In order to get your Texas adjuster license and become a licensed insurance adjuster, you will need to:

• Complete a pre-exam education course
• Take and pass the Texas Pearson VUE adjuster exam of your choice
• Complete a fingerprint and background check
• Submit a licensing application to the Texas Department of Insurance

In this article, we offer everything you need to know in order to get started, helping you find the best way of getting your Texas insurance adjuster license

How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in Texas

Getting your Texas adjuster license can be a simple and easy process, but this will ultimately depend on how you go about completing the required steps.

Step 1: Complete Pre-Exam Education

Preparing for your exam is not something to take lightly. This is because the average pass rate of insurance exams nationwide is around 55% for first-time test-takers and even less for any following attempts.

This means that it is generally recommended that you complete some form of education — such as purchasing a study guide or a state-approved online course — before sitting your exam.

These courses are composed of video, audio, and text and include short knowledge quizzes and practice exams, which will help you obtain the necessary understanding of the material that you will need to know for your exam.

Another benefit of purchasing an all-inclusive course is that it includes the Texas insurance adjuster exam, meaning that you will be qualified to apply for your license as soon as your course is complete.

Step 2. Texas Insurance Adjuster License Exam

Once you have completed all of your coursework, you will be able to take (and hopefully pass) the Texas insurance adjuster license exam.

This is a proctored test, which means that you will be in a controlled environment with a person watching over you. It is, therefore, a good idea to work on both your timing and nerves prior to sitting for your exam.

Texas offers a Property and Casualty Adjuster line, a Workers’ Compensation Adjuster line, and an All Line Adjuster line exam.

• The Property and Casualty Adjuster license exam consists of one hundred fifty (150) questions: You will have two and a half hours (2:30:00) to complete it
• The Workers’ Compensation Adjuster license exam consists of sixty (60) questions: You will have one hour (1:00:00) to complete it
• The All Line Adjuster license exam consists of one hundred fifty (150) questions: You will have two and a half hours (2:30:00) to complete it

Each exam attempt costs $43 and will need to be paid when you make your reservation.

Keep in mind that a total score of 70% or more is required in order to pass this test. The Pearson VUE Texas Insurance Licensing Candidate Handbook explains the scoring of these exams:

StateRequirement recommends that you study for one exam at a time. This is because insurance adjuster exams are difficult enough on their own without the possibility of confusing information from one line to another. This will allow you to work incrementally towards completing your final exam.

Note: You can register to take your exams — as well as find out more information — on the Pearson VUE Texas Insurance page or by calling Pearson VUE at (888) 754-7667.

Alternatively, you can purchase a commercial course that comes with the Texas state licensing exam. This will allow you to avoid having to independently find and book your test through Pearson VUE.

Step 3. Fingerprinting and Background Check

The State of Texas requires that all insurance license applications provide fingerprints prior to licensing. Giving your fingerprints will initiate a background check.

If you have any prior misdemeanors or felonies, this may affect the outcome of your licensing efforts. If you have specific questions regarding things that may come up on your background check, you may call the Department of Insurance at (512) 676-6500 or send them an email.

You will make your fingerprinting reservations through IdentoGO. When prompted to enter the code, use 11G6QF.

Note: The fee for fingerprinting services is $47.

Keep in mind that you will not receive a fingerprint card at your fingerprinting appointment. This is because the information will be automatically sent to the DPS and FBI.

You will, however, receive a receipt. Do not throw this receipt away, as you will need to make a copy and send it to the Texas Department of Public Safety later.

Step 4. Texas Insurance Adjuster License Application

Once you have completed your exams and fingerprinting, you will be ready to apply for your adjuster license.

The fee for an online application is $50, plus a small processing fee.

You will be able to apply online through Sircon by clicking on the “New Adjuster License” option.

Be sure to upload your fingerprint receipt from IdentoGO with your application. Any other supporting documentation requested should be sent to the Department of Insurance.

Keep in mind that you will need to complete your fingerprints and submit an application within one year of passing your insurance adjuster exam.

Note: You must be a United States citizen or legal alien who possesses work authorization from the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services in order to be accepted.

Step 5. Texas Application Review

Once you have submitted your application and have completed all the other requirements, your Texas license application will be reviewed by the Texas Department of Insurance.

This process generally takes about two to five weeks. Depending on the results of your background check, you may be required to provide additional information or documentation.

After the review is complete, you will receive an email from the state regarding the status of your license.

Congratulations!

You’ve done the work, put in the time and effort, and now hold the key to your own success!  We’re proud of you. Take five (5) minutes and celebrate.

What Kind of Insurance Adjuster Will You Be?

There are four main types of insurance adjusters: staff adjusters, independent adjusters, catastrophe adjusters, and public adjusters.

Each of these positions accomplishes essentially the same task: assess the damage to property brought about by some event and make an evaluation of what monetary value the insurance claim should carry.

The big difference between these different types of insurance adjusters is who pays them and, in the case of the public adjuster, who they are advocating for. Staff, independent, and catastrophe adjusters all require the same type of license, while a public adjuster license is a little different in its specifications.

• Staff Adjuster – Works directly for one insurance company in order to investigate, evaluate, and potentially settle claims
• Independent Adjuster – Works for a third-party company, often called an Independent Adjusting Firm, which has been contracted by insurance carriers to help settle their claims
• Catastrophe (CAT) Adjuster – Can be an independent or staff adjuster who travels to an area that has been largely affected by an event (usually severe weather) and performs claims adjuster services en masse
• Inside Adjuster – Inside adjusters, sometimes referred to as “desk” or “remote” adjusters, handle claims from an office. They are the policyholder’s main contact and the person who applies the policy terms and standards to the claim
• Public Adjuster – Is an independent insurance adjuster that customers choose to hire in order to settle insurance claims. Public adjusters are not hired by insurance companies

Texas Department of Insurance Contact Information

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 149104
Austin, Texas 78714

Phone: (512) 676-6500

Email: License@tdi.texas.gov

Website: https://www.tdi.texas.gov