. If you pass one portion of the exam, you only need to retake the failed portion.

6. Print and fill out the "Initial License Application Form for Public Adjuster Individual" at the Maryland Insurance Administration website. You may also apply online at the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) website. The fee for an adjuster license depends on how much time remains until the renewal date. As of 2010, the fee was $50 if more than one year remains until the next June 30 of an odd year, and $25 if less than one year remains until the next June 30 of an odd year. Pay by credit card or electronic check if applying online. Make out a check or money order to the "Maryland Insurance Administration" if applying by mail. Send paper forms and fees to the following address:

   Maryland Insurance Administration
   Producer Licensing Department
   200 St. Paul Place
   Suite 2700
   Baltimore, MD 21202-2272
   888-204-6198
   mdinsurance.state.md.us

Tips & Warnings

• You do not have to take an exam if you are a nonresident with a current public adjuster's license in another state. You may go directly to the license application to apply for a reciprocal license. Use the same paper form if applying by mail. Use the nonresident application on the NIPR website if applying online.

References

• PSI: Examination Content Outline
• PSI: Candidate Information Bulletin
• Maryland Insurance Administration: Initial License Application Form for Public Adjuster Individual

Resources

• PSI: PSI Exams Online
• National Insurance Producer Registry: Electronic Resident Licensing or Renewal
• National Insurance Producer Registry: Non-Resident Licensing