How to Get an Iowa Adjuster License in 2026

Becoming an independent insurance adjuster in Iowa 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 Iowa Adjuster License.

Be sure to bookmark this page so you can reference the steps as you need them.

Iowa Adjuster License Requirements

Before you begin the steps to getting your Iowa 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 Iowa (non-residents will need to apply for a different license)
• You must be able to pass a background check (more info in step 4)

Iowa offers only one type of adjuster license, independent adjuster.

Looking for other Iowa insurance licenses?
Iowa P&C License | Iowa L&H License

Iowa Adjuster License Course

Before you apply for the license or take the exam, you should consider taking an Iowa Adjuster License course.

This course is designed to prepare you to pass the exam.

How to Get an Iowa Adjuster License

To get an Iowa Adjuster license, you’ll 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 Iowa adjuster license? Prices will vary depending on the type of license, but the most common license will cost as little as $310, plus the cost of a surety bond.

Another common question is: How long does it take to get the Iowa adjuster license? If you take the proper time to study and pass the exam on your first attempt, the process should take around 2-4 weeks.

Step 1: Iowa 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 $139.

Be sure that you’re comfortable with the material in the coursework before moving on to your state exam.

Check out our review of the Best Adjuster License Courses of 2026!

Step 2: Iowa Adjuster Exam

Once you’ve completed your adjuster pre-license education course, the next step is to pass the Iowa Adjuster Exam.

To register to take the exam, use the Pearson VUE Iowa website. 

The price for each attempt of the exam is $44.

You must score at least 70% on the exam to pass. With this in mind, we suggest taking an adjuster license course through an approved provider.

Is the Iowa Adjuster Exam Hard?

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 How to Pass the Adjuster Exam guide for tips and strategies to pass your exam on the first attempt!

Step 3: Iowa Adjuster Application

Once you’ve passed your exam, the next step is to apply for your license.

The fee to submit an application is $50. 

Apply for your license using the NIPR Iowa Insurance Application page.

Surety Bond

Along with your application, you’ll also need to submit evidence of financial security. This comes in the form of a surety bond of $50,000.

Iowa keeps a list of authorized companies you can purchase this bond from.

The annual premium of a bond generally falls between 0.5% and 2% of the bond’s face value – and depend on the credit rating of the applicant.

Step 4: Submit Fingerprints

Once you’ve submitted your license application, the last step in the process is to submit your fingerprints for your background check.

After the IID has received your application, you’ll receive an email with instructions to schedule your fingerprinting appointment with Fieldprint.

The fee to submit your fingerprints is $34.35.

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 division to process all the paperwork. The IID 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 division within 5-10 business days containing your license number and any other pertinent information. You can check the status of your license online using the State Based Systems website.

Congratulations! You are now a licensed insurance adjuster in Iowa!

After Getting Your License

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.

Xactimate Certifications

Xactimate is the industry standard software used by adjusters and insurance companies. There are three levels of certification offered by Xactimate. 

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.

All these states offer what’s called reciprocation with Iowa. 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.