How to Become a Public Adjuster in California
Last updated September 27, 2026
To become a California public insurance adjuster you need two years of certified adjusting experience (or a 12-month apprenticeship), 20 hours of CDI-approved prelicensing education, a passing score on the 100-question CDI exam (70% to pass), a $20,000 bond, fingerprints and the license fee. The license runs two years and renews with 24 hours of CE, including 3 hours of ethics.
| CDI exam | Questions | Time | To pass | Exam prep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Insurance Adjuster | 100 | 2.5 hours | 70% | Not offered |
Times are the limits on CDI's examinations page. PSI's Candidate Information Bulletin (February 13, 2025) allots a little more (for example 98 minutes for Property, 105 for Life) because up to ten unscored questions are added to each exam.
The steps
- 1
Qualify on experience
Two years of certified adjusting experience (2,000 compensated hours per year), or 12 months as an apprentice public insurance adjuster.
- 2
Complete 20 hours of prelicensing education
From a provider whose course CDI has approved. It must be done before the license is issued.
- 3
Pass the CDI Public Insurance Adjuster exam
100 questions, 2.5 hours, 70% to pass.
- 4
File the $20,000 bond
Form LIC 94A from a California-admitted surety.
- 5
Submit fingerprints and apply
CDI's fee schedule lists a $264 license fee for the two-year term.
- 6
Renew every two years
24 hours of continuing education each term, including 3 hours of ethics.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of education does a California public adjuster need?
20 hours of public insurance adjuster prelicensing education before the license is issued (California Insurance Code section 15009.1). AB 943 did not change this: public adjusters and bail agents kept their 20-hour requirement when the producer requirement was repealed in 2026.
What experience do you need to be a public adjuster in California?
Two years of certified experience in the insurance adjusting field, counted at 2,000 compensated hours per year, or 12 months of service as an apprentice public insurance adjuster.
How much is the California public adjuster bond?
$20,000, from a California-admitted surety, on form LIC 94A (Bond of Public Insurance Adjuster).
How many questions are on the California public adjuster exam?
100 questions in 2.5 hours. You need 70% to pass.
What is on the California public adjuster exam?
Homeowners insurance 25%, commercial policies 25%, insurance regulation and the California Insurance Code 16%, insurance basics 10%, dwelling coverage 8%, the businessowners policy 5%, other coverages 4%, ocean marine 3%, and surety and fidelity and pet insurance 2% each. CDI's Public Insurance Adjuster Educational Objectives double as the exam outline.
How much does a California public adjuster license cost?
CDI's fee schedule lists a $264 two-year license fee and a $68 exam fee ($28 to retake). CDI's application page notes the exam costs more at PSI test centers than at the Department's site. Filing fees are not refundable.
How much continuing education does a California public adjuster need?
24 hours in each two-year license term, including 3 hours of ethics (California Insurance Code section 15059.1).
What is the difference between a public adjuster and an insurance adjuster in California?
A public insurance adjuster represents the policyholder and is paid by them. An insurance adjuster works for insurers or independent adjusting firms. They are separate licenses with separate exams; only the public adjuster license requires prelicensing education.
Related: the California insurance adjuster license and how to become a Texas public adjuster.
Sources
- CDI: exam times, number of questions and passing scores
- CDI: producer licensing fees (effective March 3, 2019)
- CDI notice: AB 943 repeals the 20-hour prelicensing requirement (Nov. 10, 2025)
- CDI: 12 hours of ethics and California Insurance Code FAQ
- CDI: license examination objectives (all lines)
- PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for California insurance license examinees (Feb. 13, 2025)
- CDI: form LIC 446-8, prelicensing program requirements (Dec. 24, 2025)
- CDI: public insurance adjuster application procedures (residents)
- Cal. Ins. Code section 15009.1 (20 hours of prelicensing education)
Last updated September 27, 2026. Checked against the California Department of Insurance pages listed above. Confirm current requirements at insurance.ca.gov before you apply. Elite Training Academy is not a California Department of Insurance approved education provider; our California courses are exam preparation and do not satisfy the 12-hour Ethics and California Insurance Code requirement.