Becoming an independent insurance adjuster in Arizona begins with getting your adjuster license. We’re here to make the licensing process easy.
On this page you’ll find step-by-step instructions to find the best adjuster license course, pass your exam, and apply for the Arizona Adjuster License.
Be sure to bookmark this page so you can reference the steps as you need them.
Arizona Adjuster License Requirements
Before you begin the steps to getting your Arizona adjuster license there’s a few requirements you’ll need to ensure you qualify.
You must be 18 years of age or older
You must be a resident of Arizona (non-residents will need to apply for a different license)
You must be able to pass a background check (more info in step 4)
The state of Arizona only offers a property and casualty license.
To get an Arizona Adjuster license, you’ll complete your adjuster course, pass the exam, file your application and fees, then submit your fingerprints for a background check.
A common question we receive is: How much is the Arizona adjuster license? Prices will vary depending on the type of license, but the most common license will cost as little as $450.
Another common question is: How long does it take to get the Arizona adjuster license? If you take the proper time to study and pass the exam on your first attempt, the process should take around 3-4 weeks.
Step 1: Arizona Adjuster License Course
The first step to getting your adjuster license is taking your test-prep course.
The prices of these courses range depending on the provider and level of coursework, but generally start around $299.
Be sure that you’re comfortable with the material in the coursework before moving on to your state exam.
A common question we receive is: Is the adjuster exam hard?
Difficulty is a subjective matter, but we answer this question with: Yes. The exam is intentionally tough.
Don’t let this discourage you. Keep in mind that most folks who take this exam haven’t taken any formal tests since high school or college. The state intentionally makes these tests difficult in the hopes of protecting the average citizen from working with adjusters who don’t understand the laws and guidelines surrounding insurance.
The key to passing the exam is to take your exam-prep course seriously and allow yourself time for in-depth study.
Check out our Adjuster Exam Study Guide for tips and strategies to pass your exam on the first attempt.
Step 3: Arizona Adjuster Application – DIFI
Once you’ve passed your exam, the next step is to apply for your license.
Military members and their spouses may be eligible for waived licensing fees. Check this page for more info and to apply.
Step 4: Complete Background Check and Submit Fingerprints
Once you’ve submitted your license application, the last step in the process is to complete your background check and submit fingerprints.
This is a two-step process:
Complete a background check and fingerprint clearance process through the Arizona Department of Public Safety Public Service Portal. Thefee is $22.44. Once paid, you will receive a Reference Number that is required to complete the fingerprinting process.
Schedule an appointment online with Fieldprint to have your fingerprints taken. There are several locations across Arizona to complete this scan. Thefee is $8.25. You will be required to submit your Reference Number to schedule this appointment.
Note
If you have any past offenses on your record and are curious about your eligibility for an insurance license, reach out to the DIFI licensing department for clarification.
Application and Background Check Processing
Once you’ve completed all of the steps above, you’ll just need to wait for the background check to come back and the licensing department to process all the paperwork. The Arizona DIFI will contact you if they need any supporting documentation or have any questions. Be sure to respond promptly to any requests.
If everything goes smoothly, you’ll receive a message from the licensing department within a week or so containing your license number and any other pertinent information. You can check the status of your license online using the Arizona Insurance License Search tool.
Now that you’re licensed, you can get to work! Most folks take one of two paths at this point. They choose to become an independent adjuster or a staff adjuster.
The main difference is that staff adjusters are employed by one firm, usually an insurance company, whereas independent adjusters operate as contractors, normally being “rostered” to multiple Independent Adjusting (IA) firms.
If you’re interested in becoming a staff adjuster, check out the current job openings on StateRequirement Jobs.
If the independent adjuster role is more alluring (we think it is), check out this IA Directory.
Adjuster Certifications
To be considered a great candidate for IA firms or insurance companies, you’ll need to prove that you know how to actually work an insurance claim. Certifications show that you know your stuff and will give you a strong advantage over other candidates.
While there are several adjuster certifications available, focus on Xactimate and Insurance Company certs first.
You should strongly consider levels one and two now, and look into level three after you’ve spent some time in the field.
Insurance Company Adjuster Certifications
Large insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, and others require that adjusters (staff or independent) get their specific certifications.
To get these certs, you’ll need to be on the roster of an IA firm that works with that company. They offer courses to their adjusters throughout the year. Staff adjusters that work for the insurance company will be provided training and certification through their employer.
It’s widely accepted that State Farm’s adjuster certification is the most valuable insurance company cert. They are the largest insurer in the US, and therefore have more claims than other insurers.
Out-of-State and Reciprocal Licensing
Most claims, especially catastrophe (CAT) claims come from weather events. And since you can’t control the weather, you should get licenses in states outside your home state. These are called Non-Resident Adjuster Licenses.
IA firms are much more likely to both roster you and select you for work if you are licensed in states where they operate. If you’re already on a roster or two, talk with your contact there to see if they recommend a state to get licensed in.
The best states to start with are generally those that neighbor your home state. For Arizona, this includes:
All these states (except California) offer what’s called reciprocation with Arizona. This means that you don’t need to take a pre-licensing course or pass an exam in order to get their license. All you need to do is apply, pay the fee, and you’ll be licensed quickly.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
The Arizona Adjuster License expires every four years. The expiration date of your license is set as the last day of your birth month.
The renewal fee for an Arizona adjuster license is $120.
Any additional non-resident licenses you hold will also expire. Most state licenses expire every two years and require a renewal fee.
There is no continuing education requirement for adjusters licensed in Arizona. The state website states, “…insurance professionals are expected to continually improve subject-matter knowledge in order to provide the best service to customers and to remain abreast of changes to Arizona law and evolving insurance products and industry standards.”
Note that if you hold non-resident licenses in other states, you may be required to complete CE to keep your license in good standing with those states.