How to Prepare for the Illinois Public Adjuster Exam?

About 45% of public adjuster exam candidates fail on the first attempt because they aren't prepared. Unfortunately, most candidates don't know how to prepare for the public adjuster license exam. Some underestimate the books, while others focus on a singular topic.

You don't have to worry anymore because we created this free prep guide to help you prepare. We'll cover the core concepts that you're tested on, reference materials, and studying techniques. 

Quick Guide for Public Adjuster Exam Prep

The Illinois adjuster exam is tedious, primarily because of all the things you must do. Here's the short version of the preparations you need to do to prepare for this exam:

• Understand the Concepts
• Gather Study Resources
• Calculate Your Free Time Per Day
• Make a Self-Study Guide
• Study and Test Your Knowledge

Exam preparations are taxing and time-consuming. Join our public adjuster course if you want a full-fledged program to ace the exam. We give you all the necessary materials, knowledge, and guidance for the exam.

Our experts even help you fill out the pre- and post-exam applications. Give us 3 days of your valuable time and pass the Illinois public adjuster exam easily. Contact us today to get started!

1. Concepts for the Public Adjuster Exam

The Illinois public adjuster exam tests your knowledge on policies, key terms, and legal processes. You'll need to understand the following topics to pass the exam:

• Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
• Standard Fire Policy
• HO-1 to HO-8
• Proof-of-Loss Forms
• Cancellation/Non-Renewal Provisions
• Pair and Set Clause
   
• Subrogation
• RPL/ACV
• B.O.P.
• Commercial Property Causes of Loss Forms
• Coinsurance
• Deductibles
• Commercial Package Policy
• Inland Marine
• Floaters
• Inland Marine Policy
• Occurrence/Claims Made Policies
• Bond Principles and Types
• Commercial Crime
• Time Element Coverage
• Boiler and Machinery Insurance
• FEMA-Flood Insurance
• Crime Insurance
• Leasehold Interest
• Legal Liability
• Named Insured
• Insurable Interest
• Ordinance of Law
• Stated/Agreed Values
• Non-Waiver Agreement
• Fidelity Bond
• Valuable Papers and Records 

The core topics cover everything about insurance companies, insurance claims, legal processes, homeowner applications, and the code of conduct. The brief study guide is available on the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) website. 

You can find the study materials for the public adjuster exam online. Unfortunately, you can't automatically upload the data to your brain. The only thing you can do is bunker in and read, which is easier said than done.

2. Preparations for the Adjuster Exam

You cannot become a public adjuster without due preparation. Based on our insights, you need at least 40 hours of self-study to pass the exam. Why so much? Because:

• Studying by yourself is much harder and inefficient.
• Some concepts are difficult and require more research.
• Studying by yourself requires more motivation.

The odds are often stacked against you because you most likely have a full-time job. That means you have even less time to study. On the odd days when you are free, the stress from the work week catches up.

So what can you do?

Understand Your Free Time

Even if you don't have a job, there is only a fixed amount of time that you can dedicate to studying per day. Does it sound weird? Let us explain it properly through a simple comparison.

Let's say two people (a full-time and a part-time employee) are preparing for the exam. Both have 24 hours a day, because neither knows how to time-travel (plebeians indeed). Here's how much time they have per day:

Please remember that we haven't accounted for any leisure time in this table. Realistically, you will have even fewer hours of free time per day. Track your time for a day to calculate how many free hours you have every day.

Plan a Study Schedule

When you've finished your calculations, create a schedule and timeline. For reference:

• A timeline is the point at which you start preparing for the exam. An example is preparing 1 month before the exam (not ideal).
• A schedule is the daily routine you undertake to fulfill your timeline. For example, studying 2 hours every day for 20 days to hit the 40-hour mark.

 You need at least 40+ hours of self-study to pass the exam. Here's what an ideal timeline and schedule should look like based on your available free hours:

 Based on our calculations, a full-time employee needs 21 to 42 days to prepare fully for the Illinois public adjuster license exam. A part-time employee has more time, but still needs 11 to 22 days of prep time.

Why should you start preparing 40 or 60 days before the exam? Because:

1. Devoting 1 to 2 hours a day doesn't guarantee complete understanding. You might need to put in more than 40 hours to prepare fully for the exam.
2. Life is unpredictable, meaning you won't have the same amount of free time every day. Over time at work, a fever, or a bad day could throw a tight timeline off the ridge.
3. Humans, by nature, work more leisurely when they have more time. You will most likely be less productive when you start preparing.

Start early and give yourself some breathing room. Last-minute preparations are often hasty, riddled with stress, and anxiety-inducing.

3. Stick to Your Schedule and Learn

Now it's time to stick to your schedule and learn. Here are some tips that can help you through the process:

1. Skim through the material for each topic at least once.
2. Read through the material once and highlight any important points.
3. Note down the points in a separate notebook.
4. Cross-reference their meanings online (use our adjuster license terminologies for quick definitions).
5. You can also use AI tools like GPT for quick definitions and implications.
6. When you're done with the topic, paste the following prompt into GPT for a quick practice test:
   "I am preparing for the Illinois Public Adjuster License Exam (Pearson Vue). I want you to test my knowledge on [Topic Name]. Please generate 20 exam-type multiple-choice questions in the chat. Provide one MCQ at a time with answers A, B, C, or D. When I answer the question, note my response and move on to the next question. List all of my answers, the correct percentage, and how each one is right or wrong in a report at the end of the practice exam. You can start the exam now."
   
   
7. Move to the next topic and repeat the process.

For more accurate results, attempt the Pearson VUE practice test. Unfortunately, it costs $19.95 per exam, which is a considerable sum for a one-time exam.

4. Finish Preps for the Exam Day

Unlike other licenses, you can only arrange an on-site exam for the public adjuster license. Naturally, you must arrange a few things to attend the exam. Here are the things you must have on exam day:

• Primary ID: Government-issued Driver’s License, U.S. Dept. of State Driver's License, U.S. Learner’s Permit (plastic card only with photo and signature), National/State/Country Identification Card, Passport, or Military Card
• Secondary ID: U.S. Social Security Card, Debit (ATM), or Credit card

Please bring only valid, unexpired IDs. Pearson VUE considers IDs in the grace period as expired. Please renew your IDs beforehand or take an alternative primary and secondary ID.

Additionally, please reach the exam venue at least 30 minutes before the exam. Please do not take any additional electronic devices with you. Pearson VUE arranges special facilities for individuals with disabilities.

The Time Problem and Its Solution

We understand that time is a precious commodity and self-study demands a lot of time. Since you can't make more time, then why not use it more efficiently? The core problem with self-study is the lack of guidance. For example, when you:

• Aren't motivated, no one is around to push you forward.
• Get stuck on a complicated topic, no one is around to help you understand it.
• Have finished a topic, no one can test your knowledge.

The easiest solution is to join prep classes for public adjusters in Illinois. These save time, effort, and help you pass the exam more easily. For example, our Illinois Public Adjuster Prep Classes last only 3 days and prepare you completely for the exam.

We explain every core topic, provide all the necessary material, arrange practice exams, and support you with the pre- and post-exam processes. The only thing you need to do is to attend the classes for 3 continuous days.

FAQs on Public Adjuster Prep

How long should you prepare for the Illinois public adjuster exam?

You should devote at least 40 hours to exam prep for the Illinois Public Adjuster license. This is the standard prep time for most Illinois licensing exams. Guided courses and classes reduce this prep time by 20 hours.

How can I become a public adjuster in Illinois?

You can become a licensed public adjuster in Illinois by passing the Pearson VUE exam, filing the necessary application, and meeting the requirements. The first step is passing and registering for the exam on the Pearson VUE portal.

How long does it take to get a public adjuster license in Illinois?

It takes 2 to 6 weeks to get a public adjuster license after you pass the exam. You must fill out an application, arrange a surety bond, and pass a background check. These processes can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks or longer.

Bottom Line on Exam Prep for Public Adjuster License

45% of first-time test takers fail this exam because they underestimate the amount of preparation required. The Illinois public adjuster exam requires at least 40 hours of preparation. You can study by yourself or join a guided course at the Illinois Roofing Institute.

We prepare you for the exam, the applications, and everything else. You only need to attend our classes for 3 days to ensure your spot in the industry. Join our public adjuster classes today and make your journey easier.