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AZ · PSI · 150 questions
Arizona Adjuster Practice Test
Arizona issues one Adjuster license under A.R.S. Title 20, Chapter 2, Article 3.2 to anyone who adjusts property and casualty claims for compensation, whether for an insurer or for a policyholder, so independent and public adjusters hold the same license. The definition in A.R.S. 20-321 leaves out salaried employees of insurers and managing general agents whose pay does not depend on claim outcomes, attorneys, producers adjusting losses on policies they sold, and people who handle only workers' compensation claims. Residents qualify at 18 by passing PSI's Series 13-36 exam, with no prelicensing course and no continuing education to renew, and nonresidents who hold a resident adjuster license at home skip the exam. SB 1415, effective September 12, 2026, also lets Arizona-resident staff adjusters who held another state's designated home state license before 2026 get a salaried-only Arizona license without the exam if they apply by June 30, 2027. Fees, fingerprints and renewal are covered in our Arizona adjuster license guide.
PSI replaced Pearson VUE as Arizona's insurance exam vendor in September 2025. Series 13-36 has 150 scored questions in 2.5 hours, and you need 70% to pass. Arizona law is only 6% of the June 1, 2026 outline (about 9 questions) and federal law another 4%; the rest is policy and claims knowledge, led by property and casualty basics (20%), homeowners (12%) and general insurance concepts, the personal auto policy and the adjustment process (11% each). Workers' compensation policies have no section of their own. The Arizona questions below cover the licensing article, the adjuster conduct rules that SB 1206 added to 20-321.02 effective September 12, 2026, the claim deadlines in rule R20-6-801, the fraud statutes, the 25/50/15 auto minimums, UM and UIM offers and the guaranty fund, and each explanation names its source.
Exam vendor
PSI
Exam code
Series 13-36
Questions
150 scored (PSI may add 5 to 10 unscored experimental items)
Time limit
2.5 hours (150 minutes)
Passing score
70%
Exam fee
$59 (each retake is also $59)
A.R.S. 20-284(H) allows four attempts in any 12-month period, then a one-year wait after the fourth failure. You cannot book a retest on the day you test, but a candidate who fails on a Wednesday can call on Thursday and retest as early as Friday.
PSI took over Arizona insurance exams from Pearson VUE on September 1, 2025. You can test at a PSI center or by live online proctoring, the exam fee is valid for one year from payment, and you must cancel or reschedule at least 2 days ahead to avoid forfeiting it.
No prelicensing course is required. Apply through NIPR within one year after passing, with electronic fingerprints ($8.25 Fieldprint fee plus a $22.44 FBI fee) and the $120 license fee. Nonresidents who hold a resident adjuster license in their home state do not take the exam.
Arizona Insurance Law for Adjusters: practice questions (part 1 of 2)
State law is the part of the exam that general study guides skip and the part most candidates miss. These 25 questions are written from the statutes and rules cited in each explanation.
0 of 25 answered
Who must be licensed · Recall
Rosa, an Arizona resident, plans to represent homeowners for a percentage fee when they present property damage claims to their insurers. Under A.R.S. 20-321 and 20-321.01, what license does she need?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. The single Arizona adjuster license
A.R.S. 20-321 defines an adjuster as a person who, for compensation, fee or commission, adjusts claims on behalf of either the insurer or the insured, and 20-321.01(A) bars anyone from acting as an adjuster without a license. Arizona has no separate public adjuster license: the one adjuster license covers both sides. Working only for policyholders does not take Rosa outside the definition.
Ana is a claims examiner on a fixed salary at a managing general agent (MGA). Her pay does not change based on how any claim is decided. Under A.R.S. 20-321, does she need an Arizona adjuster license to adjust property claims for the MGA?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. No, because her pay is not contingent on claim outcomes
A.R.S. 20-321(2)(b)(ii) excludes from the definition of adjuster a salaried employee of an insurer or of a managing general agent, and defines salaried employee as one whose compensation is not contingent on the outcome of a claim determination. The exclusion names MGAs expressly, so the first option is wrong. The number 25 comes from a separate exclusion for data-entry staff working under a licensed supervisor.
Kevin, a licensed Arizona property and casualty producer, helps adjust a small theft loss under a homeowners policy he procured for his client. Which statement is correct under A.R.S. 20-321?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. He is outside the definition of adjuster for that loss
A.R.S. 20-321(2)(b)(iii) excludes a licensed insurance producer who adjusts or assists in the adjustment of losses arising under policies procured through that producer. Kevin's commission on the sale does not change this, and Arizona law has no temporary adjuster permit or public adjuster sign-off for this situation. If Kevin adjusted losses on policies other producers sold, he would need an adjuster license.
A licensed Arizona adjuster handling a monsoon roof claim hires Mei, a structural engineer, solely to inspect the trusses and write a technical report. Mei negotiates nothing with the insured. Under A.R.S. 20-321, Mei:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. is excluded as a contractor giving technical assistance
A.R.S. 20-321(2)(b)(v) excludes an independent contractor retained by a licensed adjuster, or by another excluded person such as an insurer's salaried employee, for the sole purpose of providing technical assistance on a claim. The statute lists photographers, estimators, engineers, private detectives and handwriting experts as examples. It does not matter that the licensed adjuster, rather than the insurer, retained her.
Under A.R.S. 20-321, each of the following is excluded from the definition of adjuster EXCEPT:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. an independent adjuster paid a fee for each file
A.R.S. 20-321(2)(b) excludes licensed attorneys qualified to practice in Arizona, individuals who adjust only workers' compensation claims, and employees of a political subdivision adjusting losses under policies covering that subdivision. An independent adjuster paid per file adjusts property and casualty claims for compensation and fits no exclusion, so 20-321.01(A) requires an Arizona adjuster license.
Which list matches the qualifications A.R.S. 20-321.01(C) sets for an Arizona adjuster license?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Age 18, qualifying residency and a passed licensing exam
A.R.S. 20-321.01(C) requires the applicant to be at least 18, to live in Arizona or in a state that allows Arizona residents to act as adjusters there, and to pass an examination given by or under the supervision of the Director. The statute does not require a prelicensing course, claims experience or a bond, and the 40 and 24 hour figures belong to the claims certificate waiver.
Under A.R.S. 20-321.01(C)(3), the licensing exam and residency requirements are waived for an applicant holding a current claims certificate from a Director-approved program. What must that certification program include?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. 40 hours of coursework, a proctored exam, 24 CE hours every 2 years
A.R.S. 20-321.01(C)(3) waives both the licensing exam and the residency requirement for holders of a current certificate from a national or state claims association whose program the Director approves and that includes at least 40 hours of preexamination coursework, a proctored exam long enough to test competency, and at least 24 hours of continuing education for biennial renewal. Open-book or experience-only programs do not meet the statute.
Under A.R.S. 20-284(H), which applies to adjusters through 20-321.02, how many times may a candidate take the Arizona adjuster licensing exam within a 12-month period?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Four times
A.R.S. 20-284(H) bars the Director from allowing anyone to take an exam for a line of authority more than four times within 12 months, and a candidate who fails four times must wait one year before testing again for that line. A.R.S. 20-321.02(A) applies 20-284 to adjusters, and the PSI Arizona candidate bulletin repeats the four-attempt limit.
Luis passed the Arizona adjuster licensing exam (Series 13-36) in March 2026 but delayed applying. Under A.R.S. 20-284(A), as applied to adjusters by 20-321.02, how soon must DIFI receive his complete application so the passing result still counts?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Within one year after he passes
A.R.S. 20-284(A) requires the licensing exam to have been passed within the one-year period before the Director receives the license application, and 20-321.02(A) applies 20-284 to adjusters. The PSI Arizona bulletin likewise tells candidates that the Insurance Licensing Section must receive all application materials within one year after they pass, and NIPR checks that the passing result is no more than a year old.
Priya lives in Texas and holds an active Texas resident adjuster license. She applies through NIPR for an Arizona nonresident adjuster license. According to the PSI Arizona candidate bulletin, what testing does she need?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. None, since she holds a resident license in her home state
The PSI Arizona Candidate Information Bulletin states that residents, and nonresidents who do not hold a resident adjuster license in their home state, must pass the Series 13-36 exam. Priya holds a Texas resident license, so she applies through NIPR without an Arizona exam, choosing the Limited to Resident Authority line that NIPR reserves for applicants with an active resident adjuster license. A person living in a state that does not license adjusters would have to pass it. The bulletin lists no law-only adjuster exam and no prelicensing course.
Darnell holds a Georgia resident adjuster license. After a severe hailstorm in Mesa, an insurer sends him to Arizona to adjust its policyholders' losses from that storm. Under A.R.S. 20-321.01(D), what Arizona license does he need?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. None, while he adjusts those storm losses for the insurer
A.R.S. 20-321.01(D) says an adjuster who is licensed or allowed to act as an adjuster in the adjuster's home state need not be licensed in Arizona when sent here on behalf of an insurer to adjust a particular loss or a series of losses from a common catastrophe. The statute sets no day limit and no exam deadline; the conditions are home-state authority and an insurer sending him.
Elena, licensed as an adjuster in her home state of Florida, travels to Arizona after a wildfire without any insurer assignment. Several homeowners ask her to represent them on their claims for a percentage of the recovery. Under Arizona law, which is correct?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. She needs an Arizona adjuster license before representing them
The catastrophe exemption in A.R.S. 20-321.01(D) applies only when an adjuster is sent to Arizona on behalf of an insurer. Elena would be adjusting for insureds, which still makes her an adjuster under 20-321, so 20-321.01(A) requires an Arizona license first. A signed contract or a notice to the Director does not take the place of the license.
Industrial Commission rule R20-5-163, listed in the Arizona adjuster content outline, defines unfair claim processing practices in workers' compensation claims. Which act does it name as one?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Directly advising a claimant not to hire an attorney
Under R20-5-163(B), an employer, carrier or claims processing representative commits an unfair claim processing practice by, among other things, directly advising a claimant not to consult or obtain an attorney, or communicating directly with a represented claimant for an improper purpose. Writing through the claimant's lawyer is the proper course. Complaints go to the Commission's claims manager, and the accused party has 30 days after service to respond.
Each applicant below is a salaried insurer employee who earned a designated home state (DHS) adjuster license in another state by passing that state's exam and is in good standing. Under A.R.S. 20-321.03 (SB 1415, 2026), who may be licensed in Arizona without taking Arizona's licensing exam?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. An Arizona resident licensed since 2024, applying in November 2026
A.R.S. 20-321.03(A) requires the salaried employee to be an Arizona resident who held an active DHS adjuster license in another state before January 1, 2026, earned it by passing a state-approved exam, remains in good standing, and applies with the fee and fingerprints by June 30, 2027. The Nevada resident fails the residency test, the March 2026 license is too new, and an August 2027 application misses the deadline.
Hannah received her Arizona adjuster license under A.R.S. 20-321.03, without taking Arizona's licensing exam, while working as a salaried adjuster for an insurer. She now wants to leave and take independent adjusting assignments from an IA firm. What does the statute require?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. She needs a regular Arizona adjuster license for that work
Under A.R.S. 20-321.03(B) and (C), a license issued without the Arizona exam allows adjusting only as a salaried employee of an insurer or managing general agent. It bars adjusting for insureds or for insurers in any other capacity, and it stays valid only while she works as such an employee. To work as an independent adjuster she must qualify for and obtain a regular adjuster license.
DIFI issues Grace's first Arizona adjuster license on May 14, 2026. Her birthday is in February. Under A.R.S. 20-289(B), on what date does the license expire?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. February 28, 2030
A.R.S. 20-289(B)(1) makes an individual's license expire on the last day of the birth month, but not less than three years and not more than four years after the last day of the month of issue. The license was issued in May 2026, so the window runs from May 31, 2029 to May 31, 2030. February 28, 2029 is too early; the only February month-end in the window is February 28, 2030.
Omar's Arizona adjuster license expired at midnight on its renewal date in June 2026 because he forgot to renew. He applies in October 2026. The license fee is $120 per license class. Under A.R.S. 20-289(E), how much must he pay DIFI to renew?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. $220
Under A.R.S. 20-289(E), during the year after expiration a person who otherwise qualifies may renew by filing a renewal application, the quadrennial license fee and an additional $100 late renewal fee: $120 plus $100 equals $220. An application filed more than one year after expiration is treated as a new application. Until he renews, the expired license does not authorize him to adjust.
How many hours of continuing education must an Arizona resident adjuster complete to renew the adjuster license?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. None for the adjuster license
The PSI Arizona Candidate Information Bulletin, published for DIFI, states that insurance continuing education applies to producers and is not required to renew an adjuster license. Arizona adjusters renew every four years by filing the renewal application and paying the license fee. The 24-hour figure with ethics is common in other states, which makes it a tempting choice here.
An Arizona-licensed adjuster moves to a new home in Tucson and changes her business e-mail address. Under A.R.S. 20-286(C), which applies to adjusters, how long does she have to inform the Director in writing?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. 30 days
A.R.S. 20-286(C) requires a licensee to inform the Director in writing within 30 days of any change in residential, business or e-mail address, or in name. A.R.S. 20-321.02(A) applies 20-286(B) through (D) to adjusters, and the 2026 outline lists change of personal contact information. Waiting until renewal, which may be years away, would violate the rule.
Victor, an Arizona-licensed adjuster, is convicted of a misdemeanor in Nevada. Under A.R.S. 20-301(B), which applies to adjusters, what must he do?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Report it within 30 days with the court documents
A.R.S. 20-301(B) requires a licensee convicted of a crime in any jurisdiction to report the conviction to the Director within 30 days after its filing date, with copies of the initial charging document, the final judgment and other relevant legal documents. The rule is not limited to felonies or insurance crimes. Section 20-301(A) adds a 30-day report for administrative actions taken elsewhere.
Jasmine, a licensed individual adjuster, wants to market her services under the name Saguaro Claim Solutions. Under A.R.S. 20-297, which applies to adjusters, what must she do?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Notify the Director on the required form before use
A.R.S. 20-297(A) requires a licensee doing business under any name other than her legal name to notify the Director on a prescribed form before using it, and 20-321.02(A) applies 20-297 to adjusters. The Director may deny a name that is confusingly similar to another licensee's or misleading, and material changes must be reported within 30 days.
After a hearing, the Director finds that an Arizona adjuster committed eight intentional violations of the insurance code. Under A.R.S. 20-295(F), what is the largest total civil penalty the Director may impose for them?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. $15,000
A.R.S. 20-295(F), applied to adjusters by 20-321.02(A), allows up to $2,500 for each intentional violation with a $15,000 aggregate cap. Eight violations times $2,500 is $20,000, so the cap controls. Unintentional violations carry up to $250 each with a $2,500 aggregate, which explains the $2,000 trap. The Director may also suspend the license for up to 12 months, revoke it or order restitution.
DIFI learns that an unlicensed Phoenix contractor is advertising that he will negotiate homeowners' storm claims with their insurers for 10% of the payout. Under A.R.S. 20-292, what may the Director do?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Issue a cease and desist order and seek an injunction
Holding oneself out to adjust claims for compensation without a license violates A.R.S. 20-321.01. Under 20-292, the Director may order the person to cease and desist and, through the attorney general, file a complaint in Maricopa County superior court to enjoin the violation. Lacking a license does not put him beyond the Director's reach, and the Director cannot impose jail time or act through the NAIC.
Firefighters are still working a house fire in Glendale when Carl, a licensed adjuster, approaches the owner at the curb and offers to represent her on the claim. Under A.R.S. 20-321.02(B), Carl's offer is:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. prohibited while the emergency response is under way
A.R.S. 20-321.02(B) bars an adjuster from proposing to represent an insured while a loss-producing occurrence is continuing at the damaged premises or while the fire department or another public safety service is engaged in an emergency response there. Holding a license creates no exception, and a fee disclosure does not cure the timing problem. SB 1206 added this rule effective September 12, 2026.
Sofia, a licensed Arizona adjuster representing a homeowner on a hail claim, also owns a roofing company. She offers to have her company replace the roof once the claim is settled. Under A.R.S. 20-321.02(C), this is:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. prohibited for any claim she is adjusting
A.R.S. 20-321.02(C) prohibits an adjuster from participating directly or indirectly, including as a contractor or subcontractor, in the restoration, reconstruction or repair of damaged property that is the subject of a claim the adjuster adjusts. The rule applies whether the adjuster works for the insurer or the insured, and neither insurer approval nor separate billing creates an exception.
The vendor's published outline lists these content areas. See the official candidate handbook for the full topic list.
Content area
Share of exam
Insurance Regulation
6% (about 9 questions)
Federal Laws and Regulations
4% (about 6 questions)
General Insurance Concepts
11% (about 16 questions)
Property and Casualty Insurance Basics
20% (about 30 questions)
Dwelling Policy Concepts
7% (about 10 questions)
Homeowners Policy Concepts
12% (about 18 questions)
Personal Automobile Policy
11% (about 16 questions)
Commercial Automobile Policy
5% (about 8 questions)
Commercial Property Policies
6% (about 9 questions)
Commercial General Liability
5% (about 8 questions)
Other Types of Insurance Policies
2% (about 3 questions)
Adjustment Process
11% (about 16 questions)
PSI content outline titled "Arizona Examination for Property and Casualty Insurance Adjuster, Series 13-36" (150 items, 2.5 hours), effective June 1, 2026; it kept the section weights of the prior outline and added exam attempts, contact information changes and insurance fraud to the Arizona regulation section.
Study by topic
Each topic test is a separate page with its own score breakdown, so you can drill the areas where you are weakest.
Pace for 150 questions. You get 150 minutes for 150 scored questions, about a minute each, and PSI may add 5 to 10 unscored experimental items. Breaks are not allowed during remote online proctored sessions, so book a test center if you think you will need one.
The policy core is almost a third of the exam. Property and casualty basics (20%) and general insurance concepts (11%) cover risk, insurer types, contract elements, agency, loss valuation, negligence, policy structure, other insurance, limits, coinsurance calculations, the mortgage clause and subrogation.
Know the personal lines forms. Homeowners (12%), the personal auto policy (11%) and dwelling policies (7%) add up to 30%. The outline names the HO-2, HO-3, HO-4, HO-5, HO-6 and HO-8 forms, endorsements such as home day care, ordinance or law and scheduled personal property, and UM and UIM rejection under the auto policy.
Learn Arizona's claim clock. Under R20-6-801, acknowledge claims and answer claimant communications within 10 working days, answer DIFI within 15 working days, finish investigating within 30 days, accept or deny within 15 working days after proofs of loss, send status letters every 45 days, and warn unrepresented claimants 30 days (first party) or 60 days (third party) before a time limit runs. A.R.S. 20-462 adds interest on first-party claims unpaid 30 days after proof of loss.
Memorize the licensing numbers. Four attempts in 12 months, one year to apply after passing, 30 days to report address changes, convictions and administrative actions, a license that renews every four years and ends in your birth month, a $100 late renewal fee within one year of expiration, and civil penalties of up to $250 per unintentional and $2,500 per intentional violation.
Study the federal section separately. The 4% federal section covers the NFIP, Gramm-Leach-Bliley privacy, the 18 U.S.C. 1033 prohibited persons waiver and the federal terrorism insurance program. Our flood bank covers the NFIP, but review the other three on your own.
Getting licensed in Arizona
Anyone who adjusts property and casualty claims for compensation on behalf of an insurer or an insured needs an Arizona Adjuster license (ARS 20-321, 20-321.01). The single license covers both independent and public adjusting. Salaried employees of insurers or MGAs whose pay does not depend on claim outcomes, attorneys, producers adjusting their own policies, workers'-comp-only adjusters and several other groups are exempt. The adjuster statutes are in A.R.S. Title 20, Chapter 2, Article 3.2 (20-321 to 20-321.03); 2026 SB 1206 (effective September 12, 2026) added adjuster conduct rules, and SB 1415 created a salaried-adjuster license path.
License fee: $120
License term: First license runs three to four years; each renewal runs four years and ends on the last day of the birth month.
How many questions are on the Arizona adjuster exam?
The PSI Arizona Property and Casualty Insurance Adjuster exam, Series 13-36, has 150 scored questions and a 2.5-hour time limit. PSI may also include 5 to 10 unscored experimental questions. Arizona law makes up 6% of the outline and federal law 4%; the rest covers insurance concepts, personal and commercial policies and the adjustment process.
Who gives the Arizona adjuster exam?
PSI has delivered Arizona insurance licensing exams since September 1, 2025, when it replaced Pearson VUE under a contract with the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. You register at PSI's Arizona Insurance page and can test at a PSI center or online with a live remote proctor. Older study guides that mention Pearson VUE are out of date.
What score do you need to pass the Arizona adjuster exam?
You need 70% correct. Your score appears on screen when you finish and a score report is emailed to you. If you fail, the report includes a diagnostic breakdown of your strengths and weaknesses so you can target your study before retesting.
How much does an Arizona adjuster license cost?
Plan on the $59 PSI exam fee, the $120 DIFI license fee, an $8.25 Fieldprint fingerprinting fee and a $22.44 FBI processing fee paid to the Department of Public Safety. A first license runs three to four years and each renewal four years, ending on the last day of your birth month; renewal costs another $120, and Arizona requires no continuing education for adjusters.
What happens if I fail the Arizona adjuster exam?
You can retest for another $59, but not on the same day: fail on a Wednesday, call Thursday and retest as soon as Friday if seats are open. A.R.S. 20-284(H) limits you to four attempts in any 12-month period, and after a fourth failure you must wait one year before trying again.
Do public adjusters and staff adjusters need an Arizona license?
Public adjusters do: Arizona's single adjuster license covers adjusting for insureds as well as insurers. Salaried employees of insurers and managing general agents whose pay does not depend on claim outcomes are excluded from the definition of adjuster. Under SB 1415, some of them can also get a salaried-only Arizona license without the exam if they apply by June 30, 2027.