If there is a local AmFam claim office, I would begin by checking with them.  If they can't tell you, maybe they will tell you what vendor(s) they use in time of need and then you go to them.

You first have to get with one of their vendors like Pacesetter, Pilot, NCA and if accepted, you can then take the basic course through them which, once passed, allows you to take the general certification course also through them.  Basic is not too hard, the general exam is more demanding.  The general also has to be retaken every third year.  AMFAM's policies are not ISO so moving from another carrier to AMFAM takes a mindset change.  AMFAM also closely reviews field work with a required ride along by AMFAM staff each year on some of your claims.  About 10% of each adjuster's files are also re-inspected to see if the work product was correct.  If they find issues then you can reasonably expect up to 100% of the files to be re-inspected.  They probably use the XactAnalysis tools more than any other carrier, looking at every part of the estimate -- you can expect a lot of rewrites for the first couple of storms until you get the hang of what they want.  If you are an adjuster that likes to take shortcuts, "blow and go" or do sloppy work AMFAM will be a short assignment.

Kim,

I received an email from a vendor a few days ago offering me the opportunity to get certified with AMFAM. I was wondering if you might be able to tell me where the basic testing is given, and where the general certification course is taught? Also, how many days does the general certification course last? I live in Houston, TX and so this could possibly be a long drive for me.

Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
Steve C.

Many old time catastrophe adjusters rule of thumb was if you were not working on Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day you had a very bad hail season. Hail always will be the backbone of catastrophe income and you must work hail to survive year to year.

The real pro's got the winter storms in Califonia and elsewhere. You never counted on hurricanes to survive.

Computer Estimates have actually slowed down adjusters who could handwrite on three part NC paper with a diagram in the upper left hand corner of the sheet on a 3-4 line roof estimate, add a tape and paste up 35MM photo,s. Most good adjusters could turn in 12-16 hail files per day with a copy of the check.