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Question 1

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Which homeowners policy form provides open perils coverage on both the dwelling and personal property?

HO-2

HO-3

HO-5

HO-8

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Key Facts: SPPA Exam

Questions per Exam

The Institutes

65 min

Time Per Exam

Virtual proctored

70%

Passing Score

Per course exam

10 yrs

Experience Required

Full-time adjusting

$259

Early Exam Fee

Per course

3+1

Courses Required

Plus free ethics

Earning the SPPA requires 10 years of full-time adjusting experience plus a college degree (or equivalent). Candidates complete three virtual proctored course exams (AIC 304, AINS 101, SPPA 300) — each 50 questions, 65 minutes, 70% to pass — plus the free Ethics 311 module. Exam fee is $259 early / $339 standard per course. Completing SPPA 300 also earns the Certificate in Professional Public Adjusting (CPPA).

Sample SPPA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your SPPA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which homeowners policy form provides open perils coverage on both the dwelling and personal property?

A.HO-2

B.HO-3

C.HO-5

D.HO-8

Explanation: The HO-5 (Comprehensive Form) provides open perils coverage on both Coverage A (dwelling) and Coverage C (personal property). Unlike an HO-3, which only opens up the dwelling side, the HO-5 shifts the burden of proof on personal property losses to the insurer for any peril not specifically excluded.

2In property insurance, what does Actual Cash Value (ACV) generally mean?

A.Replacement cost of the property, no matter the age

B.Replacement cost minus physical depreciation

C.Market value of the property at the time of loss

D.The policy limit on Coverage A

Explanation: ACV is traditionally defined as replacement cost new less depreciation, where depreciation reflects physical wear, tear, and sometimes obsolescence. Some jurisdictions use the broad evidence rule or fair market value in place of the RCLD formula, so a senior public adjuster must know which standard applies in the loss state.

3How long does the insured typically have to submit a sworn proof of loss under a standard HO-3?

A.15 days from the date of loss

B.30 days from the date of loss

C.60 days after the insurer's request

D.One year after the loss

Explanation: Most property policies require the insured to submit a signed, sworn proof of loss within 60 days after the insurer's request. The requirement is triggered by the carrier's demand (or the policy language), not automatically by the date of loss.

4Which of the following best describes the purpose of the appraisal clause in a property insurance policy?

A.To determine whether coverage applies

B.To resolve disputes over the amount of loss

C.To set attorney fees in a first-party suit

D.To waive the insured's right to sue the carrier

Explanation: Appraisal is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism that resolves disputes over the amount of loss — not coverage. Each party selects a competent and impartial appraiser; those two select an umpire, and any two of the three can issue a binding award as to value.

5An Examination Under Oath (EUO) is best described as:

A.A voluntary recorded statement

B.A deposition-style sworn examination under a policy condition

C.A required criminal-court testimony

D.A mandatory mediation session

Explanation: An EUO is a post-loss policy condition that allows the insurer to question the insured under oath, usually before a court reporter, regarding the claim. Refusing to submit to a properly noticed EUO can breach the policy and defeat coverage.

6Coinsurance in a property policy is best described as:

A.A penalty for late premium payment

B.A requirement to insure to a stated percentage of value to avoid a loss-settlement penalty

C.A cap on the insurer's liability for catastrophes

D.A deductible endorsement

Explanation: Coinsurance requires the insured to carry insurance equal to a stated percentage (commonly 80%, 90%, or 100%) of the property's value. If the insured is underinsured at the time of loss, the claim payment is reduced by the coinsurance formula: (did / should) × loss − deductible.

7Business Income coverage under ISO CP 00 30 generally covers loss of income during:

A.Any period the insured chooses

B.The period of restoration

C.Only the 30 days following the loss

D.A 12-month period from the date of loss

Explanation: CP 00 30 covers net income that would have been earned plus continuing normal operating expenses during the period of restoration — from 72 hours after the direct loss until the property should be repaired, rebuilt, or replaced with reasonable speed and similar quality (or until operations resume at a new location).

8Ordinance or Law coverage is typically divided into which three parts?

A.A (loss to undamaged portion), B (demolition), C (increased cost of construction)

B.A (fire), B (water), C (wind)

C.A (contents), B (structure), C (loss of use)

D.A (BI), B (EE), C (civil authority)

Explanation: Building Ordinance or Law endorsements are written in three coverage parts: Coverage A pays for the loss to the undamaged portion that must be removed to comply with code, Coverage B pays demolition costs, and Coverage C pays the increased cost of construction to rebuild to current code.

9A contingency fee paid to a public adjuster is:

A.A percentage of the insurance recovery

B.A flat hourly rate

C.A fee paid only by the insurer

D.A salary paid regardless of outcome

Explanation: A contingency fee is typically a percentage of the insurance proceeds paid to the policyholder by the carrier. Most states cap the maximum percentage (commonly 10% or 20%) and impose lower caps during declared catastrophes.

10Subrogation allows the insurer to:

A.Cancel coverage after a loss

B.Recover paid claim dollars from a responsible third party

C.Increase premiums after a claim

D.Deny coverage for future losses

Explanation: Subrogation is the insurer's contractual and equitable right to step into the insured's shoes and pursue a negligent third party for amounts the insurer has paid on the claim. A pre-loss waiver of subrogation in a contract may prevent that recovery.

About the SPPA Exam

The SPPA (Senior Professional Public Adjuster) is the highest designation for public adjusters, jointly supported by NAPIA (National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters) and administered by The Institutes. Candidates must complete AIC 304, AINS 101, and SPPA 300 plus the free Ethics 311 course. The program recognizes senior-level mastery of policy interpretation, good-faith claims handling, property valuation, and the professional duties a public adjuster owes the insured.

Assessment

3 core course exams plus free ethics module

Time Limit

65 minutes per course exam

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$259 early / $339 standard per course exam (The Institutes (in partnership with NAPIA))

SPPA Exam Content Outline

25%

Policy Interpretation & Coverage

HO and commercial property policy structure, declarations, insuring agreement, exclusions, endorsements, named perils vs. open perils, Ordinance or Law coverage, coinsurance, deductibles, and state-specific regulatory overlays

25%

Property Claims Evaluation & Damage Valuation

ACV vs. RCV, depreciation methods, like kind and quality, scope of loss, Xactimate and Symbility estimating, Matterport and drone documentation, salvage, matching, and mitigation

20%

Claim Handling, Proof of Loss & Disputes

Sworn proof of loss, duties after loss, examination under oath (EUO), reservation of rights, denial letters, the appraisal clause, mediation, bad faith exposure, and subrogation

15%

Specialty Coverages: BI, Extra Expense & Catastrophe

Business interruption period of restoration, coinsurance penalty, extra expense vs. expediting expense, contingent BI, catastrophe deployment, CAT numbers, and FEMA/NFIP flood interaction

15%

Professional Practice, Ethics & Regulation

Public adjuster licensing, contingency fee caps, assignment of benefits (AOB), Florida HB 837, solicitation and unfair claims settlement practices, 1099 vs. W-2 adjusters, and NAPIA ethical standards

How to Pass the SPPA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Assessment: 3 core course exams plus free ethics module
Time limit: 65 minutes per course exam
Exam fee: $259 early / $339 standard per course exam

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SPPA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the property insurance policy architecture — declarations, insuring agreement, conditions, exclusions, endorsements — and know where to find Ordinance or Law, coinsurance, and BI provisions

2Drill ACV vs. RCV, recoverable vs. non-recoverable depreciation, and the math behind a coinsurance penalty — these are high-frequency SPPA exam topics

3Understand the mechanics of the appraisal clause, proof of loss deadlines, and examination under oath (EUO) — senior PAs must know when to invoke each remedy

4Study business interruption: period of restoration, coinsurance, extra expense vs. expediting expense, and contingent BI

5Know your state's public adjuster regulations cold — contingency fee caps, solicitation rules, AOB restrictions (especially Florida HB 837), and licensing reciprocity

6Practice Xactimate and Symbility logic: line items, O&P, waste factors, and like-kind-and-quality matching disputes

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the SPPA designation?

The SPPA designation is administered by The Institutes (Risk & Insurance Knowledge Group) in partnership with NAPIA (National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters). Although NAPIA originated the program in 1986, exam delivery, scoring, and credentialing are handled by The Institutes. Candidates register and take all SPPA exams through theinstitutes.org.

What are the SPPA prerequisites?

To earn the SPPA, candidates need 10 years of full-time adjusting experience plus either a college degree or equivalent education, experience, or knowledge. Candidates complete three core courses — AIC 304 (Successfully Evaluating Property Claims), AINS 101 (Increasing Your Insurance IQ), and SPPA 300 (Navigating Claims as a Public Adjuster) — along with the free Ethics 311 module.

How many questions are on each SPPA course exam?

Each SPPA course exam contains 50 multiple-choice questions and you have 65 minutes to complete it. The passing score is 70% (35 of 50 correct). Exams are virtual proctored through The Institutes, so you can take them remotely on your own computer during a scheduled testing window.

How much does the SPPA cost?

Each course exam costs $259 with early virtual registration or $339 at the standard virtual rate — saving $80 per exam if you register before the testing window opens. With three required courses plus the free Ethics 311 module, the total cost ranges from roughly $777 (early) to $1,017 (standard), not including study materials.

How long does it take to earn the SPPA?

Plan for roughly 4–6 weeks of study per course, totaling 6–9 months for the full designation. Most working adjusters study 8–12 hours per week while handling claims. The program is self-paced, so you can move faster during slow claim seasons and slower during CAT deployments.

Is the SPPA worth it for a public adjuster?

Yes — the SPPA is the most senior designation available to public adjusters and signals mastery of policy interpretation, property claims evaluation, and NAPIA ethics. It strengthens credibility with carriers, courts, and policyholders, supports higher-fee engagements, and is often cited in expert witness qualifications and senior roles at larger PA firms.

What is the difference between PPA, CPPA, and SPPA?

NAPIA historically recognized the Professional Public Adjuster (PPA) as an intermediate designation. Under the current Institutes program, completing SPPA 300 earns the Certificate in Professional Public Adjusting (CPPA) — a standalone credential — and contributes toward the full SPPA designation once AIC 304, AINS 101, and Ethics 311 are also completed.