KMC On Demand(SM) and a key insurance industry advisorycommittee have released the second Property Technical Certification(PTC) program, which focuses on exterior loss adjusting.

PTC is designed to fill a gap in validation of expertise amongproperty claims adjusters. "As experienced adjusters move towardretirement, we are seeing a growing need for claims processingskills and technical know-how," says Douglas F. Dell, senior vicepresident of eLearning for Crawford Educational Services, whichincludes KMC On Demand. "PTC can help organizations handle theprofessional development and succession planning challenges theyare facing in today's market."

PTC II reviews key elements of residential and commercialexterior loss adjusting, including framing, roofing, siding,fencing, drains and claims handling. The program is available viaKMC On Demand and also AdjusterPro, which offers educational andcareer resources for adjusters, and the National Association of CatastropheAdjusters.

PTC I, which was launched in early 2011, focuses on coreproperty adjusting skills. As the module enters its second year ofdeployment, test results indicate enhanced skills and early signsof improved claims administration among those who have taken theprogram, according to Dell.

"If you compare pre- and post-mastery test questions answered bycertificate holders, the average improvement is significant," Dellsaid. "This shows that the program helps adjusters absorb andretain what they have learned. Our initial results also showimprovement in the speed of claim handling and a reduction in thedays that claims remain open, a validation that adjusters can applythe knowledge once they are back in the field."

Comprising the Property Advisory Committee(PAC) are high-level professionals from insurancecompanies, independent adjusting companies, and contractornetworks. PAC committee members worked together for morethan two years to establish the PTC, including collaboration ontechnical content. The program provides:

• Online instruction and training in specific property technicalknowledge, skills, and competencies.
• Evaluation of achievements that demonstrate knowledge.
• Certificate and CE credits awarded to participants who meetperformance and proficiency goals.

PTC III, which deals with interior property construction andclaims handling, is in development.