Courses: Classroom courses

Vale Certified™ Roofing Specialist

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Search for a certified specialist.
Course information
Price

$1695.00

Duration

3 Days

Click on a date below to register:


Email [email protected] to register.

The course reviews proper methods for completing research and analysis on roofs before and after inspection.

80% of insurance losses today are building envelope related, specifically in the area of residential and commercial roofing issues. To process these claims quickly and accurately, it is essential for property adjusters and appraisers to have a qualitative understanding of assessment considerations specific to roofing systems.  To meet this need, Vale Training and EFI Global, a leading engineering and fire investigation, environmental and technical consultancy, have teamed together to create the Vale Advanced Roofing Certification program.

How to become certified

This advanced level program is designed for property damage estimators and appraisers with prior property experience and industry related education such as attendance at seminars or industry classes within the roof estimating, roof construction, fall protection or property damage assessment.

The course and exam

EFI Global Professional Engineers (PEs) and Roof Consultants (RRCs) provide the technical content and instruction for the 3-day course with detailed information on steep and low slope roofs, including construction, coverings, wind-hail storm damage assessment, weathering and mechanical damage, damage estimating, product identification and repair methods.  The program covers Damage Assessment techniques such as moisture migration and energy basics and testing.  The qualitative analysis techniques covered include IR Thermography, Lab Testing, Cores, Spray rack testing and Roof uplift testing. 

Following the course, participants must successfully pass a 3 hour, 50 question multiple-choice exam to become certified.  After the class a refresher every 5 years or so is recommended.

Questions?

For more information, contact Vale Training at 817-633-4800.

 

Commercial Adjusting

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Course information
Price

$2,295.00

Duration

1 week

Click on a date below to register:

November 9 – 13, 2026 (Virtual)

Please check back if your course is not yet open for registration

 

This course begins with an analysis of standard commercial property coverage forms with a focus on the Building and Personal Property Coverage Form, Covered Causes of Loss Forms, and Businessowners Coverage Form.  The discussion will also include a review of the commercial property declarations, conditions, and frequently seen endorsements.  Other subjects covered in class will consist of the preparation of narrative reports and a statement of loss for commercial property claims.

Later in the week we analyze the Business Income coverage forms.  Topics include basic accounting terms and principles, and a review of a profit and loss statement and other related documents.  Students will receive an introduction to calculating small business income and extra expense losses.

Class projects include claim scenarios on business property and business income losses.  The scenarios are used to illustrate key points and provides the opportunity for practical application of the concepts learned in class.  These case study assignments provide a hands-on experience that provides students with the confidence to handle commercial property claims.

At the conclusion of the course students will be able to read and apply standard ISO™ commercial building and business property coverages. They will understand the principles of business income coverage, determine the necessary documents needed to support a business income loss, and understand how to calculate the payment for limited business income losses.

Note:  This course does not provide instruction on commercial property construction, damage assessment, or estimating.

Audience:

This one-week course is designed for the property adjuster who needs a working knowledge of ISO’s™ Commercial Property, Businessowners, and Business Income coverages, and needs to learn how a business income loss is calculated.

PreReqs:

None.

Course Topics: 

Commercial Property Forms
Business Owners Form
Business Income Coverage Forms
Common Endorsements
Narrative Report and Statement of Loss
Commercial Property Coverage Projects
Business Income Definitions, Terms, and Concepts
Understanding the Profit and Loss Statement
Business Income Case Studies
Course Reference Materials and Calculators

 

 

Commercial Property Program

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Course information
Price

$3,295.00

Duration

2 weeks

Click on a date below to register:

November 9 – 20, 2026 (Virtual)

Please check back if your course is not yet open for registration

This course provides an introduction to common construction methods and materials used in modern commercial buildings.  Topics include concrete and masonry construction, wood and metal framing, and commercial windows and doors.  Interior finishes and mechanical systems are also reviewed.

Throughout the week, students are introduced to terminology, material identification, damage assessment and repairs of the various structural components of the building.  Class exercises include preparing estimates based on given damage scenarios.

Additional costs associated with commercial building estimates are also considered, such as demolition, debris removal, equipment rental, temporary protection, and other general conditions.  The role of engineers, building consultants, and other experts is discussed.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have the basic knowledge to review or prepare an estimate involving damage to common commercial building materials.

Note:  This course does not teach coverage analysis or how to assess a business income loss.

Audience:

This one-week course is designed for the individual who is required to produce or review structural damage repair estimates on commercial buildings. The emphasis is on buildings of four stories or less.

PreReqs:

Candidates should have some familiarity with the electronic estimating software of their choice (Xactimate or Symbility). An understanding of residential building materials and construction is also helpful, but is not required.

Course Topics: 

General Conditions
Masonry and Concrete
Wood and Metal Framing
Roof and Wall Materials 
Doors, Windows, and Glass
Interior Finishes
Mechanical Systems
Daily Scoping and Estimating Exercises

Residential Examiner

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Course information
Price

$2,295.00

Duration

1 week virtual course

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Please check back if your course is not yet open for registration

Designed for:
The Residential Examiner course is a 1-week class focused on teaching file reviewers, desk adjusters, and examiners how to review completed estimates on damaged residential buildings which have been prepared by other adjusters or contractors.

Key Learning Objective:
Classroom discussion focuses on identifying common building materials, resolving scoping issues, and analyzing claim estimates for property claims. While students do not write estimates in this course, real claim estimates are used to help prepare desk adjusters to find common errors made by field adjusters and contractors relating to misidentifying building materials, mistakes in measuring, misapplication of estimating software, and other scoping errors.

Syllabus:

Introduction
Scoping defined, estimate sequence, diagrams, photographs. 
Construction trades, calculating debris removal, and application of minimum charges.

Interior 
Drywall, textures, paint, paneling, moldings, cabinets, countertops.  
Types of materials and pricing factors.

Doors, Windows, Glass 
Types of materials and pricing factors. 

Flooring 
Wood, carpet, and vinyl. 
Guidelines for drying floors.

Exterior 
Roofing, exterior claddings, fences, insulation. 

Estimate Sequence 
The importance of sorting estimates.

Residential Estimating

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Course information
Price

$3,295
$3,890

Duration

2 weeks (Virtual)
2 weeks (Hybrid)

Click on a date below to register:

October 5 – 16, 2026 (Virtual)
November 9 – 20, 2026 (Virtual)
December 7 – 18, 2026 (Virtual)

Please check back if your course is not yet open for registration

This two week course is part 2 of the 3 week Property Adjusting course. The best value is to enroll in the full 3 week course.

Vale is now offering select courses with a hybrid option*.

The Residential Estimating course is delivered virtually most months but once per quarter we offer a hybrid option. The hybrid format allows for the initial portion of the course to be delivered virtually with the final week providing an option for students to continue virtually or join us at our Arlington, TX facility to experience our claims house, framing displays, mock-ups and classroom materials. Students choosing the classroom-based delivery will travel to our Arlington, TX facility to get hands-on training along with extra time with the instructor.

*Hybrid option – Student chooses in the final week of the program to continue with the virtual format or travel to or Arlington, TX facility to experience live, hands-on training. Lunch will be provided each day for students.

Designed for: Designed for the field adjuster, desk examiner, public adjuster and restoration contractor handling all levels of dwelling damage estimating.

Key Learning Objective: This two-week class teaches students how to scope and prepare thorough and accurate estimates on residential dwelling damage using their choice of leading automated estimating systems. All phases of residential construction are introduced including framing, windows and doors, interior and exterior finishes, roofing and mechanical systems. Class discussion includes material identification, nomenclature, measurement, damages, repair versus replacement, and unit cost analyses. Hands-on scoping and estimating exercises are incorporated into the instruction.

The emphasis is on learning to prepare complete, detailed and accurate estimates on damaged dwellings. After successfully completing this course, the student will have the skills and knowledge to prepare a complete and accurate electronic estimate for minor to moderate interior and exterior residential dwelling damage.

Prerequisites:

Attendees must be capable of operating Windows-based programs. Sponsors will need to indicate estimating program selection at the time of Registration.

Syllabus:

Introduction 
Definitions, Estimating, Scoping 
Diagramming, Trades, Tools 

Rough Carpentry 
Floors, Walls, Roofs 

Interior 
Plaster, Drywall, Ceilings, Paneling 

Millwork 
Trim, Cabinets, Countertops, Stairs

Doors, Windows, Glass 
Types and Materials 

Flooring 
Wood, Tile, Vinyl, Carpet 

Decorating 
Paint, Wallpaper 
Restoration, Deodorizing 

Exterior 
Siding, Trim, Soffits 
Gutters, Fences 

Roofing 
Roof Styles, Materials 
Measurements 

Masonry 
Concrete, Block, Brick 
Chimneys, Stucco 

HVAC 
Types, Insulation, Ductwork 

Plumbing 
Rough and Finish 
Water Heaters 
Supply, Containment, Drain 

Electrical 
Service, Fixtures 

Damages 
Estimating exercises that cover damages resulting from fire, water, wind, hail, hurricanes, collision and ensuing losses. 

This course uses the latest versions of: 

Symbility
Xactimate

Property Adjusting

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Course information
Price

$4,295
$4,890

Duration

3 weeks (Virtual)
3 weeks (Hybrid)

Click on a date below to register:

September 28 – October 16, 2026 (Virtual)
November 2 – 20, 2026 (Virtual)
November 30 – December 18, 2026 (Virtual)

Please check back if your course is not yet open for registration

Vale is now offering select courses with a hybrid option*.

We offer the property adjusting course with a live/hybrid option once per quarter. The format allows for the initial portion to be virtual with the final week to be classroom-based. The live classroom sessions will be hybrid. We will broadcast all live sessions to participants following our current virtual delivery protocols. This reflects interest in travel cost savings, learner scheduling challenges and the efficiency of having some production time retained by the virtual attendees.

The Property Adjusting course is delivered virtually most months but once per quarter we offer a hybrid option. The hybrid format allows for the initial portion of the course to be delivered virtually with the final week providing an option for students to continue virtually or join us at our Arlington, TX facility to experience our claims house, framing displays, mock-ups and classroom materials. Students choosing the classroom-based delivery will travel to our Arlington, TX facility to get hands-on training along with extra time with the instructor.

*Hybrid option – Student chooses in the final week of the program to continue with the virtual format or travel to or Arlington, TX facility to experience live, hands-on training. Lunch will be provided each day for students.

Course description

An intensive three-week course on property insurance coverage, property claims adjusting, and scoping and estimating residential dwelling damage.  It is designed for entry-level and experienced students who must be able to understand and apply policy language from standard Homeowners and Dwelling policies as they relate to investigating and handling property claims. 

The course includes the application of construction estimating concepts to residential building damages.  Students prepare estimates on the latest versions of the industry’s leading electronic estimating systems.

Strong emphasis is placed on learning how to read and apply the language in the ISO Homeowners (HO3) policy. Throughout the course, coverage application and structural estimating are integrated using workshops and claim scenarios to challenge the students to apply what they learn.

The student will learn to prepare damage estimates on their choice of electronic estimating systems, practice reporting and produce statements of loss just as they would in the real world of property claims adjusting. Arson, fraud, documentation techniques, reporting formats and good faith handling are also emphasized.

Upon successful completion the student will have the skills to analyze and apply property coverages, be able to investigate the cause of loss, prepare an electronic estimate, prepare a report package and negotiate and settle property losses.

Audience:

Entry-level adjusters and claim service representatives who will be assigned property losses involving Homeowner, Dwelling, and Condominium policies. Individuals with limited experience who will become catastrophe adjusters handling weather-related property losses resulting from hail, wind and/or water damage.

PreReqs:

Attendees must be capable of operating Windows-based programs. Sponsors will need to indicate estimating program selection at the time of Registration.

Syllabus:

Insurance Basics 
Insurance Principles 
Policy Structure 
Provisions Common to Property Policies 

Contracts 
Elements of a Legal Contract 
Distinct Characteristics of an Insurance Agreement
Rules for Interpreting policies 

Property Coverages 
Dwelling and Other Structures
Personal Property
Loss of Use 
Additional Coverages 
Selected Endorsements 

Causes of Loss 
Open Peril vs.. Named Perils 
Analysis of Specific Perils 
Court Cases 

Adjusting Losses 
Duties After a Loss 
Determining Value and Loss 
Apportionment of Losses 
Resolving Coverage Issues
Negotiation and Settlement 
Subrogation/Dispute Resolution 

Investigation 
Theft/Fraud Indicators 
Photos & Diagrams 

Projects 
Workshops on Coverage 
Loss Scenarios 
Testing and Evaluation 

Reporting 
Documentation of Events 
Captioned Reports 
Statement of Loss Format 

Good Faith Claims Handling 
Avoiding Bad Faith 

Structural Estimating Introduction 
Material Identification, Scoping, Estimating
Diagramming, Trades, Tools 

Rough Carpentry 
Floors, Walls, Roofs 

Interior 
Plaster, Drywall, Ceilings, Paneling 

Millwork 
Trim, Cabinets, Countertops, Stairs

Doors, Windows, Glass 
Types and Materials 

Flooring 
Wood, Tile, Vinyl, Carpet 

Decorating 
Paint, Wallpaper 
Restoration, Deodorizing 

Exterior 
Siding, Trim, Soffits 
Gutters, Fences 

Roofing 
Roof Styles, Materials 
Measurements 

Masonry 
Concrete, Block, Brick 
Chimneys, Stucco 

HVAC 
Types, Insulation, Ductwork 

Plumbing 
Rough and Finish 
Water Heaters 
Supply, Containment, Drain 

Electrical 
Service, Fixtures 

Damages 
Estimating exercises that cover damages resulting from fire, water, wind, hail, hurricanes, collision and ensuing losses. 

Students who enroll in this course may use the latest versions of: 

Symbility
Xactimate

Trucking and Commercial Vehicle Claims

Course information
Price

$1,595.00

Duration

3 days

Click on a date to register:

December 7 - 9, 2026

Please check back if your course is not yet open for registration

This Virtual Class is designed for adjusters with some experience and knowledge of basic claims adjusting. The course focuses on issues relevant to commercial auto claims, trucking liability, and cargo losses.

Students participate in workshops and case studies to build skills, increase confidence and encourage analytic decision making for commercial risks. With respect to commercial auto, the workshop concentrates on investigating and determining legal liability, tort negligence, damages, and the disposition of claims involving commercial vehicles. Included will be a discussion of issues peculiar to commercial risks, such as vicarious liability, deviation, and inland marine cargo. Commercial vehicles create an assumption of the organization as a target risk requiring expertise in investigating and resolving claims. 

Course is designed for:

  • Insurance Professionals in claims, underwriting, production, etc.
  • Adjusters and claims handlers for insurance carriers and independent companies
  • Third party administrators
  • Self-insured companies
  • Others who are responsible for investigating, evaluating and negotiating casualty claims

Course Details:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should have the skills necessary to evaluate a file for negotiating, determine the range, evaluate circumstances and other important factors that affect the range, and demonstrate the ability to properly negotiate a claim to conclusion.

For full course outline download the course brochure.

Course brochure: Trucking and Commercial Vehicle Claims

Instructor:

Taught by Vale Training’s Elise M. Farnham, CPCU, ARM, AIM, CPIW.  Elise is an insurance and risk management professional with extensive experience. She is an internationally acclaimed speaker and trainer having designed educational topics ranging from underwriting, to risk management, to claims administration, both casualty and property. Her career advancement from multi-line adjuster to senior management positions gives her real-world experience in assisting today’s insurance professionals in meeting the challenges they face. She has developed training and professional development programs for the industry’s largest organizations and provides expert commentary which is published quarterly. Her articles have appeared in industry publications in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. As an energetic instructor, her programs are interactive, especially when examining ethical issues relative to the industry. With a life-long career in insurance, Elise is a dynamic speaker and educator.

Key Expertise: Liability, Property, E&O and Bad Faith, Professional Liability, Personal lines auto, Personal lines property, Commercial lines auto, Commercial lines property, Risk Management, Negotiations, Fraud, Flood.

 

Commercial Liability & Negotiations

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Course information
Price

$2,295.00

Duration

5 days

Click on a date below to register:


This 3-day course will review relative to the Commercial Liability policy and negotiations. We will review coverage issues relative to the Commercial Liability policy including investigative requirements for confirming coverage, determining liability, and evaluating damages. The program will also focus on negotiations including the skills necessary to evaluate a file for negotiating, determine the range, evaluate circumstances and other important factors that affect the range, and demonstrate the ability to properly negotiate a claim to conclusion. Students have the option to sign up for the entire 5 day course or either of the individual components.

Level: Intermediate to advanced. For those who want to expand their knowledge of coverage afforded by the CGL. Since the course includes evaluation of court decisions, it is recommended that the attendee be knowledgeable about basic claim processes, terminology, and coverage review.

This course is designed for:

  • Insurance Professionals in claims, underwriting, production, etc.
  • Adjusters and claims handlers for insurance carriers and independent companies
  • Third party administrators
  • Self-insured companies
  • Others who are responsible for claim review or coverage and contract analysis

Following completion of this course, attendees will be able to:

  • Summarize the Commercial Liability Policy and intentions of coverage
  • Describe how the CGL differentiates coverage application under each Coverage part – A., B., and C.
  • Analyze how coverage can be altered or limited by the Exclusions, Conditions, and Limits/Valuations/Deductibles
  • Differentiate coverage triggers under the Claims-Made and Occurrence forms
  • Analyze court decisions regarding coverage language and contractual obligations

Course instructor: Elise M. Farnham, CPCU, ARM, AIM, CPIW
Elise is an insurance and risk management professional with extensive experience. She is an internationally acclaimed speaker and trainer having designed educational topics ranging from underwriting, to risk management, to claims administration, both casualty and property. Her career advancement from multi-line adjuster to senior management positions gives her real-world experience in assisting today’s insurance professionals in meeting the challenges they face. She has developed training and professional development programs for the industry’s largest organizations and provides expert commentary which is published quarterly. Her articles have appeared in industry publications in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. As an energetic instructor, her programs are interactive, especially when examining ethical issues relative to the industry. With a life-long career in insurance, Elise is a dynamic speaker and educator.

 

Casualty Adjusting Program

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Course information
Price

$2,295.00

Duration

1 week

Click on a date below to register for a virtual course:

November 9 – 13, 2026 (Virutal)
September 28 – October 2, 2026 (Virutal)

Please check back if your course is not yet open for registration

The one-week Casualty Adjusting course teaches the principles of Law and Legal Liability as they apply to automobile and general liability risks. The course focuses on the methods of investigating and determining legal liability, evaluation of damages, reserving, and settlement practices.

Students participate in workshops and case studies to build skills, increase confidence and encourage analytic decision making for self-insured risks. The workshops concentrate on investigating and determining legal duties, burden of proof, comparative fault, damages and the disposition of claims involving automobile and truck accidents, injuries sustained on owned premises by others, property damage to others and other common liability occurrences.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should have the skills necessary to evaluate a file for negotiating, determine the range, evaluate circumstances and other important factors that affect the range, and demonstrate the ability to properly negotiate a claim to conclusion.

This course is designed for:

  • Insurance Professionals in claims, underwriting, production, etc.
  • Adjusters and claims handlers for insurance carriers and independent companies.
  • Third party administrators
  • Self-insured companies
  • Others who are responsible for investigating, evaluating and negotiating casualty claims

Course Outline: 

 

Auto Examiner

Course information
Price

$2,295.00

Duration

1 week

Click on a date below to register for an upcoming virtual course:


Please check back if your course is not yet open for registration

Presentation combines classroom lecture, visual aids, and hands-on exercises. This program is performance-based; students perform practice estimates on each section of the vehicle (front, side, and rear impacts on outer body components). Each practice estimate is reviewed by the instructor and students at the vehicle, culminating in a graded test estimate.

Pre-written estimates are reviewed for content and accuracy.

Graduates of this program will be able to perform damage estimates on outer body panels of cars, light trucks, vans and SUV’s, and recognize signs of structural misalignment and damage to the most commonly damaged mechanical systems. Those charged with reviewing pre-written estimates from a remote location will gain tremendous effectiveness through hands on identification of vehicle parts and systems, and experiencing the estimating process. This includes engine and suspension system, component repair, structural realignment, vehicle identification, and basic estimating information.

Students learn how to calculate sheet metal and aluminum repair time.