Xactimate offers three certification levels that progressively cover the platform’s depth. For restoration operators staffing an estimating function, knowing which level each role actually needs is the difference between an over-trained team that costs too much and an under-trained team that produces inconsistent estimates. This guide breaks down what each level covers, what it costs, and how to think about certification across roles.
For broader context on how Xactimate fits into restoration operations, see our restoration pricing and estimating master guide.
Level 1 — Fundamentals
Level 1 covers the foundational use of Xactimate: navigation, project setup, creating estimates, adding line items, and basic sketching. It is designed for users who are new to the platform or want to solidify the fundamentals.
For restoration teams, Level 1 is the right baseline for anyone who touches an estimate at any stage — field techs who capture initial sketches, project managers who review estimates, and ownership who needs to read estimates intelligently. The certification establishes a shared vocabulary across the team and prevents the most common usage mistakes.
Level 2 — Proficiency / Power User
Level 2 builds on Level 1 and goes deeper into the more advanced platform capabilities — complex sketching, custom price lists, advanced reporting, and platform-level configuration. It is the right target for the team members who actually build estimates daily.
For most restoration companies, Level 2 should be the standard for senior estimators, project managers responsible for estimate sign-off, and anyone who configures price lists or custom rules for the company. The depth of Level 2 is what separates an estimator who builds defensible, complete estimates from one who produces work that triggers TPA reductions.
Level 3 — Mastery
Level 3 is reserved for the most complex scopes and is described as appropriate for veteran insurance adjusters with years of field experience handling the most complicated claims. The certification covers the full depth of the platform and the most nuanced estimating scenarios.
For most restoration companies, Level 3 is overkill for the standard estimating workflow. The exception is companies that handle large-loss commercial work, work as TPA program subcontractors with audit responsibilities, or operate as third-party estimating services. For those use cases, Level 3 represents a meaningful credential.
What the Exams Look Like
Each certification level requires passing an exam administered by Verisk. The passing score is 70 percent. A current Xactimate license is required to take the exams. Once achieved, certification is valid for two years before renewal is required.
The two-year renewal cycle matters for staffing planning — certifications are not lifetime credentials, and budgeting for re-certification every two years is part of running a properly trained estimating team.
What Certification Costs
Verisk offers training and exam options directly through its training platform. Third-party training providers also offer Xactimate Level 1 and Level 2 certification preparation, often bundled together. Pricing through major third-party providers tends to land around $650 for combined Level 1 and Level 2 training, with regional variation.
For operators staffing multiple estimators, building a relationship with a single training provider and running team-wide certification cycles is often more cost-effective than ad hoc individual training. Some providers offer group rates and customized training for restoration-specific scopes.
How to Think About Certification ROI
The return on certification investment is not the credential itself — it is the reduction in estimating mistakes, audit reductions, and re-work that comes from a properly trained team. A single avoided $5,000 audit reduction pays for a team’s annual training budget several times over. Companies that under-invest in certification consistently leave more money on the table than they save in training cost.
Recommended Certification Map for Restoration Teams
A practical certification map for a restoration company:
- Field techs and admin staff — Level 1 baseline, refreshed every two years
- Senior estimators and project managers — Level 2 standard, refreshed every two years
- Lead estimator / estimating manager — Level 2 minimum, Level 3 if handling large-loss commercial work
- Owner / executive — Level 1 understanding to read and review estimates intelligently
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Xactimate certification levels are there?
There are three certification levels: Level 1 (Fundamentals), Level 2 (Proficiency / Power User), and Level 3 (Mastery). Each level builds on the previous one, but you do not have to take them in sequence — a user can pursue Level 2 without holding Level 1.
What score is required to pass an Xactimate certification exam?
The passing score is 70 percent. A current Xactimate license is required to take the exam. Once passed, the certification is valid for two years before renewal is required.
How much does Xactimate certification training cost?
Pricing varies by provider. Third-party providers commonly offer combined Level 1 and Level 2 training in the $650 range, with regional and seasonal variation. Verisk also offers training and exam options directly through its platform. For up-to-date pricing, check the Verisk training site or your preferred third-party provider.
Which Xactimate certification level do my estimators need?
For most restoration companies, Level 1 is the right baseline for anyone who touches an estimate, and Level 2 is the standard for daily estimators and project managers. Level 3 is appropriate primarily for large-loss commercial estimators or third-party estimating professionals.
How often do I need to renew Xactimate certification?
Certifications are valid for two years. Renewal requires re-testing at the same level. Plan the recertification cycle into your annual training budget and stagger renewals across team members to avoid bunching the workload.
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