The only educational requirement to become an insurance adjuster is a high school diploma or the equivalent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, it is recommended that the applicant have either a college education, experience working in the insurance field or vocational training beyond the high school diploma.
To become an insurance adjuster, you can attend a formal school and take Property Adjustment National Association classes. On the other hand, many insurance adjusters receive on-the-job training. Upon hiring, the adjuster is placed under the tutelage of a senior adjuster.
There are several fields an insurance adjuster can work. However, the field of commercial properties requires that the adjuster have a college education. The preferred fields are architecture and engineering.
Licensing laws vary by state, so it is recommended that the potential adjuster review state requirements. Some states require a license application upon completion of initial training; however, other states allow an adjuster to work under the license of the employing company.
Continuing education is one of the most important facets furthering a career as an insurance adjuster, according to the BLS. After initial certification and license, many adjusters choose to continue their education to become senior adjusters, which brings better pay and possibly management opportunities. However, many of the advanced certifications require a minimum number of years working as insurance adjusters and passage of certification exams.