Becoming an independent insurance adjuster in Georgia 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 Georgia Adjuster License.
Be sure to bookmark this page so you can reference the steps as you need them.
Georgia Adjuster License Requirements
Before you begin the steps to getting your Georgia 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 Georgia (non-residents will need to apply for a different license)
You must be able to pass a background check (more info in step 4)
You must provide proof of citizenship
Along with these requirements, you’ll also need to choose which lines of insurance you’d like to work within.
To get a Georgia Adjuster license, you’ll complete your adjuster course, pass the exam, file your application and fees, then submit your proof of citizenship and fingerprints.
A common question we receive is: How much is the Georgia adjuster license? Prices will vary depending on the type of license, but the most common license will cost as little as $440.
Another common question is: How long does it take to get the Georgia 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: Georgia Adjuster License Course
The Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) requires adjuster applicants to complete pre-license education credit hours before applying or sitting for the exam.
The type of pre-education required is dependent on the type of license you’re applying for:
Independent/Property and Casualty Adjuster (P&C) – 40-Hour Property and Casualty Education
Workers’ Compensation Adjuster – Certified Workers Compensation Professional Designation
Crop Adjuster – Crop Adjuster Proficiency Program (“CAPP”) card
To complete hours required for an independent/P&C adjuster , you’ll need to take an adjuster license course through an approved provider.
The prices of these courses range depending on the provider and level of coursework, but generally start around $139.
Depending on the type of license you’re working toward, the number of questions and time allotted for the exam differ. See the table below for details.
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.
After passing your exam, the next step is to complete your Citizenship Affidavit.
Insurance license applicants in Georgia are required to prove they are either a United States citizen, or a non-citizen with lawful presence in the United States.
To complete this document, you’ll need to work with a notary public. You can often find notaries at your local bank or insurance agency.
Once you’ve contacted a notary, you’ll need to show them a proper form of identification, fill out the form together, and have them notarize it.
There is no fee associated with the document itself, but some notaries may charge a fee for their service.
After completing the document, you’ll need to scan it, as you’ll upload it with your application in the next step.
Once you’ve submitted your application, the next step is fingerprinting and a background check.
Fingerprinting services in Georgia are administered by GAPS and IdentoGo.
Once you’ve completed your fingerprints, Fieldprint will send your data to the Georgia Commissioner of Insurance. Submitting your application will trigger the background check to begin – both with the state and the FBI.
The fingerprint fee is usually around $50.
Fingerprint Process Instructions
After submitting your application, enroll for your fingerprinting with GAPS. Use service code: 2TGJ6B
Submit the application, then wait for an email from OCI with instructions to schedule your fingerprinting appointment. The email may take a few days to arrive. When you receive the email, note the UEID number.
Schedule your appointment by accessing GAPS, providing your UEID number, and selecting a time and location. On submission, you’ll pay the fingerprinting fee.
On the scheduled date and time, go to the selected location and complete your fingerprinting appointment. Be sure to bring a valid identification.
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 OCI 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 two weeks or so containing your license number and any other pertinent information. You can check the status of your license online wherever you applied, either Sircon or NIPR.
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 Georgia, this includes:
Alabama
South Carolina
Tennessee (no license required)
Florida
All these states (except Tennessee) offer what’s called reciprocation with Georgia. 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 Georgia Adjuster License expires every two years. To keep your license active, you must:
Complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) coursework
Pay the renewal fee of $100
Any additional non-resident licenses you hold will also expire. Most state licenses expire every two years and require a renewal fee. Note that unless the state specifically requires it, you will not be required to take CE courses for each state – just your home state.