How to Get a South Carolina Adjuster License in 2026

Becoming an independent insurance adjuster in South Carolina 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 South Carolina Adjuster License.

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

South Carolina Adjuster License Requirements

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

Along with these requirements, you’ll also need to choose which lines of insurance you’d like to work within.

• Property, Casualty, Surety, and Marine Adjuster
• Commercial Lines Adjuster
• Personal Lines Adjuster
• Crop Hail Adjuster 
• Workers’ Compensation Adjuster (WC)
• Emergency Adjuster

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

South Carolina Adjuster License Course

Before you apply for the license or take the exam, you’ll need to take a South Carolina Adjuster License course.

This course will do a few things:

1. Fill your required pre-license education hours
2. Prepare you to pass the exam

How to Get a South Carolina Adjuster License

To get a South Carolina Adjuster license, you’ll complete your adjuster course, pass the exam, file your application and fees, then submit your fingerprints.

A common question we receive is: How much is the South Carolina adjuster license? Prices will vary depending on the type of license, but the most common license will cost as little as $360.

Another common question is: How long does it take to get the South Carolina 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: South Carolina 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: South Carolina Adjuster Exam

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

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

The price for each attempt of the exam is $59. 

The South Carolina Adjuster Exam passing score is 70%.

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.

Is the South Carolina 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: South Carolina Adjuster Application – SCDOI

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

The fee to submit an application is $80. 

Apply for your license using the NIPR South Carolina Insurance Application page.

Step 4: Submit a Background Check 

Either during or after submitting your license application, you are required to complete a background check. You can submit your South Carolina Law Enforcement Division check (SLED) in two ways: 

• Submit via the NIPR attachment warehouse along with your insurance adjuster license application 
• Email to the South Carolina Licensing Division at agentmail@doi.sc.gov 

The criminal records check fee is $25.

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 SCDOI 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 three to five business days containing your license number and any other pertinent information. You can check the status of your license online using the South Carolina NIPR website.

Congratulations! You are now a licensed insurance adjuster in South Carolina!

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 (except Tennessee) offer what’s called reciprocation with South Carolina. 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 South Carolina Adjuster License expires every two years.

To keep your license active, you must pay the renewal fee of $80 and submit a renewal application. 

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.

For step-by-step instructions, see our South Carolina Adjuster License Renewal guide.