Where to Find the Best In-Person Xactimate Training for Contractors

What Is In-Person Xactimate Training?

Overview of Class Structure

In-person Xactimate training is a hands-on, instructor-led course designed to teach students how to use the Xactimate estimating software efficiently. Instead of self-paced video modules or webinars, these classes take place at physical locations—often training centers, hotel conference rooms, or trade schools.

These sessions typically span one to three days and are taught by Xactimate-certified trainers. They walk students through everything from opening a new estimate to creating complex repair scopes.

Expect a mix of:

• Live demonstrations

• Step-by-step tutorials

• Guided exercises

• Personalized feedback

Who Benefits Most

This type of training is ideal for:

• Beginners who’ve never used Xactimate before

• Adjusters or contractors who prefer in-person learning

• Teams looking to get certified together

• Career switchers entering the insurance or restoration industry

In-person classes provide a supportive environment where you can ask questions and get immediate answers—something that’s hard to do in a video course.

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What’s Covered in a Typical Session

Most in-person training courses cover:

• How to install and navigate Xactimate

• Creating and sketching room layouts

• Adding line items from price lists

• Organizing photos and notes

• Finalizing and submitting estimates

• Tips for syncing with mobile and desktop versions

Some advanced classes also include insurance policy interpretation or integration with tools like Matterport.

Need help documenting training processes? Read How to Streamline Back-Office Operations.

Why Choose In-Person Training Over Online?

Real-Time Support from Instructors

The biggest advantage of in-person training is instant help. If you're stuck sketching a wall or entering a line item, an expert is there to walk you through it—live.

No long wait times, no scrolling through forums.

Hands-On Exercises for Better Retention

Studies show that people retain more when they physically do the task. These classes are full of interactive practice:

• Build real-world estimates

• Sketch floor plans using your own laptop

• Get graded on your accuracy

Hands-on repetition reinforces muscle memory, making you more confident in live job situations.

Explore how training supports operations in How to Train and Onboard SDRs for Success.

Peer Interaction and Networking

You’re not learning alone. In-person classes bring together adjusters, contractors, and field techs. These peer connections can lead to:

• Referrals

• Job opportunities

• Mentorships

Some students have even formed local study groups to prepare for Xactimate certification exams.

Need more ways to scale your professional network? Try How to Grow a Small Service Business.

What You’ll Learn in an In-Person Class

Sketching and Floorplan Creation

One of the first things you’ll master is Xactimate’s Sketch Tool, used to build digital models of damaged properties. Instructors will teach you how to:

• Draw accurate floorplans

• Add walls, doors, windows, and measurements

• Connect sketches to line items

Practicing these sketches in a live class with feedback helps you avoid costly errors in real jobs.

Line Item Entry and Estimate Review

Next, you’ll learn how to:

• Search for and add cost line items (e.g., “drywall removal” or “paint ceiling”)

• Use Xactimate’s localized pricing database

• Review and finalize an estimate with tax, overhead, and profit included

You’ll also work on grouping line items correctly by room and using macros to speed up repetitive tasks.

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Troubleshooting and Software Shortcuts

A good instructor will show you:

• Common issues in syncing or crashing

• Keyboard shortcuts and time-saving workflows

• How to recover corrupted files or misused estimate templates

Learning these “pro tips” early will save hours of trial and error later.

Where to Find In-Person Xactimate Classes

Xactware and Verisk-Hosted Locations

Xactware, the creator of Xactimate, offers in-person courses nationwide. Visit their site to find a calendar of live training events in major cities.

These sessions are taught by certified professionals and sometimes bundled with exam vouchers.

Independent Training Providers

There are many third-party trainers certified in Xactimate who offer smaller, local classes. Look for:

• Adjuster-specific training schools

• Restoration industry vendors

• Insurance career prep companies

Pro tip: Many of these providers offer custom training for teams or companies.

For team training resources, explore How to Build a High-Performance Remote Team.

Events and Trade Shows

Large industry events like the PLRB Claims Conference, RIA Expo, or IA Path Summit often include live workshops or mini Xactimate courses.

These are great places to learn, get certified, and network all in one trip.

Tips to Prepare for Your First Class

What to Bring

You’ll need:

• A Windows laptop with Xactimate installed (not just the web version)

• A mouse and stylus for easier sketching

• Your Xactimate login credentials

• A notebook for tips and software shortcuts

Make sure your system meets minimum specs—classes often don’t provide extra devices.

Common Beginner Questions

Instructors are used to questions like:

• “Why doesn’t my sketch save?”

• “How do I copy an estimate?”

• “What’s the difference between macros and templates?”

In-person sessions are perfect for getting clarity on the basics before diving into certifications.

Need support setting up operations? Read How to Automate Back-Office Operations.

Post-Class Study Resources

After the session, reinforce your skills with:

• Access to online replays or PDFs provided by your instructor

• Practice estimates using real job examples

• Reviewing the Xactimate White Pages and Pricing Guides

Pair training with productivity tools in Top 10 Tech Tools for Back Office Teams.

Is In-Person Training Worth It?

Cost vs. Benefit Analysis

In-person training costs range from $400 to $800. That might sound high—until you factor in:

• Faster learning

• Better estimate accuracy

• Fewer rejected claims

• Certification readiness

It often pays for itself in your first few jobs.

Certification and CE Credit Opportunities

Many in-person courses include Level 1 or Level 2 Xactimate Certification prep, or offer CE credits for licensed adjusters. This gives your résumé a boost while helping you meet state renewal requirements.

Learn more about growing your skills in Outsourced HR for Startups.

Long-Term Career Impact

Professionals with live training often:

• Complete jobs faster

• Win more contracts due to higher estimate quality

• Move into team lead or field supervisor roles faster

Live learning boosts confidence—especially when you’re new to the industry.

Real-Life Success Stories from In-Person Xactimate Training

One of the best ways to understand the value of in-person Xactimate training is by hearing from those who’ve taken the leap and seen results. These real-life stories from adjusters, restoration contractors, and property professionals showcase just how impactful hands-on learning can be.

Story 1: From Struggling Adjuster to Six-Figure Independent Contractor

Meet Carla, a former roofing sales rep who transitioned into insurance adjusting. When she first downloaded Xactimate, she was overwhelmed by the interface, pricing menus, and sketch tool.

“I watched YouTube tutorials for weeks, but nothing stuck,” she said. “Then I took a two-day in-person training in Dallas. It changed everything.”

During the class, Carla:

• Practiced sketching homes on her laptop with live coaching

• Completed estimate simulations for wind, hail, and fire damage

• Asked dozens of questions—and got clear, real-time answers

Six months later, Carla was handling catastrophe deployments across the Southeast. Her estimates were rarely returned for edits, and she credits the confidence she gained in that live class.

Key takeaway: In-person training helped Carla accelerate her learning curve, increasing her earning potential dramatically.

Looking to grow your career like Carla? Read How to Scale Your Business With Virtual Assistants.

Story 2: Restoration Company Saves Time on Every Job

BlueWave Restoration, a small disaster response company in Michigan, sent their entire field team to a three-day, instructor-led Xactimate bootcamp.

Before training, their estimates often had:

• Missing line items

• Sketch errors

• Confusion over local pricing codes

After the course, the team began:

• Sketching accurately during inspections

• Adding complete documentation with photos and notes

• Syncing files smoothly between mobile and desktop

As a result, BlueWave reduced estimate revisions by over 40%—saving both time and money on every job.

They also reported faster claim approvals, which improved customer satisfaction and boosted repeat business.

Key takeaway: Group in-person training improves workflow, communication, and operational efficiency across teams.

For more on streamlining operations, check out How to Streamline Back-Office Operations.

Story 3: Career Change Made Possible by Live Training

Tyrone, a former firefighter, wanted a second career in damage assessment and insurance. With no prior tech experience, he found the software intimidating.

He enrolled in a weekend course hosted at a regional trade school.

The instructor broke down:

• Each tool, starting from the dashboard

• Real-world estimating examples from fire and water damage jobs

• Key shortcuts to speed up input and reduce manual effort

After training, Tyrone passed his Level 1 Xactimate Certification and secured a job as a staff adjuster at a national carrier. Within a year, he was promoted to senior field estimator.

Key takeaway: Even for those without a background in insurance or construction, in-person Xactimate training can be a gateway to new career opportunities.

Want to transition careers like Tyrone? Read High-Paying Remote Opportunities with Amazon Virtual Assistant Jobs.

Final Thoughts on Live Learning

What do these stories have in common? They all prove that:

• Live, hands-on learning accelerates success

• Real-time support builds confidence quickly

• Interactive settings foster collaboration and accountability

If you’re serious about mastering Xactimate, attending a live class could be your fastest path to success. You’ll gain real skills, meet helpful peers, and walk away ready to build accurate estimates that get approved the first time.

Pair your training with:

• What Is Back Office Outsourcing and Why Companies Should Consider It

• How to Run a Small Business Profitably

• How to Build Your Dream Team

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Sources

• Xactware Official Training – https://www.xactware.com/en-us/training/xactimate-training/instructor-led-training/

• AdjusterTV – Training Reviews and Tips – https://www.youtube.com/@AdjusterTV

• PLRB Events – https://www.plrb.org/