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Xactimate certification

Understand the three certification levels

Xactimate offers three levels of user certification designed to independently verify product knowledge and proficiency. See how the levels build on one another, compare the expectations, and choose the training path that fits your experience.

Compare the levels
A progressive path
1
FoundationCore estimating workflow and product skills
2
ProficiencyGreater speed, accuracy, and complexity
3
Advanced masteryComplex concepts and demanding scenarios
Certification path

Choose the level that matches your experience

Each level builds on the one before it. Start with your current proficiency—not simply the credential you eventually want.

L1
FOUNDATION

Level 1

Core tools and end-to-end residential estimating workflow.

View Level 1
L2
PROFICIENCY

Level 2

Intermediate concepts, productivity, and estimating accuracy.

View Level 2
L3
ADVANCED

Level 3

Complex workflows and advanced estimating mastery.

View Level 3
What to expect

How the certification exams are structured

The three levels evaluate both practical product use and the knowledge behind the workflow. The detailed requirements for each level appear below.

1

Sketch and Scope Lab

Complete a hands-on estimating scenario that tests how you organize, sketch, and scope the work.

2

Practical Exam

Demonstrate your ability to apply Xactimate tools and workflows in realistic estimating situations.

3

Knowledge Exam

Answer questions covering terminology, features, concepts, and the skills expected at that level.

Before you schedule: Requirements, timing, question counts, and software specifications may change. Confirm the certification provider’s current instructions before testing.

LEVEL 1

Xactimate Level 1

Build confidence with the core tools and workflow needed to create a residential estimate from start to finish.

Best suited to newer Xactimate users who want to validate a dependable working foundation.

Knowledge requirements

The Level 1 Certified individual will be required to demonstrate that the following learning objectives have been met:

  • Demonstrates understanding of the 4-step estimating process, connecting to XactAnalysis, downloading assignments, Projects tab, Control Center.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Claim Information including: insured name, multiple addresses/phone numbers, estimator/reference info, policy/claim info, deductible, price list, tax jurisdiction, activity defaults, overhead and profit, company header.
  • Can complete and print an estimate in Xactimate.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Sketch windows, Tools, Search pane, Sketch workspace, Items section, View Tools, Plan View, Zoom to Selection, Zoom In, Zoom to Extents, Pan Tool, 3-D View.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Room Features, such as Wall Handle, Wall Thickness, Interior/Exterior Dimensions, Room Properties, Ceiling Type/Height, Square Break Tool, Custom Staircase Tool, Doors, Windows, Sign/Click and Drag method, Deduct Openings, Missing Walls, Basic Room Variables F, PF, W, WC, C PC.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Estimate Items, Quick Entry, Grouping, Search/ Macros, Category code, Selector code, Activity, Description, Calculation, Unit Price, Unit of Measure, Click for Detail, Reference/Keyword Search, Home Link, Predictive Text.
  • Demonstrates understanding of marking an estimate “Completed,” required information, changing estimate status to “Completed,” Print Options, View/Print Reports, Export/Email PDF File, types of Estimate Reports.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Measurement View, Measurement Locks, Roof Annotations, Roof Tool, Roof Properties, Roof Types, such as Gable, Flat/Shed, Hip, Partial Hip, Dutch Hip, Half Hip, Gambrel, Barrel, Turret, Manual, Square Break Tool, Roof Overbuild, Roof Subgroup, basic roof variables SQ, SF, P, R.
  • Demonstrates understanding of the Projects tab, Xactimate Help, Data Transfer, Sharing/Copying Data such as estimates, price lists, and macros.
  • Demonstrates understanding of the three methods for updating prices, price list updates, naming convention of a price list.
Complete exam details

The Level 1 Certification Exam is divided into three different sections, as follows:

1. Sketch and Scope Lab
In this hands-on lab, individuals are required to use their own locally installed Xactimate (or Online version) to create an estimate. The most recent version of Xactimate is required. The estimate consists of a Sketch and scope scenario that must be completed accurately. The estimate will be used to answer the questions found in the Practical Exam section. The Sketch and Scope labs are not timed, and individuals may exit and return to the lab as needed prior to beginning the Practical Exam and Knowledge Exam. The approximate time required to complete this section is 60–120 minutes.

2. Practical Exam
In this section of the exam, individuals are asked 30 questions pertaining to the estimate created in the Sketch and Scope labs. Questions are specific to the scope, quantities, dimensions, and pricing from the estimate. This section of the exam is timed. The approximate time required to complete this section is 30 - 90 minutes. Passing grade is 70%.

3. Knowledge Exam
This portion of the exam consists of 30 multiple-choice, true/false, and matching questions. Questions are related to the learning objectives listed below in the Knowledge Requirements section of this document. This section of the exam is timed. The approximate time required to complete this section is 30 - 90 minutes. Passing grade is 70%.

LEVEL 2

Xactimate Level 2

Demonstrate stronger estimating judgment, speed, and accuracy across more involved claims and project scenarios.

Best suited to experienced users who work in Xactimate regularly and are ready for more advanced workflows.

Knowledge requirements

The Level 2 Certified individual will be required to demonstrate that the following learning objectives have been met:

  • Demonstrates understanding of Claim Info, Contact Manager/Import from Contacts, Parameters, Depreciation Options, Tokens, Opening and Closing Statements.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Room Properties, Relation to Level, Ceiling Type, Orientation Tool, Sketch Staircases, Square Break Tool (click + drag method), Vertex Tool, Wall Tool, Reference Areas and Blocks, Missing Wall, Room Variables LL, HH, SH, V.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Multiple Levels, Level Properties, Sketch Options (measurements, font size, reset window views, keyboard shortcuts), Sketch Images Window/Add/Load Digital Images, Sketch Image Reference, Annotation Ribbon.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Grouping Members (Append, Insert, Attach), Quick Entry, Search for Line Items, Retrieve Scope, Coverage Association, Depreciation Options, Dwelling Coverages, Activity Information, Miscellaneous Items, Line Item Attachments, Subvariables/Calculations, Calculate Waste (F*1.15), Global Changes Wizard.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Estimating from Sketch, Estimating Windows, Searching for Line Items, Selecting Surface Areas, Adding Items Graphically, Floor Covering Tools, Sketch Items List.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Estimate Items Window, Quick Entry Method, Quick Entry Navigation, Column identification.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Estimating in Sketch, Item Information Window, Common Roofing Materials, Adding Roofing Line Items in Sketch, Calculating Waste for Roofing Shingles, Manually Calculating Waste SQ*1.15.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Locking/Unlocking Roof Measurements, Roof Properties (Roof Rafters, Ridge, Span), Multiple Roof Slopes and Shapes, Roof Overbuilds, Commercial Roof Shapes, Roof Variables VAL, HIP, EAVE, RAKE.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Elevation Grouping Member, Dimensioning an Elevation, Adding Line Items to Grouping Members, Variables Association, Reference Search on Exterior.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Change Estimate Status from In Progress to Completed, Complete, Submit Required Information, Correct Inspection Violations, Mark Estimate Completed, Print Report, Upload Assignment.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Project Preview, Duplicating/Copying Projects, Quick Copy, Merge Projects, Save and Save As, Re-sequence Line Numbers, Recycle Bin, Project Defaults.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Download Historical Price Lists, Provide Pricing Feedback, Components, Supporting Events, Labor Minimums vs. Base Service Charges, Price Changes.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Creating Macros, Retrieving Macros, Pre-built Macros in Sketch, Sketch Templates (use existing, rotate, flip).
  • Demonstrates understanding of Data Transfer types, such as projects, price lists, company headers, model statements, contacts, and references; Version Compatibility, Transfer Type: Folder, XactAnalysis, Cloud, Can drag and drop (send) data, Can choose to skip, merge/rename, or overwrite items.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Print Reports, Estimate Reports, Info Tab, Print Options, Line Item Detail, Sketch Images, Claim Reports, Documents, Report Macros, Uploaded Documents, Additional Options, Language Selection, Take-off Reports, Print Images on Report.
Complete exam details

The Level 2 Certification Exam is divided into three different sections, as follows:

1. Sketch and Scope Lab
In this hands-on lab, individuals are required to use their own locally installed Xactimate (or online version) to create an estimate. The most recent version of Xactimate X1 is required. The estimate consists of a Sketch and scope scenario that must be completed accurately. The estimate will be used to answer the questions found in the Practical Exam section. The Sketch and Scope labs are not timed, and individuals may exit and return to the lab as needed prior to beginning the Practical Exam and Knowledge Exam. The approximate time required to complete this section is 60 - 120 minutes.

2. Practical Exam
In this section of the exam, individuals are asked 30 questions pertaining to the estimate created in the Sketch and Scope labs. Questions are specific to the scope, quantities, dimensions, and pricing from the estimate. This section of the exam is timed. The approximate time required to complete this section is 30 - 90 minutes. Passing grade is 70%.

3. Knowledge Exam
This portion of the exam consists of 30 multiple-choice, true/false, and matching questions. Questions are related to the learning objectives listed below in the Knowledge Requirements section of this document. This section of the exam is timed. The approximate time required to complete this section is 30 - 90 minutes. Passing grade is 70%.

LEVEL 3

Xactimate Level 3

Validate advanced proficiency with complex estimating concepts, detailed workflows, and demanding real-world scenarios.

Best suited to highly experienced power users who have already mastered the Level 1 and Level 2 skill sets.

Knowledge requirements

The Level 3 Certified individual will be required to demonstrate that the following learning objectives have been met:

  • Can manage and input pertinent Claim Info and Estimate Parameters, including: Notes, Details, Labor Burdens, Advance Payments, Tag visibility, Market Condition distribution and ability to import Contact information.
  • Demonstrates understanding of the Sketch Construction features and views.
  • Can accurately identify and configure pricing features such as: Price Lists, Unit Price, Component Prices, Line Item Total, Estimate Parameters, Sales Tax, Supporting Events, Labor Minimums, View Reports, Net Claim, and Coverages.
  • Can demonstrate understanding of advanced Sketch navigation and techniques including: window repositioning, adding Sketch tabs, room dimensioning, changing colors and textures, and importing floor plans.
  • Demonstrates understanding of advanced Estimate Items navigation and scoping techniques including: simultaneously adding items to multiple rooms, using Grouping Filters and Item Scenarios.
  • Demonstrates understanding of techniques to estimate in Sketch including use of the Add Line Item pad and adding graphical representations for line items.
  • Demonstrates understanding of exterior estimating techniques including: creating a building footprint, generating exterior walls from a roof, using multiple sketch pads, drawing elevations in Sketch and using exterior level variables.
  • Demonstrates understanding of Deck and Fence estimation tools found in Sketch.
  • Can demonstrate understanding of inspections that take place when completing and printing an estimate.
  • Demonstrates understanding of administrative features associated with Preferences, Projects, and Data Transfer.
  • Demonstrates understanding of reports and document upload techniques including: Report Macros, Merging Reports, Attached Docs, Template Docs, Custom Sketch Views, Report Scenarios.
  • Can diagram a multi-level structure in Sketch using the following: Complex Room Shapes, Multiple Ceiling Types, Arced Walls, Free-standing Walls, Custom Staircases, Custom Wall Openings, Decks, Orientation Tool, Reference Areas/Blocks, Subgroups, Level Variables C, IW, F, EW, TSF.
  • Can accurately identify and configure Sketch settings using the following: Deck Construction, Footing Construction, Railing Construction, Room and Wall Construction, Staircase Construction, Floor Covering Properties, and Roof Construction.
  • Can accurately draw a roof Sketch using the following: Complex Roof Shapes, Multi-Level Roofs, Roof Properties, Roof Types, Square Break Tool, Roof Overbuild, Dormers, Multiple, Multiple Roof Levels, Vertex Tool, Subgroups, Roof Variables RSQ, SF, P, R, VAL, HIP, EAVE, RAKE.
  • Can estimate in Sketch and Estimate Items using the following: Reference Search, Keyword Search, Related\Similar Items, Graphical Estimation, Subgroups, Multi-Room Item Entry, Macros, Flooring Tools, Custom Calculations, Reference Block/Area Behaviors, and Sketch Construction.
  • Can estimate Roofs in Sketch and Estimate Items using the following: Reference Search, Keyword Search, Related\Similar Items, Graphical Estimation, Subgroups, Single Roof Faces, MultiRoof Item Entry, Item Property Editor, and Roof Waste.
Complete exam details

The Level 3 Certification Exam is divided into three different sections, as follows:

1. Sketch and Scope Lab
In this hands-on lab, individuals are required to use their own locally installed Xactimate (or Online version) to create an estimate. The most recent version of Xactimate is required. The estimate consists of a Sketch and scope scenario that must be completed accurately. The estimate will be used to answer the questions found in the Practical Exam section. The Sketch and Scope labs are not timed, and individuals may exit and return to the lab as needed prior to beginning the Practical Exam and Knowledge Exam. The approximate time required to complete this section is 120 - 240 minutes.

2. Practical Exam
In this section of the exam, individuals are asked 30 questions pertaining to the estimate created in the Sketch and Scope labs. Questions are specific to the scope, quantities, dimensions, and pricing from the estimate. This section of the exam is timed. The approximate time required to complete this section is 30 - 90 minutes. Passing grade is 70%.

3. Knowledge Exam
This portion of the exam consists of 30 multiple-choice, true/false, and matching questions. Questions are related to the learning objectives listed below in the Knowledge Requirements section of this document. This section of the exam is timed. The approximate time required to complete this section is 30 - 90 minutes. Passing grade is 70%.

At a glance

Compare the certification levels

Use this summary to compare the progression, then follow the links for complete requirements or the most relevant XM8 preparation option.

Side-by-side comparison of Xactimate certification Levels 1, 2, and 3
CompareLevel 1Level 2Level 3
ProficiencyFoundationalIntermediateAdvanced
Best forNewer Xactimate usersRegular, experienced usersHighly experienced power users
Primary focusCore tools and a complete estimating workflowProductivity, accuracy, and more involved estimatesComplex workflows and advanced estimating concepts
Builds uponBasic Xactimate familiarityLevel 1 skillsLevels 1 and 2 skills
Assessment stylePractical skills and product knowledgePractical skills and product knowledgePractical skills and product knowledge
Recommended XM8 preparationXactimate BootcampLevels 1 & 2 TrainingAsk about advanced preparation
Full detailsView Level 1View Level 2View Level 3
Certification level

Level 1

Proficiency
Foundational
Best for
Newer Xactimate users
Primary focus
Core tools and a complete estimating workflow
Builds upon
Basic Xactimate familiarity
Assessment style
Practical skills and product knowledge
Recommended XM8 preparation
Xactimate Bootcamp
View Level 1 details
Certification level

Level 2

Proficiency
Intermediate
Best for
Regular, experienced users
Primary focus
Productivity, accuracy, and more involved estimates
Builds upon
Level 1 skills
Assessment style
Practical skills and product knowledge
Recommended XM8 preparation
Levels 1 & 2 Training
View Level 2 details
Certification level

Level 3

Proficiency
Advanced
Best for
Highly experienced power users
Primary focus
Complex workflows and advanced estimating concepts
Builds upon
Levels 1 and 2 skills
Assessment style
Practical skills and product knowledge
Recommended XM8 preparation
Ask about advanced preparation
View Level 3 details
Prepare with XM8

Build the skills behind the certification

Choose the training format that best matches your current experience and the work you perform.

FOUNDATION

Xactimate Bootcamp

Build a strong Level 1 foundation through focused, practical instruction for newer users.

Explore Bootcamp
LEVELS 1 & 2

Levels 1 & 2 Training

Develop the core and intermediate skills used throughout the first two certification levels.

View Levels 1 & 2
FIELD WORKFLOW

Mobile Training

Strengthen the mobile workflow that supports efficient documentation and estimating in the field.

View Mobile Training

Need help choosing where to begin?

Start with the training path that reflects your present Xactimate experience. If you are unsure, we can help you identify the most useful next step.

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Certification details can change. XM8 Training School provides independent training. Certification exams, requirements, scheduling, and credentials are controlled by the certification provider.

Xactimate® is a trademark of Verisk Analytics, Inc. and/or its affiliates. XM8 Training School is an independent training provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Verisk.

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