How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in California
California is the largest insurance market in the United States, with significant claims activity from wildfires, earthquakes, and property damage. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) regulates adjuster licensing and requires a state exam for both independent and public adjusters. Unlike many states, California requires independent adjusters to have substantial prior experience before they can be licensed.
| California License Required | Yes |
| California Pre-Licensing Education | 20 hours (Public Adjuster) |
| California Exam Required | Yes |
| California Fees |
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California Adjuster Exam Prep
Study outlines, sample question styles, and practical tips for the California licensing exam, built as a companion to this licensing guide.
Open California Exam PrepCalifornia License Types
California issues two adjuster license types:
- Independent Adjuster — Contracted by insurers to handle claims on their behalf
- Public Adjuster — Represents policyholders in negotiating claim settlements
Staff adjusters employed directly by an insurer and catastrophe adjusters are exempt from licensing.
California Pre-Licensing Education
Independent Adjusters: No formal pre-licensing course is required. However, applicants must demonstrate 2 years (4,000 hours) of certified compensated experience in insurance adjusting.
Public Adjusters: Must complete 20 hours of CDI-approved pre-licensing education before license issuance. This requirement is waived for applicants holding a current out-of-state adjuster license.
California Exam Details
The California adjuster exam is a multiple-choice, computer-based test requiring a 70% passing score. It covers insurance terminology, property and casualty insurance, claims adjusting processes, ethics, and California insurance law. Exams are administered at CDI examination sites ($79 fee) or PSI Test Centers ($122 fee).
California Application Process
- Gain required experience (independent adjusters: 4,000 hours) or complete pre-licensing education (public adjusters: 20 hours)
- Register for and pass the CDI adjuster licensing exam
- Submit your application through the CDI online portal
- Pay application and exam fees
- Post surety bond (public adjusters only)
California Continuing Education
Independent adjusters must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics.
California Reciprocity
California participates in non-resident licensing reciprocity. Out-of-state adjusters with an active home state license can apply for a California non-resident license.
California Background Check
Yes. Applicants must submit fingerprints and pass a background check.
California Bond Requirements
Public Adjusters must maintain a $20,000 surety bond with the California Department of Insurance.
California Key Links
California Additional Notes
California's experience requirement (4,000 hours for independent adjusters) makes it one of the more challenging states for new adjusters. Many adjusters begin their careers in other states and later apply for a California license after gaining experience.
Continuing education providers for California. Course listings where published, plus a shortcut back to the CE rules in this guide.
Find California Service Providers
Looking for claims service providers in California? Search the Claims Pages provider directory for adjusters, restoration companies, investigators, and more.
Search the California Provider Directory California Department of InsuranceThis guide is provided for informational purposes. Requirements change periodically. Always verify current requirements directly with the California department of insurance before applying.
