Plumber License Requirements in Indiana
| Licensing Authority | Indiana Professional Licensing Agency — Indiana Plumbing Commission (IPLA) |
| License Type | Plumbing Contractor |
| Experience Required | Apprentice: 4-year program with 576 hours classroom instruction and 6,400 hours OJT. Must be at least 17 years old. Journeyman: 4 years in an apprenticeship program or licensed plumber in another state. Contractor: Must hold a journeyman plumber license. |
| Education Substitute | Out-of-state journeyman plumber license may qualify for Indiana journeyman exam |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Plumber Exam + Plumbing Contractor Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Exam Fee | $100 |
| Initial License Fee | $100 |
| Est. Initial Total | $250 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Journeyman exam application fee | $30 |
| Journeyman exam fee | $75 |
| Journeyman initial license (odd year) | $30 |
| Journeyman renewal (biennial) | $30 |
| Apprentice renewal (biennial) | $10 |
Renewal: $100 every 2 years (even-numbered years)
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Plumbing Contractor Exam
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
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Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency plumber-exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling code references and terms on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in Indiana
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Indiana. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Plumbing Apprentice
Register for approved program (576 hours classroom + 6,400 hours OJT over 4 years)
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Plumber
4 years in apprenticeship program or licensed plumber in another state
Exam: Required
Plumbing Contractor
Must hold journeyman license
Exam: Required
Notes
- Plumbing is the ONLY trade with statewide licensing in Indiana
- Apprentice licenses expire October 1 of every even year
- No continuing education required for renewal
You're licensed in Indiana as a plumber — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency — Indiana Plumbing Commission issues the Plumbing Contractor; the business that invoices Indiana customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
Indiana does not require a surety bond for this license.
Carry general liability insurance.
Indiana does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. No state-mandated GL minimum for plumbing contractors, but strongly recommended. Workers comp required for all employers under Indiana law. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck plumber businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years (even-numbered years) at $100.
Other licenses in Indiana
- General Contractor license in Indiana
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Electrician license in Indiana
No statewide license — check local requirements
- HVAC Technician license in Indiana
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Roofing Contractor license in Indiana
No statewide license — check local requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Indiana?
Yes, Indiana requires a statewide plumber license through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency — Indiana Plumbing Commission.
How much does a plumber license cost in Indiana?
The estimated initial cost is $250, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Indiana?
Apprentice: 4-year program with 576 hours classroom instruction and 6,400 hours OJT. Must be at least 17 years old. Journeyman: 4 years in an apprenticeship program or licensed plumber in another state. Contractor: Must hold a journeyman plumber license. Education substitute: Out-of-state journeyman plumber license may qualify for Indiana journeyman exam
What exams are required for a plumber license in Indiana?
You must pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam and Plumbing Contractor Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Indiana?
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Indiana?
No, Indiana does not currently require continuing education for plumber license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Indiana— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: IPLA