What This License Is
Washington's independent adjuster license covers adjusters who investigate or negotiate settlement of insurance claims on behalf of insurers. It's issued by the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC). Separate licenses exist for public adjusters (who represent policyholders and must post a $5,000 bond) and crop adjusters.
The definition of who needs the license is broad by design. Since SHB 1037 took effect on July 25, 2021, any person who negotiates an insurance settlement or applies the facts of a loss to the policy provisions must be licensed — so desk adjusters making coverage decisions are squarely included.
One Washington quirk worth knowing: workers' compensation here runs through the state monopoly fund (Labor & Industries), so private workers' comp claims work isn't part of this license's world the way it is in most states.
Eligibility Requirements
There's no pre-licensing course. Instead, before you can test, you must satisfy one of three qualification routes: 12 consecutive months of full-time salaried claims-adjusting experience (verified in writing), completion of a supervised adjuster-trainee program, or an active AIC, AEI, or CPCU designation. The designation substitutes for the experience requirement — it does not waive the exam.
Resident individual applicants complete fingerprinting after the OIC receives the application (about $49.25 (VERIFY)); nonresidents apply through NIPR with no fingerprint requirement.
The PSI Adjuster Exam
PSI administers the WA Adjuster exam: 100 questions in 135 minutes for $35 per attempt, at PSI test centers or by remote proctoring. No pre-license certificate is needed to sit for it.
After you pass, apply online through NIPR ($55 initial license fee (VERIFY)) and complete fingerprinting if you're a resident. Content covers property and casualty coverage from the claims side plus Washington's claims-handling regulations — expect the WAC 284-30 deadlines.
Passing Score
You need 70% to pass, with results provided at the test center immediately. Aim for a consistent 80% on practice exams before scheduling.
Keeping Your License Active
Important CE details: Includes 3 hours of ethics. New for adjusters: SHB 1037 imposed CE on resident adjusters beginning with July 31, 2022 renewals — before that, Washington adjusters had no CE at all.
The license renews every 2 years ($50 renewal fee (VERIFY)). Resident adjusters must complete 24 hours of continuing education per renewal period, including 3 hours of ethics — a requirement that only reached adjusters with SHB 1037, applying to renewals on or after July 31, 2022. Before that, Washington adjusters had no CE obligation at all.
Nonresident adjusters generally satisfy Washington by meeting their home state's CE requirement. Confirm current rules on the OIC's education pages before your renewal window.
Quick Reference
Official Links
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