We've all heard about the Illinois public adjuster exam. It's a necessary exam that every prospective adjuster must take to get their adjuster license. Unfortunately, most people don't even know the basics of the exam.
About 80% of first-time public adjuster examinees underestimate and fail the exam. About 65% take 3 or more attempts to pass the exam. We'll help you understand the exam, including curriculum, dates, processes, and formats.
Here's you 10-second overview of the public adjuster exam:
| Examination Body | Pearson VUE |
| Exam Fee | $92 Per Attempt |
| Exam Date | On-Demand |
| Examination Format | MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Number of Questions | 100 |
| Exam Duration | 165 Minutes |
| Passing Criteria | 70% (Minimum) |
The PA exam is by no means easy, especially when you don't know the exam format, topics, or pitfalls. We'll explain everything including the background and context.
Pearson VUE manages the public adjuster exam in Illinois. IDoI would have to expend numerous resources to manage exams, which would be unproductive. In May of 2019, the IDoI partnered with Pearson VUE to manage all their exams.
You cannot become a license public adjuster in Illinois without passing the exam. In the same breath, you can't get your license without the IDoI. You have to:
The PA exam doesn't have a predetermined date, unlike other professional license exams. The IDoI and Pearson VUE arrange an exam on a per-need basis. You choose your own timeslot for the exam.
This gives you two distinct advantages:
Applying for the exam is easy, passing the exam is the hard bit. Why? Because of the PA exam format.
You can take exam at a Pearson VUE centre or online under the watchful eye of a proctor. Pearson VUE introduced the online proctored exam because managing on-demand exams for hundreds of applicants is costly and ineffective.
Also, most candidates prefer an online exam because:
People who aren't tech-savvy prefer the old-fashioned in-person exam. The in-person exams take place in:
| Location | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Chicago | Wednesday through Saturday |
| Schaumburg | Wednesday through Saturday |
| Oakbrook | Tuesday through Saturday |
| Springfield | Monday through Saturday |
| Marion | Once a week per month |
| Davenport, IA | Saturday |
| Merrillville, IN | Wednesday, Friday and Saturday |
| St. Louis, MO | Once per month |
You can choose an exam type according to your preference.
The public adjuster exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions. You get 165 minutes to attempt the whole exam. Essentially, you get 99 seconds per MCQ, which isn't a lot. To put things into perspective:
You must score at least 70% to pass the exam. Most first time candidates are underprepared or fail to understand the time crunch. The few that pass are left rattled by the proceeding forms and paperwork.
The public adjuster exam is designed to test your knowledge on Illinois insurance law, statutes, general insurance terminology, and coverage clauses. The 100-MCQs are divided based on the following layout:
You will have to apply for the license with the NIPR. Please arrange all of the prerequisites before you apply because you must attach the proof with your application.
Yes, you can take the Illinois public adjuster exam online through Pearson VUE. Due to popular demand and logistical efficiencies, Pearson VUE offers an online proctored exam for the PA license. You can sign up for the exam on the Pearson VUE website.
Common mistakes on the Illinois insurance test include confusing premium and deductible, mixing up term life and whole life policies. Furthermore, candidates also fail questions by rushing through wording. Answer each question thoughtfully and prepare thoroughly.
The public adjuster fee in Illinois is capped at 10% of the insurance claim settlement for most property claims. Illinois law limits the compensation a licensed public adjuster can charge to protect consumers from excessive fees. Adjusters typically collect payment only after the insurer pays the claim settlement.
Both independent and public adjuster careers offer unique benefits. Public adjusters have better commission and flexibility, while independent adjusters have more stability. You are free to choose one or the other depending on your ideal lifestyle.
The public adjuster exam is managed by the IDoI and Pearson VUE. You can take the exam online or in-person at a Pearson VUE centre. The exam follows an MCQ format, with 100 questions divided into 5 sections.
Passing the Illinois public adjuster exam is difficult without guidance. We are here to help you with tailored courses that prepare you for the exam and everything else that comes along with it. Join our PA exam prep course today!
Join our classes, ace the exam, and kickstart your career.
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