Business & Office

How to become a Claims Adjuster

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

3–9 months

Typical pay

$52k–$72k

Starting from

No experience

The steps

1. 1

   Get your adjuster licence

   Most states license adjusters; a few do not. Check yours first.

   1–3 monthsState adjuster licence

2. 2

   Learn policy language and estimating

   Coverage interpretation is the job; Xactimate is the tool.

   2–4 months

3. 3

   Start with a carrier trainee program

   Carriers hire and train; independent adjusting comes later.

   6–12 months

4. 4

   Specialise

   Property, auto or liability — catastrophe work pays the most and travels.

   1–2 years

Course links are Udemy affiliate links — we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Licences and exams named above are issued by state boards and certifying bodies we have no relationship with; we list them because they are what the job actually requires.