Okay...here goes...

 You guys have been great in previous questions I've posted. I've learned a lot and really appreciate all your comments and suggestions.

As I stated in those previous investigative questions, I live in Michigan. As recommended, I took the on line course for the Texas All Lines, took the exam, passed and have a certificate from the school. I'm not sponsored and don't have a mentor (well, other than here on this site) to check with on what to do next.

My state requires I have a resident license and apparently we don't have a CE requirement. I'm scheduled for a class down in GA for a class on scoping, Xactimate in a couple of weeks, however, the instructor has been called down to FL for TS Fay and may not be able to run the class as scheduled until he comes back. In the meantime, I am attempting to get the license, but am confused as to how to proceed.

My question is this...do I apply for my TX license first, then MI? or is it the other way around. Nothing seems to indicate the order no matter where I look. Michigan's licensing website doesn't seem to require anything other than 15 bucks and an application. Calling the State of Michigan is nearly impossible...might explain why MI is in such a mess, eh? It seems like a catch 22 no matter what I read or research. MI requires an exam for a resident license, but that's why I took the TX All Lines class and exam as suggested here on this site. MI application doesn't ask for any kind of proof, other than through a national database firm for non-residents.

My gut tells me to simply fill out the MI application, attach the dough and see what happens. I'm also thinking I should attach my certificate of completion and pass of the TX All Lines exam.

Will look forward to hearing back from you...unless all you pros are all down in FL dealing with the current storm. If that's the case, I'm happy for all of you during this 2 year drought...best of luck, take care, drive carefully, be careful and blessed and highly favored!

Regards,

Herb

Let me give you whatever benefit may be gained from my experience as a former Michigan resident licensed adjuster. 

It is generally better to get your resident license first.  You may not have had to take the Texas exam if you had gotten your Michigan license first because they are reciprocal and once you have the home state license you will not need to take Texas or Florida tests.  That having been said, the trick is getting your Michigan license.

I was working for ASU on staff at the time I received my Michigan resident license.  There did not appear to be any curriculum materials to study.  ASU held a sort of seminar to prep us.  Then I had to go to a Sylvan Learning Center to take the test.  It is unlikely they are going to accept the Texas license exam for a resident license, but you can try. 

I went merrily along with my Michigan license in hand.  Neither ASU nor I seemed to have any idea that you had to renew the license or take continuing education.  Then one day I checked my license online and found out it was expired and that the website was reporting that I had taken no continuing ed courses.  The fact of the matter is that I had taken lots of continuing ed; I just didn't know I had to report it to the Financial Services Department.  Nor was I aware of the renewal requirements.

One of the other adjusters at ASU (who had been adjusting for decades in Michigan and also been a supervisor at ASU at one time) had even told me that when you got the license it was good for life.  Apparently this is not true, or even close.  I wonderr how long he had been adjusting without a valid license.  Fortunately for me, I was no longer either residing in Michigan or adjusting claims there at the time so I had no further need for the license.

In addition, you may find that the Financial Services Department will not take your personal check, only the check issued by an employer.

In conclusion, good luck to you in trying to find your answers.  Don't neccessarily accept the answers given even by a long time Michigan adjuster unless you are sure they have renewed their license when it was neccessary.

I am nearly as eager as you are to learn what is the truth about Michigan licensing if someone out there has the real scoop.

Thank you...although a bit mystified by the whole process, I am still moving forward...even if I have to take the MI exam. Another fine example of not knowing what I don't know!

It's funny. If you read the state requirements, it states under the requirements that I "must pass the state exam or have passed a state exam in another state". But, reading it another way kind of confirms what you have said about the proper route. Regardless, I'll attempt to call the state tomorrow...again...to see about getting the real poop!

I'll post what I find out for everyone to read.

Best to all...

Herb

Sounds like a wonderful world of bureacracy (bad spelling at this hour);  Seems like someone at your state dept of ins should be able to guide you along the way.  Afterall, Michigan is not "under the gun" with state of emergency licensing situations.  I'd think they'd have old timers there that have nothing better to do than draw off their experience and be able to help you in a moments notice...as opposed to some of the gulf coast states that maybe have some new blood and new licensing provisons, ie. Lousiana.  Good luck!

Hey...no problem. I'm going down to Lawrenceville, GA...about 20 some miles north and east of Atlanta. Terry Freeland will answer his phone (770-365-0606) most of the time and will give you the scoop on his class which will be on Sept 5th ,6th & 7th. Don't know how many seats he has left, but he'll fill you in on that. Maybe we'll see you down there. You live in MI?

Take care,

Herb Mills

Hey Herb,

I live in Alabama, I actually just took my texas all lines license and so I was wondering the best place to get trained.  Do you have a website for the class?  I'm just trying to like you, be best trained once a strom comes?

Thanks Man!