Illinois Public Insurance Adjuster Exam: What You Need To Know

If you’re looking to become a public insurance adjuster, you will need to take the exam to apply for a state license. According to the Illinois Insurance Code (215 ILCS 5/1501 and those thereafter), you cannot advertise or agree to any claims contracts without a legal license. One of the requirements to obtain a public adjusting license is to complete and pass the public adjuster exam. (215 ILCS 5/1600 “Examinations”)

Further, the act specifies that the business of public adjusting cannot be undertaken by an unlicensed employee of the public adjuster. Specifically, 215 ILCS 5/1590 (c) states…

“A public adjuster shall not permit an unlicensed employee or representative of the public adjuster to conduct business for which a license is required under this Article.”

You must pass the state of Illinois’ public adjuster exam and comply with all requirements of the Public Adjusters Act to engage in insurance adjusting. To learn more about the requirements, read our article on the public adjuster test and requirements of Illinois.

Public adjusters go through very strict processes to show the state that they are experts in their services and can properly serve clients. The state exam is a very important way to show that.

What’s In A Public Adjuster Exam?

The public adjuster application consists of passing a written examination that will test the knowledge of the individual regarding the responsibilities expected of a public adjuster. Questions also involve Illinois’ insurance laws and regulations. Every exam is different, and questions are conducted under strict regulations by the director.

Public adjuster exams can be administered in an outside testing facility, but you must make an effort to show up to complete the exam and pass. If for some reason you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, then you will have to wait seven days until you can reschedule for the second attempt. After your second attempt, you will have to wait thirty days until you can reschedule your exam.

Are There Exemptions From Taking The Public Adjuster Exam?

There are some exemptions to taking the public adjuster exam for your license. If you had a public adjuster license in another state, then you do not have to take an exam as long as you have had your previous license for the past twelve months and are in good standing. This is known as reciprocity.

You will need to check with the Illinois Department of Insurance as reciprocity applies for some states and not others (See 215 ILCS 5/1535 “Exemptions from examination”). Note that you must submit documentation and an application even when claiming reciprocity for a public adjuster’s license in Illinois.

Where Can I Take The Public Adjuster Exam?

There are plenty of online and local schools in Illinois where you can take your public adjuster exam. Some are good and some are flat-out terrible. At Harris Claims Services we train our own workers, taking advantage of legal outside testing sources.

We do not rely on schools which are simply money machines that provide materials. We’ll discuss the specifics of the test and questions later.

What Happens After I Pass The Public Adjusters Exam?

After the candidate successfully completes the public adjuster examination, you must submit a license application form (you can download the public adjuster license app here). When submitting your application, you must enclose a $250.00 check payable to the Director of Insurance as well as provide evidence of financial responsibility in the amount of $20,000 in the form of a surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit.

Public Adjuster Business Entity application, known as form PA-2, must also be filled out, completed, verified, and fees enclosed for any firm acting as a public adjusting company. These firms must also carry the proper insurance and name a licensed public adjuster responsible for the act of the firm.

Before the final approval, applicants must be fingerprinted by an Illinois-approved Live Scan Fingerprint Vendor (you can find a local scan site here). The state will not issue a license until the department receives the results from the Illinois State Police.

More information can be found on this subject at the Illinois Department of Insurance, including information on Public Adjuster Kits.

All public insurance adjusters at Harris Claims Services are licensed and in good standing. Contact us today and learn more about what our public adjusters do to assist our communities!