If you’re trying to get deployed as an independent adjuster, you’ve probably asked a question like this:
“What certifications do IA firms actually look for?”
It’s a smart question.
Many adjusters assume that once they’re licensed, they’re ready to work claims. But in reality, staffing departments often prioritize adjusters who already have specific certifications, estimating software training, and carrier approvals.
Recently, one independent adjusting firm’s staffing department shared a list of “active certifications we are currently seeking” as they prepared for upcoming claim assignments during the wind and hail season (March 1st–September 1st).
At AdjusterPro, we’ve helped more than 100,000 students prepare for their adjuster licenses, but our mission goes beyond licensing alone. We want to help adjusters get hired and hit the ground running. For this article, we contacted an IA firm directly to gather accurate, current insight into the certifications firms are seeking. We’re sharing that guidance here to help you better position yourself for the 2026 hiring season.
Understanding what these certifications are (and why firms care about them) can help you position yourself for more deployment opportunities.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- The certifications that independent adjusting firms often look for
- What each certification actually means
- Why these certifications matter for deployment
Why Do Certifications Matter to Independent Adjusting Firms?
When a catastrophic event occurs (such as a hurricane, hailstorm, or wildfire), insurance carriers need adjusters deployed quickly. Independent adjusting firms often have very little time to onboard or train adjusters during these events.
Certifications help firms identify adjusters who are already prepared to:
- Follow carrier guidelines
- Use required estimating platforms
- Understand construction and damage evaluation
- Meet compliance requirements
In many cases, adjusters who already have the right certifications are the ones who get called first when claims volume spikes.
Restoration and Damage Assessment Certifications
These certifications demonstrate knowledge of construction, restoration, and storm-damage evaluation, which are essential for inspecting property claims.
Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) provides training for professionals in the restoration industry.
This organization offers certifications related to:
- Water damage restoration
- Fire and smoke damage
- Mold remediation
- Cleaning and restoration techniques
For insurance adjusters, IICRC training helps build a deeper understanding of how restoration contractors handle property damage and what repairs may involve. This knowledge can help adjusters evaluate claims more accurately and communicate more effectively with contractors and policyholders.
HAAG Training
HAAG Engineering is widely known for its training programs focused on roof inspections and storm damage identification.
HAAG courses teach adjusters how to identify:
- Hail damage
- Wind damage
- Weather-related roof damage
- Mechanical or installation damage
Many insurance carriers rely on HAAG standards when evaluating roof damage claims, which makes HAAG training particularly valuable for adjusters working wind and hail events.
Rope and Harness Safety Training
Rope and harness training focuses on safe roof access and fall protection procedures.
Adjusters frequently inspect steep or high roofs that may require specialized safety techniques.
This training demonstrates that an adjuster understands how to safely access roofs and perform inspections while following safety protocols, which is a critical skill that can influence deployment decisions.
State and Program-Specific Certifications
Some insurance programs require adjusters to complete specific training before handling claims within those programs.
California Earthquake Authority (CEA) Certification
The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) provides earthquake insurance policies throughout California.
Adjusters working earthquake claims through this program may need specialized training related to:
- Earthquake damage assessment
- Structural damage evaluation
- Earthquake policy coverage guidelines
Because earthquake claims can differ significantly from other property losses, this training ensures adjusters understand how to handle these claims properly. While the certification is through the state of California, it is the industry standard for adjusters in any state who want to handle earthquake claims.
| Read more about the CEA certification or get certified with AdjusterPro. Important to note: Some courses for this certification (like ours) count for a 4-hour CE credit. The curriculum and credit hours for this course are determined by the State of California. The 4-hour designation reflects the state-approved CE credit for this course. Actual completion time is often longer, depending on the time needed to review the material, study the required outline, and complete the final exam. Providers do not determine the approved credit hours; they provide the training based on the topics required by the State of California. |
Louisiana Citizens Certification
Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is a state-backed insurance program that provides coverage when private insurance options are unavailable.
Adjusters handling claims under this program may be required to complete training on Louisiana Citizens policies and claims processes.
Certifications for Mississippi Plans
The Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association provides windstorm and hail insurance coverage in Mississippi’s coastal areas.
Adjusters working claims through this program may need training on its specific policies and procedures.
Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) Certification
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) provides wind and hail insurance coverage for property owners located in Texas coastal counties who cannot get other coverage.
TWIA offers certifications for several roles, including:
- Residential adjusters
- Commercial adjusters
- Claims examiners
Adjusters working on TWIA claims must typically complete TWIA training and certification requirements.
Flood Adjuster Certification
Flood claims require specialized federal authorization.
NFIP / FEMA Flood Certification (FCN Card)
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance policies administered by FEMA. Adjusters handling federal flood claims must obtain an NFIP Flood Certification Number (FCN card).
This certification demonstrates that the adjuster has completed training related to:
- Flood policy coverage
- Flood damage evaluation
- Federal claim reporting requirements
Without this certification, adjusters cannot handle NFIP flood claims.
Takeaway: If you do not have an NFIP Flood Certification Number (FCN card), you cannot handle NFIP flood claims, which can limit your claims handling in Louisiana, Texas, and Florida, among many other states, according to FloodZoneMap.
Estimating Software Platforms Used in Insurance Claims
Most property claims require adjusters to create repair estimates using specialized software platforms. Adjusters who already know these systems are often easier for firms to deploy.
Xactimate
Xactimate is one of the most widely used property claims estimating platforms for independent adjusters in the insurance industry. Many carriers expect adjusters to be proficient in Xactimate before handling property claims.
Adjusters use Xactimate to:
- Write repair estimates
- Calculate material and labor costs
- Document damage and repairs
Adjuster-specific training will teach you how to use the platform to estimate insurance claims. Verisk (Xactimate’s parent company) offers Level 1, 2, and 3 certification exams, which you can take to obtain formal Xactimate Certification.
Symbility/CoreLogic
Symbility is another (cloud-based) property claims estimating platform used by insurance carriers. Like Xactimate, it allows adjusters to create repair estimates and manage claim documentation.
Some carriers use Symbility instead of Xactimate, so adjusters familiar with both systems may qualify for more assignments.
CCC ONE Estimating Platform
The CCC ONE estimating platform is the primary tool for Auto Physical Damage (APD) and is widely used by carriers, repair shops, and parts suppliers.
If you strictly handle Property (Structural) claims, you will almost never use it; however, for adjusters handling vehicle-related liability, CCC ONE is essential.
Carrier-Specific Certifications
Some insurance carriers require adjusters to complete their own internal training before handling claims from specific carriers.
State Farm Certifications
For property deployments with State Farm, adjusters must complete State Farm’s certification in:
- Estimatics
- Policy
- Auto
These certifications ensure adjusters understand State Farm’s estimating procedures and policy guidelines before handling claims.
| Pro Tip: The State Farm Certification, as well as other carrier-specific trainings, are usually offered by Independent Adjusting Firms. To be notified of carrier-specific training and certification opportunities, make sure you are on IA Firm rosters and email lists. |
National Insurance Crime Training Academy (NICTA): Investigating Property Fraud
The National Insurance Crime Training Academy (NICTA) offers a course called “Investigating Property Fraud.” The course helps adjusters recognize potential indicators of fraud and follow proper investigative procedures.
Some carriers, including Nationwide, require adjusters to complete this training before they can handle certain claims.
Additional Certifications That Can Expand Opportunities
Some certifications are not required for all claims, but can increase the types of work an adjuster can perform.
FAA Part 107 Drone Certification
The FAA Part 107 license allows individuals to legally operate drones for commercial purposes.
Drone-certified adjusters may perform inspections for:
- Roof damage
- Large commercial buildings
- Dangerous or hard-to-access structures
As drone inspections become more common in the insurance industry, this certification can be a valuable skill.
Spanish Language Certification
Spanish-speaking adjusters can be extremely valuable in regions where many policyholders speak Spanish.
Language certification demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly with policyholders during the claims process.
Next Steps: Preparing for More Deployment Opportunities
If you are getting ready to apply for jobs, apply for reciprocal licenses, and get on as many IA Firm rosters as possible. You can start with this Independent Adjusting Firm Directory, and check CatAdjuster’s website as well for active listings.
Certifications are only one part of becoming a successful independent adjuster, but they can play an important role in how staffing teams evaluate deployment readiness. Adjusters who already understand estimating platforms, carrier procedures, and damage assessment standards are often easier for firms to deploy when claims volume increases.
If you’re looking to expand your opportunities, reviewing the certifications firms frequently request can help you decide which training to pursue next. The more prepared you are before the next storm season begins, the better positioned you may be when deployment opportunities arise.
