How to Earn Xactimate Certification: Levels, Pricing, and Fast-Track Tips

What Is Xactimate Certification?

Who Offers It and Why It Matters

Xactimate Certification is offered by Xactware, the creators of Xactimate software and a subsidiary of Verisk. This official credential validates your ability to:

• Create accurate estimates

• Use line items correctly

• Build property sketches

• Follow insurer guidelines

It’s a signal to employers and clients that you’re proficient with the most widely used estimating software in the insurance and restoration industries.

Benefits for Adjusters and Contractors

Getting certified shows you can:

• Work efficiently within claims processes

• Reduce estimate revisions

• Improve approval rates

This makes you a more valuable asset to insurance carriers, public adjusters, and restoration companies alike.

Thinking about boosting team skillsets? Explore Xactimate Training.

Job Opportunities It Unlocks

Many companies hiring for roles like:

• Field adjusters

• Claims estimators

• Project managers

• Insurance support staff

…require or strongly prefer Xactimate certification. Some even pay higher rates or offer bonuses to certified pros.

It also opens doors for freelance estimators working with restoration contractors or policyholders.

Levels of Xactimate Certification

Level 1 – Fundamentals

This entry-level test confirms you can:

• Navigate the software interface

• Use the Sketch tool

• Add line items

• Export and submit estimates

The test includes multiple choice questions and hands-on estimating tasks. It’s recommended for anyone new to the software or industry.

Level 2 – Proficiency

Level 2 requires a deeper understanding of:

• Complex estimates (multi-room, multi-trade)

• Advanced Sketch features

• Custom line items

• Estimate audits and best practices

This is ideal for people with 6+ months of estimating experience and is often required for insurance adjuster roles.

Want to level up quickly? Read Xactimate Mobile Training.

Level 3 – Mastery

The most advanced level proves you can:

• Work with high-complexity projects

• Handle specialty items and custom pricing

• Interpret insurance scope sheets and convert to estimates

• Troubleshoot estimate errors

This level is for full-time professionals and team leads who manage estimates for large jobs or multi-property claims.

Xactimate Certification Costs

Exam Fees by Level

As of the latest pricing, certification exams cost:

• Level 1: $100 USD

• Level 2: $200 USD

• Level 3: $250–$350 USD

Each fee includes access to the official testing platform and grading. If you don’t pass, you may need to repay the full fee to retake, depending on the policy at that time.

Discounts or Bundles

Some employers or training providers offer bundled pricing for:

• Multi-level certifications

• Group testing for teams

• Course + exam packages

Also, check for Verisk partner promos or discounts through trade organizations like RIA or IICRC.

Need tips on saving? Read Xactimate Pricing Explained.

Free Resources vs. Paid Training

You don’t need to pay hundreds for a course. Here’s a breakdown:

Free Resources:

• Xactware’s YouTube tutorials

• Practice estimates in the demo version

• Online user forums and groups

Paid Training:

• On-demand video courses (~$99–$249)

• Live webinars and instructor-led classes (~$300–$750)

• Private company training for teams ($1,000+)

Mixing free and paid options is often the most effective strategy.

Explore DIY options in How to Automate Back-Office Operations.

How to Prepare for the Exam

Practice Projects and Sample Questions

Create mock estimates for common jobs:

• Water damage in a basement

• Wind-damaged roof replacement

• Fire restoration in a kitchen

This builds confidence and replicates test conditions. Also review Xactware’s Exam Readiness Checklists for each level.

Recommended Courses and Books

Top-rated study materials include:

• “Xactimate Training Manual” by Sean Patrick

• Certified training platforms like AdjusterPro

• YouTube playlists for each level (many are free)

Need to train fast? OpsArmy offers tailored setup and training solutions to get teams ready in days, not weeks.

Learn more at operationsarmy.com.

Study Timeline and Tips

Suggested prep time:

• Level 1: 1–2 weeks with 1 hour/day

• Level 2: 2–3 weeks with practice projects

• Level 3: 4+ weeks including complex scenarios

Tips:

• Take screenshots of line item lookups

• Practice sketching every day

• Use templates to speed up workflows

How to Take the Xactimate Certification Test

Online Testing Process

All certification tests are taken online via Verisk’s portal:

1. Log into your Verisk/XactNet account

2. Purchase the desired exam

3. Launch the testing environment with a secure browser

4. Follow instructions for both theory and practical portions

What to Expect on Test Day

• 90–120 minutes to complete the test

• Questions include multiple choice, true/false, and “build this estimate” prompts

• You may need to export and submit completed projects

Keep a quiet environment and stable internet connection for the duration of the test.

Retake Policy

If you don’t pass:

• You may retake after a waiting period (usually 1–2 weeks)

• You’ll need to repay the exam fee unless part of a bundled package

• Review feedback carefully before retaking

What to Do After Certification

Add to Your Resume and LinkedIn

Once certified:

• Add it under “Certifications” on LinkedIn

• Include in your email signature

• Mention it in proposals and RFPs

This boosts credibility with clients and increases your value in job searches.

Use It to Win More Jobs or Clients

Certified pros are often prioritized by:

• Insurance carriers

• Public adjusters

• Homeowners looking for third-party estimators

If you freelance or subcontract, use your credential to negotiate better rates.

Want help selling your service? Read What Is a Sales Development Rep.

Ongoing Education Options

After certification, keep your skills sharp by:

• Attending industry events (RIA, IICRC, Verisk Elevate)

• Exploring Verisk’s new tools like ClaimXperience

• Helping train or mentor new team members

How to Build a Team of Xactimate Certified Estimators

For restoration firms, insurance adjuster networks, and public adjuster offices, scaling operations means building a team—not just of skilled workers, but of certified professionals who can confidently and consistently deliver high-quality estimates. In the insurance world, Xactimate certification is a powerful tool to standardize skills, reduce training time, and boost estimate approval rates.

This section walks through exactly how to build, train, and maintain a high-performing team of Xactimate certified estimators.

1. Why Team Certification Matters

When your team is Xactimate certified:

• Estimates are more accurate and professional

• Fewer claims are rejected or delayed

• Your company stands out when bidding for contracts

• Training new hires becomes faster and easier

It also builds internal confidence—junior team members become more self-reliant, while senior staff can focus on oversight rather than hand-holding.

2. Define Who Needs Certification

Not every team member needs to be certified. Identify who will benefit most:

• Lead Estimators – should reach Level 2 or 3

• Field Staff – Level 1 is sufficient for those sketching and capturing data

• Back Office Admins – optional, but Level 1 helps with QA

• Sales or Project Managers – may benefit from Level 1 for better scope understanding

Start with those who directly build estimates or handle claims, then scale out.

3. Set Clear Certification Goals

Before launching a certification initiative, define goals:

• How many team members do you want certified this quarter?

• What level should each team member reach?

• How will this impact project turnaround or approval rates?

Having goals helps you track ROI and makes training a structured, measurable process—not just an activity.

4. Choose the Right Learning Tools

There are several training pathways:

• Self-Paced Online Courses (AdjusterPro, Verisk, RestorationU)

• Live Webinars (good for Q&A and practice)

• In-Person Workshops (great for teams with hands-on learners)

• Custom Coaching (private trainers for senior staff)

Mix and match based on team roles. For example:

• Junior estimators = self-paced courses

• Team leads = live instructor sessions

• Admins = certification cheat sheets and process guides

Want help setting this up? See How to Automate Back-Office Operations.

5. Use Practice Files to Reinforce Learning

Create mock job files:

• Water damage in a two-room basement

• Roof replacement with supplements

• Fire restoration in a kitchen with custom pricing

Assign these as “mini exams” before scheduling the real test. Then review together in group meetings for peer learning.

6. Incentivize Certification Milestones

Motivate your team to complete certification by offering:

• Bonuses or raises upon completion

• Recognition at team meetings

• “Certified Estimator” badges on your website or proposal templates

This builds company culture around learning and professionalism—and helps retain top talent.

Build this into your hiring process with How to Build Your Dream Team.

7. Create Certification SOPs and Tracking

Make certification part of your internal playbook. Track:

• Who is certified and at what level

• Expiration dates (if any)

• Who is in training, and their projected exam date

Store all training materials, exam guides, and practice files in one place—like a Google Drive or Notion workspace.

Need a playbook template? OpsArmy can build this for you.

8. Assign Team Leads to Coach New Trainees

Instead of putting all the pressure on one manager or admin, assign Level 2 or 3 estimators as certification coaches. They can:

• Review practice estimates

• Host weekly review sessions

• Help junior staff prep for tests

This not only supports the learning process but builds leadership within your estimating team.

9. Integrate Certification Into Your Hiring Funnel

Looking to scale quickly? Add certification into your recruitment funnel:

• Require Level 1 or 2 as a minimum

• Offer a 60-day certification goal post-hire

• Advertise it as part of your team culture

Candidates who are already certified save time and reduce onboarding risk.

10. Track the ROI of Team Certification

Measure certification success through:

• Approval rate improvement (pre- vs post-certification)

• Estimate cycle time (from inspection to submission)

• Employee retention or promotion rate

Also, consider how certification affects client trust. When your company markets itself as staffed with certified estimators, it creates a competitive edge in both residential and commercial project bidding.

See How Operational Efficiency Drives Sales Growth for more on ROI tracking.

Certified Teams Perform Better

If you're scaling your claims or restoration business, building a team of Xactimate certified estimators isn't optional—it's essential. It sets the standard for quality, improves job profitability, and reduces chaos during busy seasons.

Certification may seem like a small piece, but it unlocks better workflows, faster onboarding, and stronger client trust.

And if you’d rather not manage all of this manually? OpsArmy can help.

We build back-office systems, train your team, and even handle Xactimate certification support so your operation runs smoother than ever.

👉 Visit operationsarmy.com to learn how our AI-powered teams can manage your Xactimate workflow, train your staff, and improve your bottom line.

Final Thoughts: Is Xactimate Certification Worth It?

Absolutely. Certification gives you the tools, confidence, and credibility to grow your income and streamline your work. Whether you're a solo estimator or part of a large team, it’s one of the most valuable credentials in the restoration and insurance space.

If you're serious about scaling your business, training a team, or delivering more accurate estimates—start with Xactimate certification.

And if you want help setting up your workflow, getting your team trained, or offloading back-office work, OpsArmy can help.

OpsArmy Can Help

OpsArmy is building AI-native back office operations as a service (OaaS). We help businesses run their day-to-day operations with AI-augmented teams, delivering outcomes across sales, admin, finance, and hiring. In a world where every team is expected to do more with less, OpsArmy provides fully managed “Ops Pods” that blend deep knowledge experts, structured playbooks, and AI copilots. Think of us as your operational infrastructure: running faster, leaner, and smarter business execution. 

👉 Visit operationsarmy.com to learn more.

Sources

• Xactware Certification Portal – https://www.xactware.com

• Verisk Training Options – https://www.verisk.com

• AdjusterPro Certification Courses – https://www.adjusterpro.com